Tapizar colt impresses on debut in Japan

Gekirin, a 2-year-old colt from the first crop of Tapizar, became the ninth winner for his sire Sept. 17 in an 1800m maiden race at Hanshin Racecourse in Japan. Making his career debut under jockey Christophe Lemaire, Gekirin led from gate to wire to win by an authoritative six lengths.

Gekirin, whose name means “wrath” or “outrage” in Japanese, was produced from the Grade 3-placed Bluegrass Cat mare Bluegrass Chatter, who was carrying this colt when Masa Otani paid $100,000 for her at the 2013 Keeneland November sale. Subsequently, Gekirin was purchased by Yoshimi Ichikawa for ¥10 million (US$98,500) when offered by breeder Orion Farm at the 2014 JRA select foal sale.