Chrono Genesis bows out at Nakayama as broodmare career beckons

The four-time Group 1 winner Chrono Genesis, also runner-up in this year's Dubai Sheema Classic, has been retired to become a broodmare after her final run in the Arima Kinen at Nakayama on Sunday.

The five-year-old had won the Arima Kinen last year and while she ran well again, she had to settle for third this time, beaten a length and a quarter under Christophe Lemaire.

Chrono Genesis, who had previously finished a fair seventh in the Arc, was trying to become the first horse to win four 'grand prix' races - those whose field is determined by public vote - having won the Takarazuka Kinen twice plus her Arima Kinen.

Having won the Shuka Sho amid her four Group 1s, she is one of a golden generation of fillies and mares born in 2016, along with Gran Alegria (1,000 Guineas heroine; winner of six Grade 1s) and Loves Only You (Oaks winner; won 4 Grade 1s including three overseas).

After all the races at Sunday's meeting at Nakayama, her retirement ceremony was held on the turf course. She was a little bit keen and nervous, being pulled by two stable staff, as she walked on the turf course carrying last year's Arima Kinen-winning colours.

Chrono Genesis and her proud connectionsCredit: Masakazu Takahashi

Jockey Yuichi Kitamura, who rode her from her debut to the Dubai Sheema Classic and won three Grade 1s on her as her regular rider, this year's Takarazuka Kinen being the exception, with Christophe Lemaire in the saddle, showed up for the fans, having had a fall from the horse in May.

Kitamura whose injuries are almost fixed, though he still has some bolts in his bones, said: "When I rode her once, I thought simply she would run well. I had been surprised at her growth. She made me experience different things and I'd like to say thank you."

When he bowed after his comments, much applause ran around the grandstand.

Trainer Takashi Saito said: "Last year's Arima Kinen victory left an impression on me. Please be a stunning broodmare from now on."

Owner Sunday Racing Co Ltd CEO Shunsuke Yoshida, whose Gran Alegria was retired last weekend on the same stage, said: "Working as a broodmare is waiting for her from now. I hope that you would expect that some of her children will challenge for the Arc de Triomphe, like her."

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