White wonder Sodashi writes herself into history books in Japan - watch it here!

Juvenile filly Sodashi wrote herself into the history books by becoming the first white horse to win a Group 1 event in Japan, striking in the Hanshin Juvenile Fillies at Hanshin on Sunday.

The Naosuke Sugai-trained Sodashi, who has gathered a large fan base due to her unique colouring, is the daughter of retired Shadai Stallion Station sire Kurofune and Buchiko, a coloured mare who had a mind of her own on the track.

The two-year-old, who was sent off the 11-5 favourite for the mile contest, came home a nose in front, adding to her two Group 3 victories earlier this year.

Jockey Hayato Yoshida said: "Going into the race as favourite was a bit of pressure, but I’m thrilled with the outcome. She hated to even go near the gate but I’m relieved that all went well and that we were able to be positioned just as I hoped.

"The going affected her turn of foot but she gave all she had. There's room for improvement, and I hope we can get her ready for next year’s Classics."

Kurofune himself was a striking grey who won top-level races on the turf and dirt in Japan, and produced Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes scorer Fusaichi Richard, Sprinters Stakes winner Curren Chan and Victoria Mile heroine Whale Capture, among others.

White thoroughbreds are considered a rarity, although the fellow Japanese-bred and trained Hayayakko struck in the Group 3 Leopard Stakes at Niigata last August. White Vessel, another progeny of Kurofune, also won three times in Japan.

National Hunt fans will also be familiar with the Kerry Lee-trained Russe Blanc, winner of Warwick's Grade 3 Classic Chase in 2016 and a four-time scorer over fences.

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