Daiichi Ruby

Daiichi Ruby (ダイイチルビー, Daiichi Rubī, April 15, 1987 – April 26, 2007) was a Japanese racehorse and broodmare.^[1]

In 1991, she won both the Yasuda Kinen and the Sprinters Stakes, both G1 graded races. That same year, she would be awarded the JRA Award for Best Older Filly or Mare, and JRA Award for Best Sprinter or Miler.^[3][4]

Background

Owned by Haruo Tsujimoto, she was given the crown name "Daiichi".^[5] Similarly, horses owned by him in the mid 80s would be given names based on gemstones (Diamond, Sapphire).^[6][7] She would be named "Ruby".^[8]

Her Dam was Miss Marmichi, a descendant of British-bred Mairie,^[9] a renowned speedster and originator of the "Brilliant Family"; a line of successful mares brought to Japan shortly after the ban on the import of horses from foreign countries was lifted in the postwar period, having produced many G1 winners and award recipients.^[10][11] Daiichi Ruby's sire was Tosho Boy, a successful racehorse also known for his speed and winner of the Arima Kinen. The pairing of these top-class speed horses was described as a "dream cross," contributing to Daiichi Ruby's unprecedented selling price of 100 million yen.^[12]

Racing career

Four year old season

Daiichi Ruby made her debut on February 25, 1990, at Hanshin Racecourse, with Yutaka Take as her jockey, who had been the previous year's leading jockey.^[13] Due to her strong pedigree, she was voted the favorite. She took the lead from the start without being threatened, winning her first race by five lengths. This performance put the G1-rated Oka Shō within sight, and she was entered into consideration for the trial race, Fillies' Revue (at the rime named the Hochi Hai 4‑Year‑Old Filly Special). However, due to the lottery system of the race, she was not selected to participate. She then ran in the Anemone Stakes on March 24, winning by two lengths for her second consecutive victory. Now as a two‑win horse, she was entered for consideration for the Oka Sho, but again she was excluded by the lottery, and could not run. She went on to run the Wasurenagusa Sho (OP) on April 8, a race sometimes called the "Consolation Race for the Oka Sho";^[14] she finished second, two and a half lengths behind Towa Ruby.^[15]

Hoping to win the Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks), Daiichi Ruby was sent to the Kantō region. On April 29, at the Tokyo Racecourse, she ran as the favorite in the trial race, the Sankei Sports Sho 4‑Year‑Old Filly Special (G2). She finished second by a neck, but secured priority entry rights for the Oaks;^[16] there, she raced against Agnes Flora, the favorite, who was running undefeated and had won the Oka Sho. Despite being the second favorite, Daiichi Ruby placed 5th, more than six lengths behind the winner.^[17]

On September 1, she returned to the stable at Ritto. The hope was for her to take on the final leg of the Fillies' Triple Crown, the Queen Elizabeth Cup. On October 21, she participated in the trial race in the Rose Stakes, where she placed 5th.^[18] Her performance earned priority entry rights for the Queen Elizabeth II Cup, however, she developed Phlegmon on her right hind leg. He trainer, Yuji Itō, believed that Ruby would show her true strength the following year, and withdrew her from the race. She was given the rest of the year off as well.^[12]

Five year old season

With the new year, Daiichi Ruby began her campaign on January 7 in the Rakuyo Stakes (OP). From this race onward, the jockey was changed to Hiroshi Kawachi, known as "Kawachi of the fillies."^[12][19] She had a slow start, but managed to finish second by half a length. Next, on January 27, she participated on the Kyoto Himba Stakes. She was the third favorite, behind (winner of the Hanshin Himba Tokubetsu)^[20] and Samantha Tosho (third in the Mile Championship).^[21] She broke well but was blocked; on the straight, she maneuvered along the inside, taking the lead, and crossing the line first, beating Yusei Fairy by a half‑length and Samantha Tosho by approximately two length.^[22] She then traveled to the Kanto region for the Nakayama Himba Stakes (G3); despite having been voted the favorite, she placed 3rd, 1 and a quarter lengths behind front-running Yukino Sunrise.^[23]

On April 21, again traveling to Kanto, she contested the Keio Hai Spring Cup (G2); her first racing against top‑class colts, and older males, including Daitaku Helios. She was the third favorite at 6.7‑to‑1, behind Bamboo Memory (a two‑time GI winner) and Sakura Hokuto O (winner of the Asahi Hai Sansai Stakes).^[24] Daiichi Ruby crossed the line first, beating Yukino Sunrise by 1 and three-quarters lengths, earning her second stakes victory.

Yasuda Kinen

On May 12, Daiichi Ruby contested the Yasuda Kinen (G1). Since the introduction of the graded stakes system, no filly or mare had ever won the race, yet she was supported as the second favorite.^[25] The favorite was once again Bamboo Memory, a former winner of the race.

Breaking from gate 4 in the second stall, Daiichi Ruby started slightly behind the others and raced at the rear. Bamboo Memory was alongside her for a time, racing in parallel, but gradually Bamboo Memory moved forward to sit three or four lengths ahead. Up front, Symboli Galluda had won the early battle for the lead and set the pace; the first 1000 meters were covered in 57.6 seconds, a scenario that favored back and end closers like Daiichi Ruby and Bamboo Memory, who were waiting at the back.^[26] Approaching the final turn, the front‑running horses began to tire out, allowing the 10th favorite Daitaku Helios, racing just off the pace on the outside, to move to the front.^[12] The two still‑lagging favorites each chose a path: Bamboo Memory angled to the inside, while Daiichi Ruby swung wide to the outside, and both set off after Daitaku Helios. Bamboo Memory struggled to find a clear path on the inside, whereas Daiichi Ruby ran clear with her full power far outside. She passed Daitaku Helios almost immediately, reaching the finish line first. She won by 1 and a forth lengths.

Kawachi commented, "I had intended to go forward if our start was strong, but since I was slow out of the gate, we ended up racing from the back of the field [...] Given the stalemate, I decided not to force the issue [...] I considered making my move alongside Bamboo Memory, when he went, but to save her [Ruby's] energy, I chose to wait patiently until the fourth corner [...] In the end, she stretched out and finished very strongly."^[27]

Continuation of her five year old season

After her victory in the Yasuda Kinen, Daiichi Ruby was signed on to the Takamatsunomiya Kinen (a G2 at the time). Although her trainers had originally decided to not race her over 2000m the Takamatsunomiya Kinen was a had special weight in the eyes of her owner, Tsujimoto, as it had been won not only by Ruby's sire Tosho Boy but also by her dam, Hagino Top Lady, and her second dam Itto. The prospect of three generations of mares winning the same graded race would bring more attention and higher earnings. Being the favorite, the result was determined by a photo finish, which declared Daitaku Helios the winner by a nose.^[27]

On October 26, she was once again the favorite at the Swan Stakes. She nearly took the lead, but the fifth favorite, K.S. Miracle, came through on the inside and overtook her, winning by a neck.^[28] Next, on November 17, in her target race, the Mile Championship (G1), She again faced Kei Es Miracle, Bamboo Memory, and Daitaku Helios. Breaking from gate 5 in the third stall, she broke slowly and immediately made contact with Bamboo Memory, forcing her to race from the rear; on the straight, she swung wide, but Daitaku Helios, who had had set a strong pace, and did not falter. Daiichi Ruby finished second, two and a half lengths behind Daitaku Helios.^[12]

Sprinters Stakes

On December 15, Daiichi Ruby contested the Sprinters Stakes (GI). Bamboo Memory had been retired, and Daitaku Helios was aiming for the Arima Kinen, leaving the race to appear as a match between Daiichi Ruby and K.S. Miracle.^[29] Once again, Daiichi Ruby started off slowly and raced at the back. The favorite, K.S. Miracle, was positioned prominently; on the final corner, he drew close and challenged for the lead, while Daiichi Ruby could not swing wide, as she was stuck in the middle of the pack. However, with 200 meters remaining, K.S. Miracle suffered an injury; he was then immediately withdrawn from the race due to a comminuted Fracture of the left first phalanx. He was immediately euthanized.^[30] Having lost her main rival, Daiichi Ruby then raced alone to the finish. She crossed the line first, four lengths ahead of Narcisse Noir.^[31]

This was Daiichi Ruby's second G1 victory. She became the first filly or mare to win two G1 races against males.^[32]

Racing Record

Daiichi Ruby won six races out of 18 starts. This data is available on JBIS and netkeiba.^[33][34]

Retirement

In 1992, the now six-year-old Daiichi Ruby remained in training, but she was now quite advanced in age for a racehorse. Her owners, recognizing her diminishing competitiveness, began to discuss the viability of breeding her with a strong stallion to produce high-quality offspring.^[35] Still, she participated in three races that year. Despite being the favorite in all 3, she placed off podium in all of them; she was retired shortly thereafter and was removed from the JRA racehorse register on May 27.^[36] One of her goals for the year had been to win the Takamatsunomiya Kinen, which would have made her a third-generation winner, but she retired before that opportunity.

Broodmare career and death

After her retirement from racing, Daiichi Ruby became a broodmare at Daiichi Farm, established for her in Mitsuishi, Hokkaido. For a time, she was also boarded at the famous Northern Farm in Abira, Hokkaido.^[37] She foaled seven fillies and colts, often with very strong stallions such as Sunday Silence, but none had much success.

On April 26, 2007, she died at Daiichi Farm at the age of 20 due to Laminitis.^[38]

c = colt, f = filly, g = gelding ^[39]

In popular culture

An Anthropomorphized version of Daiichi Ruby appears in Umamusume: Pretty Derby, voiced by Karin Isobe.^[40] A theatrical act featuring Daiichi Ruby, together with Daitaku Helios, K S Miracle, and Yamanin Zephyr, titled Umamusume: Pretty Derby The Stage -Sprinter's Story-, premiered in Japan in 2023.^[41]

References

1. ^ "Daiichi Ruby(JPN)". JBIS-Search. Retrieved 2026-05-18.
2. ^ Yushun Magazine, September 2008 Issue
3. ^ "JRA賞　バックナンバー　JRA". jra.jp. Retrieved 2026-05-16.
4. ^ In 1991, the short distance awards had not yet been separated into different categories. Commonly, though, people refer to Ruby having won "Best sprinter" specifically.
5. ^ The horses are named after his company, Daiichi Seiconcrete.
6. ^ "Daiichi Dia | Horse Profile, Pedigree, Form, Race Record". netkeiba. Retrieved 2026-05-18.
7. ^ "Daiichi Sapphire | Horse Profile, Pedigree, Form, Race Record". netkeiba. Retrieved 2026-05-18.
8. ^ "名馬の肖像　JRA". www.jra.go.jp. Retrieved 2026-05-16.
9. ^ Mairie's grand-dam, Blue Star, won the Prix de la Forêt and the Critérium de Maisons-Laffitte France in 1937. Miley is also a descendant of Tragedy, who won the Irish Derby in 1883.
10. ^ "5代血統表｜血統情報｜マイリー(GB)｜JBISサーチ（JBIS-Search）". www.jbis.or.jp. Retrieved 2026-05-16.
11. ^ "【血統値】「華麗なる一族」の起源と歴史を振り返る 没落したファミリーの復興はいかに" (in Japanese). 東スポ競馬. 2022-07-01. Retrieved 2026-05-16.
12. ^ "Yushun" September 2008 issue. p.79
13. ^ "Leading Jockeys - Racing Statistics 2024 contents - Statistics(JRA) - Horse Racing in Japan". japanracing.jp. Retrieved 2026-05-16.
14. ^ "【オークス】その実力は本物か？〝残念桜花賞〟完勝のアートハウス 母の反省と雪辱を期す大一番" (in Japanese). 東スポ競馬. 2022-05-17. Retrieved 2026-05-16.
15. ^ "WASURENAGUSA SHO". JBIS-Search. Retrieved 2026-05-18.
16. ^ Yushun Magazine, July 1990 Issue, p.151
17. ^ "Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks)". netkeiba. Retrieved 2026-05-18.
18. ^ "ローズＳ1990". ahonoora.com. Retrieved 2026-05-16.
19. ^ Likely because he was riding Yamanin Global.
20. ^ "Main Caster Race Record and Form | Horse Profile". netkeiba. Retrieved 2026-05-16.
21. ^ "Samantha Tosho(JPN) | JBIS-Search". www.jbis.jp. Retrieved 2026-05-16.
22. ^ Yushun Magazine, February 1991 issue. p.150
23. ^ Yushun Magazine, April 1991. p. 150-151.
24. ^ "競馬データベース | 競走馬・騎手など情報満載" (in Japanese). netkeiba. Retrieved 2026-05-17.
25. ^ Yushun Magazine, August 1998 Issue. p.89
26. ^ Yushun Magazine. September 1991 Issue, p. 148.
27. ^ Yushun Magazine, July 1991 Issue, p.146
28. ^ "競馬データベース | 競走馬・騎手など情報満載" (in Japanese). netkeiba. Retrieved 2026-05-17.
29. ^ "JRAホームページ｜データファイル｜競走成績データ". www.jra.go.jp. Retrieved 2026-05-17.
30. ^ "K.S.Miracle(USA)". JBIS-Search. Retrieved 2026-05-18.
31. ^ "Narcisse Noir Race Record and Form | Horse Profile". netkeiba. Retrieved 2026-05-17.
32. ^ "【安田記念　マイル女傑伝＜１＞】９１年ダイイチルビー、Ｇ１格付け８年目で初の牝馬Ｖ" (in ja-JP). スポーツ報知. 2019-05-28. Archived 2022-03-31 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-17.
33. ^ "全競走成績｜競走成績｜ダイイチルビー｜JBISサーチ（JBIS-Search）". www.jbis.or.jp. Retrieved 2026-05-16.
34. ^ "Daiichi Ruby Race Record and Form | Horse Profile". netkeiba. Retrieved 2026-05-16.
35. ^ "Yushun" Magazine, August 1998 Issue. p.91.
36. ^ A Reader's Guide to Legendary Racehorses 3, p.75.
37. ^ "公益財団法人　ジャパン・スタッドブック・インターナショナル" (in Japanese). www.studbook.jp. Archived 2022-03-31 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-05-16.
38. ^ "安田記念勝ち馬、ダイイチルビーが死亡" (in Japanese). netkeiba. 2007-07-02. Retrieved 2026-05-18.
39. ^ "Family | Daiichi Ruby(JPN) | JBIS-Search". www.jbis.jp. Retrieved 2026-05-16.
40. ^ "ダイイチルビー｜ウマ娘 プリティーダービー 公式ポータルサイト｜Cygames" (in Japanese). umamusume.jp. Retrieved 2026-05-16.
41. ^ "舞台「ウマ娘 プリティーダービー」よりメインビジュアル公開！" (in Japanese). アニメイトタイムズ. 2022-11-05. Retrieved 2026-05-17.