In the 2019 general ranking in Japan, Deep Impact (by
Sunday Silence (USA)), who produced 10 generations over his career, remained in
the top spot throughout the year, becoming the champion sire in this category
for the eighth consecutive year.
There were some other strong three-year-old performers
which he sired, with colt World Premiere winning the Kikuka Sho (Japanese St.
Leger) (G1), and filly Gran Alegria triumphing in the Oka Sho (Japanese 1000
Guineas) (G1). In addition, two-year-old colt Contrail won the Hopeful Stakes
(G1), raising further expectations for 2020.
Heart’s Cry (by Sunday Silence (USA)) occupied the second
place in the general sires ranking for the first time, displacing King
Kamehameha (by Kingmambo (USA)), who had held the position for seven
consecutive years. The sire has produced strong performers across all age
categories, with five-year-old mare Lys Gracieux (who was awarded the title of
Japanese Horse of the Year) winning the Arima Kinen (The Grand Prix) (G1), the
Takarazuka Kinen (G1), and the Australian Cox Plate (G1), five-year-old son
Suave Richard winning the Japan Cup (G1), and two-year-old colt Salios winning
the Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes (G1).
The third place was Lord Kanaloa (by King Kamehameha), a
newcomer in the top three who has produced three generations so far. The
four-year-old daughter Almond Eye won the Tenno Sho (Autumn) (G1) and Dubai
Turf (G1) in UAE, and three-year-old colt Saturnalia won the Satsuki Sho
(Japanese 2000 Guineas) (G1).
General two-year-old sires ranking
In the ranking for the two-year-old category, Deep Impact
became the ninth champion, retaining the title for four consecutive years. In
this category, his son Contrail won the Hopeful Stakes (G1) and received a
title of the JRA Awards as the Best Two-Year-Old Colt, in recognition of
exceptional performances (won all three races contested). Also his daughter Ria
Amelia won the Artemis Stakes (G3).
The second place was Kizuna (by Deep Impact), who won the
Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) in 2013 and also features in the first crop sires
ranking this year. His sons performed strong so that pushed him up for the
first position of the ranking over his own sire’s head until the end of
September. His son Bien Fait won the Hakodate Nisai Stakes (G3), and Chimera
Verite triumphed in the Hokkaido Nisai Yushun (Jpn3).
General first crop sires ranking
The top spot was held by Kizuna (by Deep Impact), who won
the Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) (G1) and French Prix Niel (G2) in 2013. The
crop achieved numerous victories (34 victories by 27 runners) after their
debut, with two runners triumphing in graded races. Among the colts, Bien Fait
won the Hakodate Nisai Stakes (G3) and Chimera Verite triumphed in the Hokkaido
Nisai Yushun (Jpn3). Among the fillies, Maltese Diosa notched two wins and
finished second in the Hanshin Juvenile Fillies (G1), and Luce della Vita
triumphed in the Cosmos Sho (OP).
Sadly now deceased, Deep Impact is represented in South Africa by the
Mauritzfontein based champion Danon Platina, whose first foals are set to
arrive this year.
