Deep Impact (horse)

{{Short description|Japanese-bred Thoroughbred racehorse (2002–2019)}}

{{Expand Japanese|ディープインパクト (競走馬)|date=July 2013}}

{{Infobox racehorse

| horsename = Deep Impact

| image = 240px

| caption = Deep Impact winning Kikuka Sho 2005

| sire = Sunday Silence

| grandsire = Halo

| dam = Wind in Her Hair

| damsire = Alzao

| sex = Stallion

| foaled = {{birth date|2002|03|25|df=y}}

| death_date = {{death date and age|2019|07|30|2002|03|25|df=y}}

| country = Japan

| colour = Bay

| breeder = Northern Farm

| owner = Kaneko Makoto Holdings Co.

| trainer = Yasuo Ikee

| record = 14: 12–1–0

| earnings = 1,454,551,000 Yen

| race = Yayoi Sho (2005)
Satsuki Sho (2005)
Tokyo Yushun (2005)
Kobe Shimbun Hai (2005)
Kikuka Sho (2005)
Tenno Sho (Spring) (2006)
Takarazuka Kinen (2006)
Japan Cup (2006)
Arima Kinen (2006)

| awards = JRA Award for Best Three-Year-Old Colt (2005)
Japanese Horse of the Year (2005, 2006)
JRA Award for Best Older Male Horse (2006)
Timeform rating: 134

| honours= Japan Racing Association Hall of Fame (2008)
Yayoi Sho (Deep Impact Kinen)

| updated= November 6, 2023

}}

Deep Impact (Japanese : ディープインパクト, March 25, 2002 – July 30, 2019) was a Japanese Thoroughbred racehorse who won the Japanese Triple Crown in 2005 and the Japan Cup in 2006, as well as three other Grade One races in Japan.

As a stallion, he was the leading sire in Japan for 11 consecutive years from 2012 to 2022, and produced Derby horses in four countries: Japan, England, France, and Ireland. In 2020, his son Contrail became the third horse in Japanese horse racing history to win the Classic Triple Crown without losing any races, becoming the first event in the world where a father and son both won the Triple Crown undefeated.{{cite web|url=https://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/sports/articles/2020/10/014598.html|title=“【菊花賞】コントレイル 父ディープインパクト 親子2代での牡馬三冠 空前絶後の大記録は達成されるのか”, TV Tokyo, 25 October 2020.}}

Background

Deep Impact was born in Northern Farm, Abira, Hokkaido on 25 May 2002. His sire Sunday Silence took over from perennial Japanese leading sire Northern Taste (10 time leading sire in Japan) and was the leading sire in Japan 12 times. His dam, Wind in Her Hair, a Group One winner, finished second in The Oaks to super-filly Balanchine and was out of Burghclere, a daughter of dual-Classic winner Highclere, who was owned and bred by Queen Elizabeth II. Burghclere in turn was a three-quarters sister to top filly Height of Fashion, sold by the Queen to Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and subsequently the dam of Epsom Derby winner Nashwan, leading sire Unfuwain and multiple Group One winner Nayef.{{cite web|url=http://www.bloodlines.net/TB/Families/Family2f.htm|title=Thoroughbred Bloodlines – Hyacinthus Mare – Family 2-f|website=www.bloodlines.net}}

He was sold for $70 million by Makoto Kaneko.{{cite web|url=https://ndlsearch.ndl.go.jp/openurl?cs=api_openurl&f-isbn=404730770X|title=サラブレ編集部(編)"サンデーサイレンスの時代", 2015, ISBN 404730770X.}} He was the ninth highest bidder out of the 14 Sunday Silence foals listed because of his slender stature. Kaneko was so impressed by the sparkle in his eyes that he said, "I felt like I was being sucked into his eyes,"{{cite web|url=https://ndlsearch.ndl.go.jp/openurl?cs=api_openurl&f-isbn=4939061310|title="奇跡の名馬" written by Kazuhiro Kaneme and Kenichirō Ōoka, 2010, ISBN 4939061310.}} and named him "Deep Impact" in the hope that he would become a horse that would have a strong impact on many people.{{cite web|url=https://ndlsearch.ndl.go.jp/openurl?cs=api_openurl&f-isbn=4331512150|title="ありがとう、ディープインパクト―最強馬伝説完結" written by Akihiro Shimada, 2007, ISBN 4331512150.}}

 

Racing career

Image:The Arima Kinen 2005.jpg, but was later disqualified to last place due to a positive drug test.)]]

=2005: Three-year-old season=

After Deep Impact won the Yayoi Sho, he was in Satsuki Shō. Shortly after the start, his jockey, Yutaka Take, suddenly stumbled and almost fell off Deep Impact. However, in the straight line, he won by 2 1/2 lengths over the runner-up, Six Sense.

After winning the Satsuki Sho, he went on to win the Tōkyō Yūshun(Japanese Derby) in a race record time of (2:23.3), tying King Kamehameha's record from a year earlier and becoming the sixth undefeated double champion in history and the first since Mihono Bourbon in 1992. Finally, he won the Kikuka Sho on October 23rd, 2005, becoming the first horse since Narita Brian 11 years earlier to complete the Japanese Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing. He also became the first undefeated Japanese Triple Crown winner since Symboli Rudolf 21 years earlier, but in his next race, the Arima Kinen, Deep Impact was beaten by Heart's Cry for the first defeat of his racing career.

He was given Best Horse of the Year and Best 3-Year-Old Stallion at the JRA Awards for his success in 2005.

=2006: Four-year-old season=

At last year's JRA awards ceremony on January 23, Deep Impact's owner Kaneko stated that he would like to race Deep Impact if there is a good race in Europe in the summer. Thus, he expressed his intention to make an overseas expedition.

His first race in 2006 was the Grade 2 race, Hanshin Daishōten. He finished 3 1/2 lengths over the runner-up.

Then he won the Tenno Sho(Spring), setting a new world record for a 3200-meter race in the time of (3'13"4)

He followed up with a victory in Takarazuka Kinen, the Grade 1 race, over 2200m.

In October, he raced in France's most prestigious race, the Group 1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe over 2400m. He was the heavy favourite for the race, and 1,587,263 € (about $1,238,000) was bet on him in France (especially by many of the Japanese fans that traveled to the racecourse). However he only finished third.

Two weeks later, news from France Galop revealed Deep Impact was positive tested to Ipratropium.{{cite news |date=16 November 2006 |title=Deep Impact disqualified from Arc |publisher=BBC Sport |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/horse_racing/6154488.stm |accessdate=5 September 2023}} Connections announced the colt would retire to stud after that season in a syndication deal worth 5.1 billion yen.

Deep Impact then won the Japan Cup and Arima Kinen before being retired for stud.

Wins

;2004

  • 19 Dec Make Debut, Hanshin Turf 2000m

;2005

  • 22 Jan Wakagoma Stakes (open race), Kyoto Turf 2000m
  • 6 Mar Hōchi Hai Yayoi Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas Trial) (Domestic G2), Nakayama Turf 2000m
  • 17 Apr Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas) (Domestic G1), Nakayama Turf 2000m
  • 29 May Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) (Domestic G1), Tokyo Turf 2400m
  • 25 Sep Kobe Shimbun Hai (Domestic G2), Hanshin Turf 2000m
  • 23 Oct Kikuka Sho (Japanese St. Leger) (Domestic G1), Kyoto Turf 3000m

;2006

Image:Deep Impact(horse)20060430R1.jpg

Stud record

File:Deep Impact 20090813.jpg

Deep Impact stood at the Shadai Stallion Station in Abira, Hokkaido, where he became one of the world's most dominant stallions. He was crowned Japanese Champion Sire for nine consecutive years from 2012 to 2020, and sired stars including Gentildonna, Real Steel, and A Shin Hikari. In 2020, his son Contrail completed the Japanese Triple Crown undefeated just like his sire. His last crop of runners include Auguste Rodin, who is having great success in Europe and North America. In addition, Deep Impact is the damsire of Kiseki (2017 Kikuka Sho), Blowout (2021 First Lady Stakes), Geraldina (2022 QE II Cup), and Dolce More (2022 Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes).

=Notable progeny=

c = colt, f = filly

class="wikitable"
width="35px" | Foaled

! width="120px" | Name

! width="35px" | Sex

! width="540px" | Major Wins

2008

| Danon Shark

| c

| Mile Championship

2008

| Marcellina

| f

| Oka Sho

2008

| Real Impact

| c

| Yasuda Kinen, George Ryder Stakes

2008

| Tosen Ra

| c

| Mile Championship

2009

| Beauty Parlour

| f

| Poule d'Essai des Pouliches

2009

| Deep Brillante

| c

| Tokyo Yushun (Derby)

2009

| Gentildonna

| f

| Oka Sho, Yushun Himba, Shuka Sho, Japan Cup (twice), Sheema Classic, Arima Kinen

2009

| Joie de Vivre

| f

| Hanshin Juvenile Fillies

2009

| Spielberg

| c

| Tenno Sho (Autumn)

2009

| Verxina

| c

| Victoria Mile (twice)

2010

| Ayusan

| f

| Oka Sho

2010

| Kizuna

| c

| Tōkyō Yūshun

2010

| Lachesis

| f

| Queen Elizabeth II Commemorative Cup

2011

| A Shin Hikari

| c

| Hong Kong Cup, Prix d'Ispahan

2011

| Harp Star

| f

| Oka Sho

2011

| Marialite

| f

| Queen Elizabeth II Cup, Takarazuka Kinen

2011

| Mikki Isle

| c

| NHK Mile Cup, Mile Championship

2011

| Satono Aladdin

| c

| Yasuda Kinen

2011

| Shonan Pandora

| f

| Shuka Sho, Japan Cup

2011

| Tosen Stardom

| c

| Toorak Handicap, Mackinnon Stakes

2012

| Real Steel

| c

| Dubai Turf

2012

| Danon Platina

| c

| Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes

2012

| Mikki Queen

| f

| Yushun Himba, Shuka Sho

2012

| Shonan Adela

| f

| Hanshin Juvenile Fillies

2013

| Dee Majesty

| c

| Satsuki Shō

2013

| Makahiki

| c

| Tokyo Yushun

2013

| Sinhalite

| f

| Yushun Himba

2013

| Vivlos

| f

| Shuka Sho, Dubai Turf

2013

| Satono Diamond

| c

| Kikuka Sho, Arima Kinen

2013

| Jour Polaire

| f

| Victoria Mile

2014

| Satono Ares

| c

| Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes

2014

| Al Ain

| c

| Satsuki Shō, Ōsaka Hai

2014

| Fierce Impact

| c

| Toorak Handicap, Cantala Stakes, Makybe Diva Stakes

2015

| Glory Vase

| c

| Hong Kong Vase (twice)

2015

| Saxon Warrior

| c

| Racing Post Trophy, 2000 Guineas

2015

| Danon Premium

| c

| Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes

2015

| Keiai Nautique

| c

| NHK Mile Cup

2015

| Wagnerian

| c

| Tokyo Yushun

2015

| Study of Man (FRA)

| c

| Prix du Jockey Club

2015

| Fierement

| c

| Kikuka Sho, Tenno Sho (spring) (twice)

2016

| Danon Fantasy

| f

| Hanshin Juvenile Fillies

2016

| Danon Kingly

| c

| Yasuda Kinen

2016

| Gran Alegria

| f

| Oka Sho, Yasuda Kinen, Sprinters Stakes, Mile Championship (twice), Victoria Mile

2016

| Loves Only You

| f

| Yushun Himba, Queen Elizabeth II Cup, Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf, Hong Kong Cup

2016

| Roger Barows

| c

| Tokyo Yūshun

2016

| World Premiere

| c

| Kikuka-shō, Tenno Sho (spring)

2017

| Fancy Blue (IRE)

| f

| Prix de Diane, Nassau Stakes

2017

| Contrail

| c

| Hopeful Stakes, Satsuki Sho, Tokyo Yushun, Kikuka Sho, Japan Cup

2017

| Lei Papale

| f

| Ōsaka Hai

2017

| Potager

| c

| Ōsaka Hai

2018

| Akaitorino Musume

| f

| Shuka Sho

2018

| Glint Of Hope (AUS)

| f

| Australasian Oaks

2018

| Profondo (AUS)

| c

| Spring Champion Stakes

2018

| Shahryar

| c

| Tokyo Yushun, Dubai Sheema Classic

2018

| Snowfall

| f

| Epsom Oaks, Irish Oaks, Yorkshire Oaks

2019

| Justin Palace

| c

| Tenno Sho

2019

| Killer Ability

| c

| Hopeful Stakes

2019

| Ask Victor More

| c

| Kikuka Sho

2020

| Auguste Rodin

| c

| Vertem Futurity Trophy, Epsom Derby, Irish Derby, Irish Champion Stakes, Breeders' Cup Turf, Prince of Wales's Stakes

Pedigree

{{Pedigree

|name = Deep Impact (JPN), bay stallion 2002{{cite web|url=http://www.equineline.com/Free-5X-Pedigree.cfm?page_state=ORDER_AND_CONFIRM&reference_number=7355659®istry=T&horse_name==Deep+Impact+(JPN)&dam_name=Wind+in+Her+Hair+(IRE)&foaling_year=2002&nicking_stats_indicator=Y|title=FREE 5-Cross Pedigree|website=www.equineline.com}}

|f = Sunday Silence (USA)
1986

|m = Wind in Her Hair (IRE)
1991

|ff = Halo (USA)
1969

|fm = Wishing Well (USA)
1975

|mf = Alzao (USA)
1980

|mm = Burghclere (GB)
1977

|fff = Hail To Reason

|ffm = Cosmah

|fmf = Understanding 

|fmm = Mountain Flower

|mff = Lyphard 

|mfm = Lady Rebecca

|mmf = Busted

|mmm = Highclere

|ffff = Turn-To

|fffm = Nothirdchance

|ffmf = Cosmic Bomb

|ffmm = Almahmoud

|fmff = Promised Land

|fmfm = Pretty Ways

|fmmf = Montparnasse

|fmmm = Edel Weiss

|mfff = Northern Dancer

|mffm = Goofed

|mfmf = Sir Ivor

|mfmm = Pocahontas

|mmff = Crepello

|mmfm = Sans Le Sou

|mmmf = Queen's Hussar

|mmmm = Highlight (Family 2-f)

}}

Death

On 30 July 2019, Deep Impact was euthanized after suffering a cervical fracture.{{cite web|url=https://www.justhorseracing.com.au/news/australian-racing/japanese-stallion-deep-impact-dies/535869|title=Japanese stallion Deep Impact dies|website=www.justhorseracing.com.au}} The 2019 Japan Cup was named the Deep Impact Memorial.{{Cite web |date=2019-10-21 |title=今年のジャパンC当日に「ディープインパクトメモリアルデー」を実施 |url=https://www.radionikkei.jp/keiba_article/news/post_19097.html |access-date=2023-11-12 |website=ラジオNIKKEI |language=ja}}

The news of his death was also reported in France. The day after receiving the news of his death, the newspaper Paris-Tullef published a front page article with a photo of him at the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and reported that he was "a true idol". The newspaper Jourd'e Gallo reported his death with the headline "Sayonara, Deep Impact," saying he was "a special presence in Japan that transcended the boundaries of a racehorse".

References

{{reflist}}

See also