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Aoraki was a five-year-old stallion. He was forced to end his racing career after an incident in the eighth race at Fukushima Turf (Class 3 – 2,600 meters) on Saturday, November 15, 2025.

The horse, born on February 12, 2020, was believed to have lost his balance midway through the second turn. According to reports from Tospo Keiba, he fell and had to be withdrawn from the race.

At that time, the medical team confirmed that Aoraki suffered a severe open dislocation injury to his left foreleg—an injury considered impossible to recover from functionally. To prevent prolonged suffering, the difficult decision to euthanize Aoraki was ultimately made.

Field reports from Nekoryman stated that Aoraki had started the race strongly. However, nearing the midpoint of the competition in the Mukōjōmen zone (the back straight opposite the grandstand), he suddenly lost balance and collapsed.

Those sudden incidents almost always result in severe structural trauma to a horse’s legs. On social media, short footage circulated showing Aoraki’s evacuation and emergency response at the scene.

According to Nikkan Sports, Aoraki’s passing felt even more heartbreaking because he had been scheduled to take on a new role as a TCC ambassador, an initiative that supports retired racehorses. The appointment was even seen as the beginning of a “second career” that many fans had been anticipating.

However, the plan came to an abrupt end. News of Aoraki’s passing triggered a wave of grief on X (Twitter) and keiba forums, where fans expressed condolences and shared memories of his finest performances on the turf.

He was a shiro-ge horse—completely white, a color extremely rare in the racing world. This gave him a strong visual impact.

His white coat stood out sharply against the track, especially when racing on dirt surfaces, making him a visually striking figure. Unsurprisingly, whenever photographers posted his race photos, they often generated high engagement and reactions from keiba fans.

Beyond that, Aoraki carried remarkable genetics. He was the son of Gold Ship, a legendary Japanese stallion known for his fiery temperament and excellent stamina. His status as a White Horse Idol was strengthened by the fact that he inherited his white coat directly from his dam, Casta Diva.

This unique combination of prestigious bloodline and extremely rare coloring made him one of the standout figures in keiba, positioning him as a symbol of a prized lineage as well as a notable competitor.

Aoraki’s career reflected a journey full of adaptability and determination. According to Nikkan Sports, he initially competed under the JRA (Japan Racing Association), later moved to the local NAR (National Association of Racing) circuit, and eventually returned to JRA before the fatal accident occurred.

From the start, Aoraki had drawn attention as a promising horse. His team—both trainer and jockey—immediately recognized his potential. They praised his long stride, strong stamina, and even noted similarities in running style to his sire, Gold Ship.

Interestingly, during his two-year-old debut in Hakodate, his jockey remarked that Aoraki displayed a “maku” style, attacking from behind—a signature characteristic of Gold Ship.

Although Aoraki never secured major victories, his consistency and determination on the track earned him high respect among sports enthusiasts. His career demonstrated that he was not only popular due to his pedigree. He was also known for fighting hard at every level of competition.

Throughout his career, Aoraki made 42 starts across various competitive levels. According to JBIS data, he recorded three wins and five third-place finishes.

Interestingly, Aoraki was never recorded finishing in second place—a statistic that further reinforced his image as a hardworking and relentless competitor.

Aoraki’s story now serves as a reminder to the entire keiba community in Japan. He is remembered not just for his pedigree or record, but for the spirit and determination he displayed on the track.

Although his final mark was left on the turf at Fukushima, Aoraki carved out a legacy that goes far beyond race statistics. He now stands as a symbol of endurance, beauty, and unwavering determination in Japanese horse racing.

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