Curren Chan – Japan’s Darling Sprinter Who Took on the World
Introduction
In the world of Japanese horse racing, few names are as charming and dynamic as Curren Chan. A grey mare known for her graceful speed and endearing name, she became one of the most memorable sprinters of her time. Though she raced against powerful international rivals and eventually bowed to the mighty Lord Kanaloa, Curren Chan carved her own place in racing history. Let’s revisit her story—from humble beginnings to G1 glory.
A Name Born from Love
Curren Chan was born in 2007. Her name is said to have come from the daughter of her owner, whose name was Curren. In Japanese, adding "Chan" to a name is a way to express affection, similar to calling someone named "Michael" by the nickname "Mikey." Her name reflected the warmth and love she received from the people around her even before her first race.
Bloodlines and Pedigree
- Sire: Kurofune – a versatile and powerful runner who excelled on both turf and dirt
- Dam: Spring Ticket, by Tony Bin, an Arc winner and influential sire in Japan
Early Career and Development
Curren Chan debuted in late 2009 in a turf sprint (1,200 meters), finishing second. She quickly made her presence known with back-to-back wins in her second and third starts, including one on dirt. These performances hinted at her flexibility and raw speed.
In March 2010, she entered the Fillies' Revue, a prep race for the Oka Sho (Japanese 1000 Guineas). Interestingly, the field included three horses with "Chan" in their names—Curren Chan, Love Me Chan, and Honey Melon Chan—which drew playful attention from fans. Unfortunately, all three finished poorly, with Curren Chan finishing 8th.
She raced two more times that season, winning once, before taking a break of about six months.
Growth and First Graded Victory
Returning in January, Curren Chan looked more mature. After placing third in her return, she won her next race and earned a spot in open-class competition. She then claimed her first graded race title in the Hanshin Himba Stakes, showcasing her acceleration along the rail.
Although many expected her to run in the Victoria Mile, her connections chose to focus on sprint races instead, seeing this as her true strength.
The Summer Sprint Series Challenge
Japan’s Summer Sprint Series, launched in 2006, includes six races from July to September. Horses earn points based on their placings, and the horse with the most points at the end becomes the series champion. The series has expanded to include mile and 2000-meter versions.
- Hakodate Sprint Stakes: Came from mid-pack and surged late to win
- Keeneland Cup: Took the lead early in the stretch and held off challengers
These victories marked her fourth consecutive win, three of them graded. However, Eishin Virgo, with two wins and a third-place finish, claimed the overall series title by points.
G1 Triumph – Sprinter’s Stakes Victory
In the Sprinter’s Stakes, Curren Chan faced stiff competition, including Rocketman, Singapore's top sprinter and the race favorite. But Rocketman faltered in the final stretch, and Curren Chan surged past him to win. This was her first G1 title, a major milestone in her career.
Overseas Challenge and Continued Success
At the end of the year, Curren Chan was invited to the Hong Kong Sprint, where she finished 5th—respectable, but ending her winning streak.
After a tune-up in the Ocean Stakes (4th place), she returned to form in the Takamatsunomiya Kinen, claiming her second G1 title. She joined the ranks of legendary mares like Flower Park and Believe as one of the few to win both of Japan’s premier sprint G1s.
The Rise of a New Rival – Lord Kanaloa
Curren Chan returned from a long break for the Centaur Stakes, aiming for a third G1 win. However, she entered the race 22kg heavier than her last run. Though she led into the stretch, she was overtaken by a rising star—Lord Kanaloa—and finished 4th.
Returning leaner and in better condition, she aimed to defend her title in the Sprinter’s Stakes. But Lord Kanaloa was now at his peak, and despite her strong performance, Curren Chan was no match. She finished a valiant second, with Lord Kanaloa winning in record time.
The Curtain Falls
The two rivals faced off again in the Hong Kong Sprint. Lord Kanaloa crushed the field, while Curren Chan finished 7th. It was her final race.
Career Record: 9 wins from 18 races
Grade 1 Wins: Sprinter's Stakes and Takamatsunomiya Kinen
Legacy and Life After Racing
Following her retirement, Curren Chan became a broodmare. While most of her offspring have not achieved notable success on the track, one filly has stood out:
Curren Moye – A Bright Spark Among Her Offspring
- Sire: Lord Kanaloa
- Race Record Highlights:
- 2nd place finishes in multiple GIII races, including the Hakodate Sprint Stakes, Keeneland Cup, and Centaur Stakes
- Proven consistency in high-level sprint races
- Gained popularity for her striking resemblance to Curren Chan
Curren Moye has not yet secured a graded race victory, but she remains her dam’s most successful offspring so far. Her performances keep alive the hope that Curren Chan’s legacy will continue through the next generation.
Conclusion
Curren Chan may not have had a long career, but her impact as a sprinting star is undeniable. With two G1 wins, a fierce rivalry with Lord Kanaloa, and a name born from affection, she remains one of Japan’s most beloved mares.
Her legacy now lives on in the hopes carried by her offspring. Perhaps one day, another "Chan" will rise to glory.
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