Daiwa Scarlet

Daiwa Scarlet – The Fiery Mare Who Rivaled Legends and Captivated Japan

In the golden era of Japanese racing, when champions like Vodka and Deep Sky dominated headlines, one mare stood out for her fearless front-running style and near-flawless record. Her name was Daiwa Scarlet. A symbol of consistency and strength, she not only triumphed in top-level races but pushed the boundaries of what a mare could achieve. Let us delve into the legacy of this brilliant daughter of Agnes Tachyon.

A Bloodline of Champions

The Scarlet Family

Daiwa Scarlet was born in 2004, sired by the undefeated champion Agnes Tachyon, and out of Scarlet Bouquet, a mare who had captured four Grade 3 victories in her racing days.

Her dam line—known as the "Scarlet Family"—was renowned for producing Grade 1 winners. Scarlet Bouquet’s progeny included not only Daiwa Scarlet but also her elder brother Daiwa Major, a five-time Grade 1 winner. Together, they formed one of the most successful full-sibling pairs in Japanese racing history.

Early Races and Rivalry with Vodka

A Perfect Start

• Debuted in November 2006
• Won her first two races easily
• Finished 2nd in the Shinzan Kinen

The Vodka Rivalry Begins

She first faced Vodka in the Tulip Sho, finishing second. But in the Oka Sho (Japanese 1000 Guineas), she led from the front and held off Vodka to win her first Grade 1.

The Road to Double Crown

Oaks Absence and Vodka’s Historic Derby

Daiwa Scarlet missed the Yushun Himba (Oaks) due to illness. In her absence, Vodka made history by winning the Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby).

Return to Glory in the Shuka Sho

Returning in the Rose Stakes, Daiwa Scarlet won again. In the Shuka Sho, she defeated Vodka, who finished third. This secured her the title of Double Crown Mare.

Queen Elizabeth Cup and First Arima Kinen

Dominating the Mares

She captured the Queen Elizabeth II Cup with a front-running victory, asserting dominance over older mares.

Facing Her Brother and Male Rivals

In the Arima Kinen, she ran against male horses for the first time—including her brother Daiwa Major. Despite the 2500-meter distance, she finished a close second in a strong field.

Near Misses and Redemption

Injury Disrupts International Ambitions

Plans to race in the February Stakes and the Dubai World Cup were canceled due to keratitis caused by a training accident.

Osaka Hai Victory

She returned in April to win the Osaka Hai, defeating Meisho Samson and Victory.

A Race to Remember: Tenno Sho Autumn

After a long layoff, Daiwa Scarlet faced Vodka and Deep Sky in the Tenno Sho (Autumn). She led the race and battled fiercely down the stretch. The photo finish took several minutes to decide. Vodka was declared the winner—just 2 centimeters ahead. Despite the loss, many consider this race to be Daiwa Scarlet’s finest performance.

Grand Victory at Arima Kinen

She closed her 2008 campaign with a stunning victory in the Arima Kinen, leading from start to finish. She became the first mare in 37 years to win this prestigious race—her fourth Grade 1 title.

Retirement and Broodmare Career

A Near-Perfect Record

• 12 starts: 8 wins, 4 second-place finishes
• Never finished worse than 2nd

Legacy in the Breeding Shed

Daiwa Scarlet retired in 2009. From 2010 to 2021, she gave birth to 11 foals—10 fillies and 1 colt. Her legacy as a broodmare, especially within the Scarlet Family, continues to grow.

Conclusion

Daiwa Scarlet’s brilliance lies not only in her victories but in the way she raced—with courage, consistency, and style. She matched legends like Vodka stride-for-stride and became one of the few mares to defeat top males at the highest level. Her racing legacy and future as a broodmare make her a lasting symbol of Japanese racing excellence.

She was, without doubt, a scarlet flame that burned brightly—short, fierce, and unforgettable.