Maruzensky

Maruzensky – The Brilliant Imported Colt Japan Couldn’t Crown

In the 1970s, a horse of unmatched pedigree and overwhelming talent arrived in Japan almost by accident. His name was Maruzensky. Born with world-class bloodlines and speed far beyond his generation, he dominated every race he entered. Yet due to outdated racing rules, he was denied the opportunity to compete in Japan’s most prestigious classics. This is the story of a champion born too soon—and the legacy that outlived his time on the track.

The Most Well-Bred Colt of His Time

From Kentucky to Japan, by Pure Coincidence

Maruzensky was born in 1974. His sire was Nijinsky, the 1970 British Triple Crown winner. His dam, Shill, was a daughter of Quill, a 14-time winner in the U.S., and her sire was Buckpasser, making the mating with Nijinsky a match of international class.

In an extraordinary twist of fate, a Japanese cattle broker named Mr. Hashimoto joined a last-minute trip to the Keeneland Sale in the U.S. There, alongside future trainer Mr. Hongo, he spotted Shill. Impressed by her physical quality, he bid against European competition and purchased her for $300,000. In her womb was Maruzensky.

A Racehorse With Natural Power—and a Regulatory Disadvantage

Born with Bent Legs, But Blessed with Speed

From birth, Maruzensky’s legs turned outward. Many doubted he would become a racehorse. But appearances can deceive. He debuted in October 1976 and won his first race by two seconds—without even being pushed to his limit.

Unmatched Domination as a Juvenile

• 2nd race: Won by 9 lengths
• 3rd race: Narrowly defeated Hishi Speed in a photo finish
• 4th race: Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes – Led from start to finish and won by 13 lengths in a record time of 1:34.4, a mark that stood for 14 years

His margin over Hishi Speed, a top contender, made it clear: Maruzensky was in a different league.

But No Classics for Imported Horses

At the time, horses like Maruzensky—foals born in Japan from foreign dams—were classified as “brought-in” and banned from most major races, including the Satsuki Sho, Derby, and Tenno Sho. Only the Arima Kinen remained open to them.

The Unofficial King of His Generation

The 1977 Season

Maruzensky’s dominance continued:

• January: Entered an open-class race where only 3 horses showed up. Won by 2.5 lengths.
• May: Returned from a bone injury and won an open race by 7 lengths.

The Phantom Derby

Denied a chance at the Japanese Derby, his jockey pleaded: "Let us run. We’ll start from the outside. We don’t need prize money. Just let him show what he can do."

Instead, Maruzensky entered the Japan Tampa Sho in June and defeated Press Toko, the NHK Cup winner, by 7 lengths—even after momentarily stalling at the same spot where he had earlier checked course conditions during the warm-up.

Record-Breaking Sprint and Sudden Retirement

Later, he traveled to Hokkaido and won a 1200m dirt race by 10 lengths over Hishi Speed, setting another record. However, signs of leg pain emerged before the planned Arima Kinen run. Rather than risk further injury, Maruzensky was retired after just eight races.

A Career in Numbers

• 8 wins from 8 starts
• Total winning margin: 61 lengths
• Never faced a field with more than 10 horses

The rule barring “brought-in” horses from classics was abolished in 1983—too late for Maruzensky, whose career remains one of racing’s great “what if” stories.

From Champion to Sire of Champions

Passing On His Speed and Spirit

Maruzensky became a successful stallion, producing numerous top-class runners:

• Hollinsky – Won the Kikuka Sho in record time
• Suzuka Cobalt – Takarazuka Kinen winner
• Sakura Chiyono O – Winner of Asahi Hai and Japanese Derby
• Leo Durban – Kikuka Sho winner

A Broodmare Sire of Legends

His daughters became broodmares of historic significance, producing:

• Rice Shower – Long-distance champion
• Winning Ticket – Derby winner, BNW generation
• Mejiro Bright – Tenno Sho (Spring) winner
• Special Week – One of the greatest Japanese champions
• Primo Ordine – Oka Sho winner
• Mejiro Bailey – Asahi Hai winner
• Merci Taka O & TM Dragon – Jump race legends

End of an Era

Maruzensky passed away suddenly from a heart attack in 1997 at the age of 23. Yet his legacy lives on through countless descendants—and the memory of a colt who rewrote expectations in every stride.

Conclusion

Maruzensky was a champion in exile, a phenomenon who had to fight not only competitors but also the system itself. Despite an unjust rule that denied him the classics, he captivated a generation and left a lasting imprint on Japanese bloodlines. His brilliance wasn’t measured by titles—but by the awe he inspired in everyone who saw him run.