Mejiro Ryan

Mejiro Ryan: The Brave Challenger Who Stood in the Shadow of a Legend

Introduction

In the world of Japanese horse racing, some champions are crowned with ease, while others must fight against fate, rivals, and the weight of expectation. Mejiro Ryan belonged to the latter. Though he never claimed a Triple Crown title, his resilience and the passionate support of his fans earned him a permanent place in racing history. This is the story of a noble horse who, despite setbacks, captured the hearts of many.

Early Days and Pedigree

A Promising Colt from Mejiro Farm

Mejiro Ryan was born in 1987 at the renowned Mejiro Farm, which was also home to two other notable horses at the time: Mejiro McQueen, a dominant long-distance runner, and Mejiro Palmer, a star of the Grand Prix races.

The colt was named after Nolan Ryan, the legendary Major League Baseball pitcher. With his impressive bloodline and background, Mejiro Ryan was considered the most promising of the trio.

The Road to the Triple Crown

A Slow Start and Rising Momentum

Mejiro Ryan made his racing debut in July 1989 but struggled initially, securing his first win only in his fourth race. He concluded his two-year-old season with two wins from six starts.

In the following spring, he showed significant improvement, winning the Junior Cup and the prestigious Yayoi Sho. In the latter, he defeated Ines Fujin, the reigning two-year-old champion, giving his team high hopes for the upcoming classics.

Satsuki Sho and Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby)

The first leg of the Triple Crown, the Satsuki Sho, saw Mejiro Ryan finish third behind Ines Fujin and Haku Taisei. Despite this, he entered the Japanese Derby as the favorite, thanks to his strong late-closing style suited to Tokyo’s long stretch. However, Ines Fujin delivered a spectacular performance, winning in record time, with Mejiro Ryan finishing second once again.

Redemption in the Kyoto Shimbun Hai

After a summer break, Mejiro Ryan returned in the Kyoto Shimbun Hai, a prep race for the Kikuka Sho (Japanese St. Leger). With a powerful burst on the home stretch, he secured victory despite rain and unfavorable track conditions.

The Kikuka Sho and Rivalry with McQueen

A New Challenger Emerges

Both Ines Fujin and Haku Taisei, his previous Triple Crown rivals, were absent from the Kikuka Sho due to injuries. Mejiro Ryan, now the favorite, was expected to shine.

However, another contender stepped in—Mejiro McQueen, who gained entry due to a withdrawal. In a joint training session before the race, McQueen outperformed Ryan, leading to doubts among the trainers.

In the end, McQueen claimed the Kikuka Sho, while Ryan had to settle for third place once more.

The Arima Kinen and a Fan Favorite

Mejiro Ryan participated in the year-end Arima Kinen as the fourth most popular horse in fan voting. In a dramatic showdown, he gave his all in the final stretch, but was narrowly defeated by the retiring legend Oguri Cap.

Triumph in the Takarazuka Kinen

Finally, a Big Victory

The following year proved difficult, with several disappointing finishes. However, in the 1991 Takarazuka Kinen, Ryan changed tactics—taking the lead early to avoid chasing McQueen.

The strategy paid off. Mejiro Ryan defeated McQueen for the first time and finally secured a major title. This win was especially emotional for fans who had supported him through countless near-misses.

Unfortunately, he developed flexor tendonitis shortly after.

Decline and Retirement

Attempts at a Comeback

Although he returned six months later for the Arima Kinen, he was not in top form and finished 12th. After a brief appearance in the American Jockey Club Cup, he made one final notable run by winning the Nikkei Sho in March with a 2½-length lead.

However, his recurring injury forced him into retirement.

Career Record

• Total Starts: 19
• Wins: 7
• Notable Victory: 1991 Takarazuka Kinen

Stud Career and Legacy

Though not highly regarded as a sire initially, Mejiro Ryan produced two exceptional offspring in his first crop:

• Mejiro Bright: A strong stayer who, like his sire, fell short in the Triple Crown races but won the Tenno Sho (Spring) the following year.
• Mejiro Dober: A brilliant mare who won a Grade 1 race every year from 1996 to 1999, finishing with five G1 titles—a record for a mare at the time.

Though these two were the only G1 winners among his progeny, many others found success in graded stakes.

Final Years and Farewell

In March 2016, Mejiro Ryan passed away at the age of 29 due to old age. While he may not have been the most decorated champion, his courage, persistence, and unexpected victories left a lasting mark on the racing world. His legacy continues through the mares he sired, and his story remains an inspiration for racing fans.

Conclusion

Mejiro Ryan was more than just a racehorse—he was a symbol of perseverance and heart. Overshadowed by rivals and burdened by expectations, he still managed to carve out moments of brilliance and bring joy to his supporters. His story is a reminder that greatness comes not only from winning but from the journey itself.