Mr. C.B.

🏇 The Meteoric Legacy of Mr. C.B.: A Japanese Triple Crown Hero

Introduction

In the annals of Japanese horse racing, a select few names shine with exceptional brilliance. Among them stands Mr. C.B., a horse whose dramatic victories, bold racing style, and deep pedigree captured the hearts of a nation. This is the story of a champion who defied conventions, broke jinxes, and left behind a legacy that still resonates with fans of Japanese racing.

🧬 Pedigree of Royalty

A Noble Bloodline

Mr. C.B. was foaled in 1980, the son of the legendary Tousho Boy and the accomplished CB Queen. Remarkably, his sire and dam had faced each other in their debut race—a unique detail that adds charm to his origin story.

• Tousho Boy: Winner of the Satsuki Sho and Arima Kinen, and a central figure in the famed TTG era alongside Ten Point and Green Grass. Known as “Tenma” (Pegasus), he was beloved for his dazzling speed.
• CB Queen: A talented mare with three graded race victories.

Mr. C.B. was her first foal, and unlike many offspring of Tousho Boy—often plagued by weak hindquarters—he was physically sound, a fact that further heightened expectations.

🏇 Early Career: A Brilliant Start

The Debut and Rise

Mr. C.B. made his debut in November 1982 at Tokyo Racecourse. He was ridden by jockey Yukio Okabe, who would partner with him throughout his racing career. His first race ended in a dominant five-length victory.

Although he won his next start, he struggled with slow starts and had to chase from the back—an emerging pattern that would define his style. In his third race, he again missed the break and finished second, marking his first career loss.

🏆 The Triple Crown Campaign

Prepping for Greatness

In February 1983, Mr. C.B. won the Kyodo News Cup by a narrow margin, defeating the same horse that had bested him previously. He followed this with a thrilling win in the Yayoi Sho, coming from the back of the pack with a dazzling turn of foot.

Thus, with four wins in five starts, he entered the prestigious Japanese Triple Crown races.

🥇 Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas)

On a rainy day with a muddy track—conditions unfavorable for a deep closer—Mr. C.B. surged from 17th position, passed the leaders on the home stretch, and claimed victory. It was the first jewel of the Triple Crown.

🥈 Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby)

In a field of 21, he found himself 17th early on—far from the ideal “Derby position.” Yet, Mr. C.B. made steady progress and powered down the stretch to win.

However, controversy followed. His jockey was penalized for interference near the final turn, receiving a four-day suspension and losing the winner’s trophy, though Mr. C.B.’s victory was upheld.

🥉 Kikuka Sho (Japanese St. Leger)

Preparations for the final leg were not ideal. He stepped on a stone, caught a cold, and missed his intended prep race. He returned in the Kyoto Shimbun Hai overweight and was unplaced.

Yet, in the 3000-meter Kikuka Sho, he made a bold move. Despite the long-standing jinx against accelerating on Kyoto's downhill stretch, Mr. C.B. ignored it—surging to the front on the descent and never looking back. With this audacious run, he became only the third horse in Japanese racing history to win the Triple Crown.

🛑 Skipping the Grand Prix

Despite his form, Mr. C.B. skipped both the Japan Cup and Arima Kinen that year. This decision drew criticism, especially from international press.

Yet ironically, Lead for You, a contemporary of Mr. C.B. who had finished behind him in the Kikuka Sho, went on to win the Arima Kinen—reinforcing Mr. C.B.’s status even in his absence.

💥 The Rivalry with Symboli Rudolf

Return and Resurgence

In 1984, hoof issues delayed Mr. C.B.'s return until October’s Mainichi Okan (Grade 2). Though no longer the favorite, he ran a strong second to Katsuragi Ace with a blistering 33.7-second final 600 meters.

🏆 Tenno Sho (Autumn)

That same year, the Tenno Sho Autumn was shortened to 2000 meters. Mr. C.B., the betting favorite, dismissed the 19-year jinx that had plagued favorites and claimed victory in a record 1:59.3. His legend was further solidified.

🐎 The Japan Cup Showdown

A week after Mr. C.B.’s Tenno Sho triumph, Symboli Rudolf completed his own undefeated Triple Crown. The two were poised for a historic clash in the Japan Cup.

However, both horses entered the race fatigued. The winner was neither of them, but Katsuragi Ace—yet another horse of the same generation. Mr. C.B. finished tenth, and Rudolf placed third.

🥉 Arima Kinen and Spring Finale

In the Arima Kinen, Mr. C.B. once again chased from behind, but traffic in the stretch prevented a full rally. He finished third behind Rudolf and Katsuragi Ace.

In 1985, he finished a close second in the Osaka Hai and ran his final showdown with Rudolf in the 3200-meter Tenno Sho Spring. Despite taking the lead, he was overtaken and finished fifth. He later developed periostitis and was retired from racing.

📊 Career Summary

• Starts: 15
• Wins: 8
• Grade 1 Wins: 4 (Triple Crown + Tenno Sho Autumn)
• Notable Rival: Symboli Rudolf (faced 3 times, never defeated)
• Legacy: “Mr. C.B. for popularity, Rudolf for ability”

Mr. C.B. was celebrated not only for his victories, but for the manner in which he won—breaking taboos and thrilling crowds with his deep-closing style.

🐴 Stud Career and Legacy

Though Mr. C.B.'s stud performance was modest, he sired several graded race winners. Among his most notable offspring was Shako Glade, a chaser like his sire.

In 1991, Shako Glade placed second in the Satsuki Sho behind Tokai Teio—the first foal of Symboli Rudolf—rekindling the storied rivalry of their sires. However, Shako Glade did not go on to greater success.

🌸 Farewell

• Mr. C.B. passed away in 2000 at age 21 due to laminitis—the same illness that claimed his sire.
• CB Queen lived until 2004, passing at age 31.

Though his time was brief, Mr. C.B. remains one of the most beloved horses in Japanese racing history, remembered for his courage, charisma, and ability to shatter expectations.

Conclusion

Mr. C.B.'s story is not just one of victory, but of defiance—against odds, jinxes, and conventions. His passionate runs from the back, his rivalry with a younger champion, and his enduring legacy have carved his name into the heart of Japanese turf lore.

For fans of Japanese racing, Mr. C.B. is not just a champion—he is a legend.