Rice Shower

🌾 The Black Hero: The Tragic Brilliance of Rice Shower

Introduction

Among Japan's legendary racehorses, few evoke as complex and emotional a legacy as Rice Shower. Small, black, and initially overlooked, he would go on to become both a record breaker and a spoiler of dreams. This is the story of a brave horse who raced with all his heart — and met a tragic end.

🐎 Early Life and Debut

Rice Shower was born in 1989. Though he was small for a colt and lacked flashy looks, he was admired for his balance and intelligence. His name — like the rice thrown at weddings — symbolized a wish for happiness for all who knew him.

He debuted in August 1991 with a win over 1200 meters. However, in his first graded stakes race, a Grade 3 event, he finished a disappointing 11th. His jockey remarked that Rice Shower was better suited for longer distances.

📈 Rising Through the Ranks

He next ran and won a 1600-meter race, but was soon diagnosed with a minor fracture. After a period of rest, he returned the following March in the Spring Stakes (G2, 1800m).

That race was dominated by the undefeated Mihono Bourbon, who won easily. Rice Shower finished fourth but managed to qualify for the Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas), where he placed eighth, again far behind Mihono Bourbon.

He also finished eighth in the NHK Cup, but surprised many in the Japanese Derby, where he was 16th favorite in an 18-horse field. He ran a strong race to finish second — just 0.7 seconds behind Mihono Bourbon.

🥈 Always the Challenger

After a summer break, Rice Shower placed second in the St. Lite Kinen (G2) and once again faced Mihono Bourbon in the Kyoto Shimbun Hai. Despite Mihono Bourbon being fresh off a long break, Rice Shower still couldn't beat him — finishing second once more.

But the gap was shrinking.

🏆 The Spoiler of the Triple Crown

Next came the Kikuka Sho (Japanese St. Leger), Mihono Bourbon’s chance to become an undefeated Triple Crown winner. There were concerns about his stamina over 3000 meters — concerns rooted in his pedigree and sprint-oriented physique.

Rice Shower, however, had the ideal build and breeding for distance races.

In the final stretch, Mihono Bourbon visibly tired. Rice Shower had been tracking him patiently, and when he saw his rival falter, he surged ahead to claim victory.

Mihono Bourbon fought back gallantly to retake second, but the Triple Crown dream was gone. Despite the drama, the crowd was quiet — disappointed that their hero had been defeated. Rice Shower had broken the dream, and the crowd responded with boos.

🏇 Facing the Greats

Rice Shower ran in the Arima Kinen that year but finished eighth. In the following season, he won one of two G2 races before taking on Mejiro McQueen in the Tenno Sho (Spring).

McQueen had already won the race twice and was poised to become its first three-time winner. Rice Shower trained intensely for this race, and on race day, he looked like a warrior.

Trailing behind McQueen during the race, Rice Shower launched his move in the final stretch and overtook the favorite with ease, winning by two and a half lengths.

However, once again, fans were bitter — he had denied a historic achievement. Just like in the Kikuka Sho.

📉 A Long Dry Spell

Following that win, Rice Shower went nearly two years without a victory. Though he occasionally performed well — such as a third-place finish in the 1994 Arima Kinen — he lost nine consecutive races.

💥 A Glorious Return

In the 1995 Tenno Sho (Spring), he was once again a contender. Originally, Triple Crown winner Narita Brian was expected to dominate, but he withdrew due to injury.

In a slowly paced race, Rice Shower launched a long, early spurt 800 meters from the finish. He led down the stretch and barely held off Stage Champ by just 10 centimeters.

It was his first victory in two years. And on that day, he was no longer the villain — he was the star.

⚠️ The Final Race

After his Tenno Sho triumph, Rice Shower planned to rest. However, he was the second-most voted horse by fans for the Takarazuka Kinen and chose to race.

Due to the Great Hanshin Earthquake, the race was moved from Hanshin to Kyoto — a course where Rice Shower had previously excelled.

But as the race began, his jockey sensed something was wrong. He decided to ride cautiously.

Yet Rice Shower, as intelligent as ever, accelerated on his own at the third corner. Moments later, he collapsed with a severe leg fracture.

There was nothing the veterinarians could do. He was euthanized on the spot. Today, he rests in Hokkaido.

🌾 Legacy of Rice Shower

For much of his career, he was disliked — the horse who spoiled others’ dreams. But over time, as fans watched him fight with heart and resilience, they came to love him.

🎥 Watch the Video: He is not a heel, he is a hero - Rice Shower（ライスシャワー）

Though his end was tragic, his career deserves to be remembered with admiration and pride.

After all, his name — Rice Shower — is a prayer for the happiness of all.

Conclusion

Rice Shower’s story is one of heartbreak, redemption, and courage. He stood in the shadows of giants, but ran with the soul of a champion. May his legacy continue to inspire those who know the beauty and tragedy of racing.