Sodashi

Sodashi: The Pure White Queen of Japanese Horse Racing

Introduction

Among the many remarkable stories in Japanese horse racing, few shine as brightly—or as purely—as that of Sodashi. With her rare white coat and determined spirit, she transcended the boundaries of sport, becoming a cultural icon. Her journey from a uniquely born filly to a beloved legend is one of beauty, strength, and history-making milestones.

Origins of a White Legend

A Rare Birth at Northern Farm

Sodashi was born on March 8, 2018, at the esteemed Northern Farm in Hokkaido. Her dazzling white coat immediately distinguished her, but her pedigree was equally exceptional:

• Dam: Buchiko, a white mare with spotted markings and multiple dirt victories.
• Sire: Kurofune, a champion who excelled on both turf and dirt.
• Owner: Kaneko Makoto Holdings, renowned for producing elite racehorses.

As a foal, Sodashi was calm, affectionate, and formed a close bond with her cousin Meikei Yell, who would later become her rival on the track.

A Star is Born

Debut Victory in Hakodate

On July 12, 2020, Sodashi made her debut in an 1,800-meter turf race at Hakodate Racecourse. Despite a slight hesitation at the gate, she settled well and delivered a commanding stretch run, winning by two and a half lengths—becoming the first white horse in JRA history to win a turf debut.

Graded Glory at Sapporo and Tokyo

• September 5, 2020 – Sapporo Nisai Stakes: Sodashi showed resilience and heart, edging out her rivals by a neck and becoming the first white horse to win a graded turf race.
• October 31 – Artemis Stakes: A decisive victory kept her undefeated streak intact.
• December 13 – Hanshin Juvenile Fillies (G1): In a photo-finish against Satono Reinas, Sodashi clinched her first Grade 1 title, making history once again.

She was later honored with the JRA Award for Best 2-Year-Old Filly.

The Classic Champion

Triumph in the Oka Sho

In April 2021, Sodashi took on the Oka Sho (Japanese 1000 Guineas) at Hanshin. With a brilliant burst of speed, she defeated her old rival once more—this time setting a new course record of 1:31.1.

Her victory marked the first time a white horse had ever won a Japanese Classic.

Setbacks and Redemption

• May – Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks): Finished 8th, possibly due to the extended 2,400-meter distance.
• August – Sapporo Kinen: Defeated older male horses in a gritty performance, giving her owner a 100th graded stakes win.

Adversity and Reinvention

A Challenging Autumn

In the Shuka Sho, a gate mishap left her injured, leading to a 10th-place finish. She later attempted the Champions Cup (G1 dirt race), but faded to 12th—highlighting the difficulty of transitioning surfaces.

Still, her overall performance earned her the JRA Best 3-Year-Old Filly award.

Comeback and Global Fame

The 2022 Victoria Mile

Despite being underestimated, Sodashi produced a breathtaking finish to win by two full lengths, securing her third Grade 1 victory. She also became the first horse to win the Victoria Mile after racing on dirt.

Even The New York Times featured her—a rare spotlight for Japanese horse racing.

Milestones and Final Campaign

• White Horse Showdown in the Sapporo Kinen vs. Hayayakko
• 2022 year-end: 2nd in Fuchu Himba Stakes, 3rd in Mile Championship
• 2023 Victoria Mile: Courageous 2nd place with new jockey Damian Lane
• June 4, 2023 – Yasuda Kinen: Finished 7th, marking her first out-of-money finish at a mile distance
• October 1, 2023: Retirement announced due to leg discomfort. On the same day, her full sister Mama Cocha won the Sprinters Stakes—a poetic torch-passing.

A New Chapter as a Broodmare

In early 2025, Sodashi began her new life at Northern Farm, paired with none other than Equinox, the reigning champion. On January 30, 2025, she gave birth to her first foal—a dark bay filly, continuing the legacy.

Legacy of the White Queen

Sodashi's career was filled with unprecedented milestones:

• First white horse to win a turf debut
• First to win a graded turf race
• First to win a Grade 1
• First to win a Classic race

Her charm extended beyond the racetrack:

• Nicknames like The White Queen and Idol Horse
• Plush toys sold out instantly
• Media coverage across the globe

She was not just a racehorse—she was a cultural phenomenon. And now, her story lives on through her foals and in the hearts of fans worldwide.

Conclusion

Sodashi’s brilliance was not only in her victories but in how she captured imaginations. Her snowy coat, fierce determination, and historic accomplishments made her a one-of-a-kind legend in Japanese horse racing.

The Pure White Queen may have retired, but her legacy gallops on.