Tosho Boy

Tosho Boy: The Pegasus of Japan and His Legendary Rivalry

In the rich history of Japanese horse racing, a few names rise above the rest—legendary figures whose talent, rivalry, and legacy shaped the sport as we know it. Among them stands Tosho Boy, a racehorse so graceful and powerful that he was nicknamed “Pegasus.” This article explores his life, his unforgettable rivalry with Ten Point, and the enduring legacy he left through his bloodline.

Early Life and Pedigree

Tosho Boy was born in 1973, sired by the champion stallion Tesco Boy and out of Social Butterfly, an American import. Despite his pedigree being known for producing temperamental offspring, Tosho Boy stood out early for his calm demeanor and strong physical build. Ranch staff had high hopes, believing he might capture at least one leg of the coveted Triple Crown.

Racing Debut and Rising Fame

Although Tosho Boy had weak hips in his youth, his powerful glutes and over-500kg frame earned early admiration. He made his debut in January 1976 with a commanding victory over 1400 meters in Tokyo. Interestingly, the fourth-place finisher in that race was Green Grass, and the fifth was C.B. Queen—names that would later become part of Tosho Boy’s enduring legacy.

As he continued racing through early spring, Tosho Boy won his next races in dominant fashion, emerging as a top contender for the Triple Crown. Meanwhile, in western Japan, another horse named Ten Point was building his own legend.

East vs. West: The Rise of a Rivalry

At the time, Japan's horse racing world was divided—Eastern circuits like Tokyo and Nakayama were considered stronger than the Western ones, such as Kyoto and Hanshin. Ten Point, hailing from the West, shattered expectations by winning five consecutive races, including a seven-length victory in the Hanshin 2-Year-Old Stakes.

Their first showdown came in the Satsuki Sho, held at Tokyo after a last-minute venue change. While Ten Point struggled due to travel and delays, Tosho Boy thrived, winning in record time by five lengths.

The media quickly dubbed him “Pegasus,” for his seemingly effortless speed and floating stride. Many believed he would go on to win the Triple Crown—if he stayed healthy.

The Derby Disappointment

Tosho Boy entered the Japanese Derby as the overwhelming favorite. But the race took a dramatic turn when Climb Kaiser cut across Tosho Boy’s path in what was nearly a foul. Spooked, Tosho Boy fell behind and ultimately finished second. Fans famously began calling his rival “Crime Kaiser” due to the controversial maneuver.

Ten Point, meanwhile, suffered a serious injury during the same race, finishing seventh.

Summer Races and Redemption

After a brief rest, Tosho Boy returned to the track for the Sapporo Kinen on dirt. He finished second, with Climb Kaiser in third. But in the autumn prep races, Tosho Boy regained his form—winning the Kobe Shimbun Hai in record time and the Kyoto Shimbun Hai convincingly.

The TTG Era Begins

The Kikka Sho marked the first clash of the legendary TTG trio: Tosho Boy, Ten Point, and Green Grass. On a rain-soaked track, Green Grass emerged victorious, with Ten Point second and Tosho Boy third. The long 3000-meter distance and poor footing didn’t suit him.

Final Campaign and the Legendary Arima Kinen

In 1978, Tosho Boy returned with a stunning win in the Takarazuka Kinen, defeating Ten Point again. He clocked the final 1000 meters in just 57.6 seconds—faster than the national 1000m record at the time.

He followed up with wins in the Takamatsunomiya Cup and a 1600m race in a new Japanese record time of 1:33.6.

In the Autumn Tenno Sho, Tosho Boy struggled with distance and track conditions, finishing seventh. His connections announced that the 1978 Arima Kinen would be his final race.

1978 Arima Kinen: A Match Race for the Ages

The field was small—just eight horses—but all eyes were on two: Tosho Boy and Ten Point. From start to finish, the two dominated the race, exchanging the lead and never allowing another horse to interfere.

In the end, Ten Point triumphed by a narrow margin. Tosho Boy finished second. Green Grass came third, six lengths ahead of the rest.

This “match race,” though unofficial, is considered one of the greatest races in Japanese history. Tosho Boy retired after this race, with a career record of 10 wins in 15 starts.

Breeding Legacy

Though domestic stallions were often overlooked at the time, Tosho Boy proved his worth. In his second year at stud, he sired Daizen King and more notably, Mr. C.B., the 1983 Triple Crown winner. With their success, Tosho Boy became a popular and reliable stallion, even supporting small-scale breeders with foals that performed well in lower classes.

Notable Offspring

• Mr. C.B. – Triple Crown winner
• Daizen King – Hanshin 2-Year-Old Stakes winner
• Ara Hotoku – 1988 Oka Sho winner
• Passing Shot – 1990 Mile Championship winner
• Sakura Hokuto O – 1988 Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes winner
• Daiichi Ruby – 1991 Yasuda Kinen and Sprinters Stakes winner
• Sister Tosho – 1991 Oka Sho winner, known for her small face and charming looks

Later Years and Farewell

In 1992, Tosho Boy developed laminitis. Despite efforts to treat him, he was humanely euthanized at age 19. While his male-line descendants did not flourish, his daughters carried on his blood, especially his trademark speed and flexibility—traits that live on in future generations.

Conclusion

Tosho Boy’s story is more than a tale of victories and defeats. It is the story of a horse that united East and West, created one of Japan’s greatest rivalries, and left a genetic legacy still felt today. Known as Pegasus, he flew across the Japanese turf, winning hearts and changing the course of racing history.