Winning Ticket

Winning Ticket – The Horse Who Made a Jockey’s Dream Come True

In the world of horse racing, there are moments when a horse and rider come together in perfect harmony to fulfill a lifelong dream. Winning Ticket, a colt born in 1990, etched his name into Japanese racing history not only for his talent, but for the emotional triumph he brought to his veteran jockey. This is the story of a horse who delivered a dream when it mattered most.

Pedigree and Early Promise

Winning Ticket was sired by Tony Bin, a Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner, and out of Powerful Lady, a mare who never raced but came from a productive female line tracing back to the influential Star Rullah. With such a pedigree, expectations were high from the very beginning.

He made his debut in September 1992 and finished fifth in his first outing. However, he quickly found his stride, winning three consecutive races, including the Hopeful Stakes at the end of the year.

A Jockey’s Final Wish

As Winning Ticket progressed toward the Japanese Triple Crown, his primary rider, Masaru Shibata, had a personal mission. At 44 years old in 1993, Shibata had never won the prestigious Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby).

He once said, “If I win the Derby, I could retire happy.” Trainer Shoichi Matsumoto also longed to see Shibata crowned a Derby champion. The horse and jockey were now united by a shared goal: Derby glory.

The 1993 Triple Crown Trail

Satsuki Sho: The First Test

The Satsuki Sho, the first leg of the Triple Crown, featured fierce competition, including Biwa Hayahide and Narita Taishin. Winning Ticket raced too anxiously and ran out of stamina, finishing fourth. Narita Taishin, with his signature late charge, claimed victory.

Derby Glory at Last

The Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) was held on familiar turf and distance. Biwa Hayahide set the pace, while Narita Taishin trailed from the back. Winning Ticket positioned himself mid-pack, timed his move perfectly, surged past Biwa Hayahide, and held off Narita Taishin’s final attack.

With this win, Shibata finally achieved his long-cherished dream. The crowd erupted with applause and congratulations. It was a triumph not only for the horse, but for the man who had waited decades for that very moment.

Later Challenges and Decline

Kyoto Shimbun Hai and Kikka Sho

In the autumn, Winning Ticket aimed for the final leg of the Triple Crown—the Kikka Sho. As a prep, he won the Kyoto Shimbun Hai, but the race had been taxing. In the Kikka Sho, Biwa Hayahide’s stamina over the 3000-meter distance proved superior, winning by a record-setting five lengths. Winning Ticket placed third, suggesting the distance may have been too long for him.

Japan Cup and Arima Kinen

Three weeks later, he ran third in the Japan Cup, again at his favored distance. However, in the Arima Kinen, he faltered and finished 11th. That race is remembered as the miraculous comeback of Tokai Teio.

The Final Season

In 1994, Winning Ticket struggled with poor condition. He returned in the summer's Takamatsunomiya Cup (2000m) but finished fifth. He followed with the All-Comer, placing second behind Biwa Hayahide, and then faded to eighth in the Tenno Sho (Autumn).

Soon after, a diagnosis of flexor tendinitis led to his retirement. His career record stood at:

• 14 starts
• 6 wins
• Japanese Derby Champion

A Quiet Life After Racing

Winning Ticket stood at stud but failed to make an impact as a sire. He retired from stallion duty in 2005 and lived a peaceful life until his passing in 2023 at the remarkable age of 33.

A Legacy Reborn—Then Quietly Faded

In April 2021, his legacy resurfaced when Lei Papale, a great-granddaughter of Winning Ticket through the mare Shell’s Ray, won the Osaka Hai (G1) while remaining undefeated in six starts at the time. However, despite that early brilliance, she would never win another race. Lei Papale retired with a record of 15 starts, 6 wins.

Conclusion

Winning Ticket may not have amassed countless titles, but his story remains one of Japanese racing’s most heartfelt chapters. He fulfilled a veteran jockey’s dream, carried the hopes of fans, and reminded everyone that sometimes, one perfect victory is worth a lifetime of effort.