Cesario

The Japanese Queen Who Conquered Both the Oaks and the World

In the early 2000s, a filly named Cesario emerged from Japan and achieved something no other had done before—winning both the Japanese Oaks and an American Grade 1 race. Her journey was brief but filled with brilliance, and her legacy continues through her remarkable offspring. This is the story of Cesario, a champion on the track and a queen in the breeding shed.

Pedigree and Debut

A Legacy-Born Filly

Cesario was born in 2002, sired by Special Week, a winner of the Japanese Derby, Japan Cup, and other Grade 1 titles. Her dam, Kirov Premiere, was a daughter of the legendary Sadler’s Wells and had herself won a Grade 3 race in the United States. Cesario carried elite bloodlines from both Japan and Europe.

First Steps on the Turf

She debuted in a 1600-meter race in December 2004, winning smoothly though with a time that did not draw much attention. In her second outing, over 2000 meters, she faced two future graded winners and defeated them with ease.

The Flower Cup and Oka Sho

Cesario’s next challenge came in the Grade 3 Flower Cup. She dominated this race as well, heading into the Oka Sho (Japanese 1000 Guineas)—the first leg of the Triple Crown for fillies—undefeated.

In the Oka Sho, she was boxed in on the inside and made a late charge in the stretch. However, she narrowly lost to Rhein Kraft, finishing second. It marked the first—and only—defeat of her career.

Redemption in the Japanese Oaks

For the second leg of the Triple Crown, the Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks), Cesario was the overwhelming favorite. Rhein Kraft opted to run in the NHK Mile Cup instead, clearing Cesario’s path to victory.

Despite being marked heavily by her rivals and falling to the back of the pack, Cesario unleashed a stunning finish in the final straight and narrowly defeated Air Messiah to claim her first classic title.

History Made in America

Following her Oaks win, Cesario’s connections announced she would travel to the United States to contest the American Oaks at Hollywood Park. On race day, she was the second favorite. After racing from third, she surged to the lead around the final turn and powered home for a four-length victory over American runner-up Melhor Ainda.

The Japanese media widely covered the win, with the American race caller famously declaring, “Japanese superstar Cesario!” It was the first time a Japan-trained horse had ever won a Grade 1 race on American soil.

An Abrupt End to a Brilliant Career

Sadly, upon returning to Japan, Cesario was diagnosed with ligamentitis. Despite training for a comeback, the injury recurred and forced her early retirement. Her final career record stood at five wins in six starts—including international victories.

A Queen in the Breeding Shed

Cesario transitioned to a broodmare role, and her legacy only grew stronger.

• Epiphaneia (3rd foal): Winner of the 2013 Kikuka Sho and 2014 Japan Cup. Now a leading sire in Japan.
• Daring Tact: One of Epiphaneia’s first-crop foals, she went on to become the first undefeated Triple Crown-winning filly in 2020.
• Leontes (6th foal): Winner of the 2015 Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes; began his stud career in 2020.
• Saturnalia (9th foal): Victorious in the 2018 Hopeful Stakes and the 2019 Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas).

Farewell to a Legend

Cesario passed away in February 2021 due to a ruptured uterine artery. Her loss was deeply mourned across the Japanese racing community. Yet her bloodline endures—one that connects legendary stallions, pioneering international victories, and historic champions.

Watch the Story of Cesario

Conclusion

Cesario’s career may have been brief, but her impact on the world of horse racing was immense. She proved that Japanese-bred and -trained horses could triumph on the international stage, and she left behind a dynasty that continues to shape the future of the sport. As her descendants carry her legacy forward, Cesario’s name will forever be spoken with reverence in the story of Japanese racing history.