Harp Star

Harp Star: The Brilliant Late-Charging Filly Who Chased Legends

In the world of Japanese horse racing, few fillies have left as striking an impression as Harp Star. Known for her devastating late speed and captivating come-from-behind style, she thrilled fans with her dramatic finishes and graceful acceleration. Though her career was brief and at times bittersweet, the legacy she carved out remains memorable for fans of the sport.

🐎 Pedigree of Promise

Harp Star was born in 2011, a daughter of the great Deep Impact, Japan’s 2005 Triple Crown winner and one of the most dominant sires in modern racing history. Her dam, Historic Star, never raced due to injury but was the only filly produced by the legendary mare Vega, who won the Oka Sho and Yushun Himba in 1993.

Interestingly, Vega is also the name of a first-magnitude star in the Lyra constellation—also known as the Harp Star. Thus, the name “Harp Star” was bestowed upon Historic Star’s third foal: a small but promising filly with a name steeped in both celestial and racing heritage.

🏁 A Dazzling Debut

Harp Star made her debut in July 2013 in a 1400-meter race at Chukyo Racecourse. Despite her small frame, she entered the gate as the heavy favorite.

• She settled toward the back of the field.
• Entering the home stretch, she moved smoothly to the inside and began to accelerate.
• At around 150 meters to go, she surged past the leader and widened the margin.

By the finish line, she had built a comfortable two-length lead—a powerful statement of potential.

🌟 Instant Stardom: The Niigata Two-Year-Old Stakes

One month later, she entered the Grade 3 Niigata Nisai Stakes. Again, she was the favorite, and again, she stayed at the back of the field.

With 400 meters to go, she was still far behind. But in a breathtaking display of speed, she clocked her final 600 meters in 32.5 seconds and passed the field in one sweeping move. She won by three lengths over Isla Bonita, who would go on to win the next year’s Satsuki Sho.

👑 Juvenile Showdown and a Near Miss

In December, Harp Star competed in the Grade 1 Hanshin Juvenile Fillies. The race gathered the top two-year-old fillies, including some who had defeated colts.

Harp Star trailed early, then launched her charge down the stretch. In a photo finish, she was narrowly beaten by Red Reveur, finishing second by mere centimeters.

🌸 Revenge in the Tulip Sho and Oka Sho Triumph

Returning in March for the Tulip Sho, Harp Star was heavily favored at 1.1 odds. She again ran from the back and stormed down the stretch to win easily by 2.5 lengths.

One month later, she returned to the same course for the Oka Sho, a rematch with Red Reveur. Trailing at the rear and taking the far outside path, she made up more than 10 lengths in the final 200 meters and surged past her rival to claim her first Grade 1 victory.

🏵️ A Narrow Loss in the Yushun Himba

In May, Harp Star competed in the Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks). She chased from the rear and launched her attack, but reportedly lost a shoe during the race. She finished a close second to Nuovo Record, showing great tenacity despite the setback.

🇫🇷 Arc Prep: Beating Gold Ship in the Sapporo Kinen

In August, Harp Star ran in the Grade 2 Sapporo Kinen, facing Gold Ship, another Arc-bound horse. Harp Star accelerated early and took the lead by the final turn. Though Gold Ship chased hard, he could not close the gap. Harp Star won decisively—becoming the first three-year-old filly in 22 years to win the race.

🏇 The Arc de Triomphe: A Bold Overseas Challenge

In October, Harp Star ran in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. Trailing early, she made her usual wide run down the stretch and finished sixth—just five lengths behind the winner Treve. While not a victory, her performance was widely respected.

🇯🇵 Homecoming and Retirement

Returning to Japan, Harp Star ran in the Japan Cup and finished fifth behind Epiphaneia. In February 2015, she placed fifth again in the Kyoto Kinen, trailing Kizuna.

Despite these setbacks, she traveled to Dubai for the Dubai Sheema Classic, where she was among the betting favorites. However, she failed to produce her signature finish and came in eighth out of nine.

After returning home, she missed the Victoria Mile due to fatigue and was diagnosed with tendonitis. Harp Star was officially retired in May 2015.

🐣 Broodmare Career

Harp Star began breeding in 2016, but fertility issues have limited her output. So far, only two of her offspring have debuted, and neither has achieved notable success. Fans continue to hope her legacy will shine in future generations.

🧾 Record and Legacy

• Starts: 11
• Wins: 5
• Grade 1 Victories: Oka Sho (Japanese 1000 Guineas)

Her main jockey, Yuga Kawada, once said of her:
"This horse has never run at full throttle."

Whether she ever reached her full potential or not, Harp Star remains a horse who thrilled the crowd each time she hit the stretch.

A genius girl who applies intense pressure - Harp Star

Conclusion

Harp Star’s legacy lies not only in her victories, but in the emotion she brought to the sport— her electrifying finishes, her resilience, and her star-like brilliance. She was a true standout, a horse who lit up the track in the final moments, and whose memory continues to shine long after her retirement.