Mejiro McQueen

Mejiro McQueen: The Indomitable Spirit of Japan’s Greatest Stayer

In the storied history of Japanese horse racing, few names carry as much reverence and respect as Mejiro McQueen. A legendary stayer with unmatched stamina and grace, McQueen captured the hearts of fans and etched his name into racing history— not just through victories, but through his extraordinary legacy.

🏇 A Legacy Rooted in Bloodline

The Mejiro Dynasty

Born in 1987, Mejiro McQueen was a striking gray colt named after the Hollywood icon Steve McQueen. Yet his destiny lay not in cinema, but on the turf. He was bred by the prestigious Mejiro Stud, known for producing elite long-distance runners.

• His father, Mejiro Titan, was a winner of the Autumn Tenno Sho.
• His grandfather, Mejiro Asama, also won the Autumn Tenno Sho.
• His elder brother, Mejiro Duren, had claimed two Grade 1 victories, including the Kikka Sho.

The dream was ambitious: for Mejiro McQueen to become the first third-generation Tenno Sho winner—a feat never before accomplished in Japan.

🐎 A Late Start, but a Strong Beginning

Due to his large frame—over 500 kilograms—McQueen made a delayed debut in February of his three-year-old season. However, he immediately made an impression:

• Won his debut convincingly, distancing himself and the runner-up from the rest of the field.
• In six subsequent starts, earned 2 wins, 3 seconds, and a third-place finish—an early sign of greatness.

🏆 Breakthrough Victory: The 1990 Kikka Sho

McQueen’s Grade 1 debut came in the Kikka Sho—the final and most grueling leg of the Japanese Triple Crown. He faced his highly-rated stablemate Mejiro Ryan, runner-up in the Japanese Derby.

Guided by Koichi Uchida, McQueen settled near the front, made his move on the final turn, and unleashed a powerful stretch run. He pulled away with authority, defeating White Stone by over a length and leaving Ryan behind. This victory was more than just a first G1 title—it was a declaration of his potential to make history.

🌸 Spring Tenno Sho: A Dream Fulfilled

After recovering from illness, McQueen returned in spring to win the Hanshin Daishoten and then tackled the Spring Tenno Sho. With Yutaka Take now aboard, McQueen faced familiar rivals once more.

Running with poise and power, McQueen surged down the stretch and won decisively, fulfilling a historic dream: the first-ever third-generation Tenno Sho victory. Take, holding a photo of McQueen’s late owner, celebrated the emotional moment on behalf of the entire Mejiro family.

💥 Setbacks and Controversy

McQueen entered the Takarazuka Kinen as the heavy favorite but was narrowly beaten by Mejiro Ryan. He returned to form in the Kyoto Daishoten, setting the stage for the Autumn Tenno Sho.

He crossed the line with a commanding six-length lead, only to be demoted to 18th for early-race interference— the first G1 disqualification of its kind in JRA history. Disappointment followed in the Japan Cup (defeated by Golden Pheasant) and the Arima Kinen (caught late by Daiyusaku).

⚔️ The Clash with Tokai Teio

In 1992, McQueen aimed to defend his Spring Tenno Sho title but faced a new superstar: the undefeated Tokai Teio, son of Symboli Rudolf. Public sentiment favored Teio, but McQueen had other plans.

With a flawless ride from Yutaka Take, McQueen maintained a strong pace while Teio faded in the stretch. McQueen crossed the line unchallenged, becoming the first horse ever to win back-to-back Spring Tenno Sho titles.

🛑 Injury and an Unlikely Comeback

Training for the Takarazuka Kinen, McQueen suffered a serious leg injury that kept him sidelined for nearly a year. Many feared he would never race again.

But in 1993, he made a miraculous return in the Osaka Hai, winning in record time. He then set out to win a third consecutive Spring Tenno Sho, but was denied by a rising star—Rice Shower—who edged him out in a fierce duel.

🥈 Final Glory and Record Earnings

Though the Spring Tenno Sho three-peat eluded him, McQueen struck back in the Takarazuka Kinen, capturing a G1 title for the fourth consecutive year. That fall, he won the Kyoto Daishoten once again, surpassing ¥1 billion in career earnings—a first in Japanese horse racing history.

He retired shortly thereafter due to a recurrence of injury.

👑 Legacy Through Daughters

While his direct offspring failed to reach top-class status, Mejiro McQueen's lasting legacy emerged as a broodmare sire. Through his daughters, he helped create a line of champions:

• Dream Journey – Three-time G1 winner
• Orfevre – Triple Crown winner with six G1 titles
• Gold Ship – Six-time G1 winner and fan favorite

All three were sired by Stay Gold, forming the famed "Golden Cross" or "Miracle Cross"— a blend of stamina and fiery spirit once thought to be a difficult match, but ultimately wildly successful.

🕊️ Final Days and Hall of Fame Induction

Mejiro McQueen passed away from heart failure on his 19th birthday in 2006 (20 by Japanese reckoning). His father, Mejiro Titan, was still alive at the time, making the loss even more poignant.

In 1994, he was inducted into the JRA Hall of Fame. Today, he is remembered as one of the greatest stayers in the history of Japanese racing.

The Strongest Stayer of the 1990s: Mejiro McQueen

Conclusion

Mejiro McQueen’s story is not only about winning races. It is a saga of resilience, lineage, and honor. His descendants continue to carry his spirit into the future, inspiring new generations of champions.

True greatness lies not only in victory, but in the legacy one leaves behind. Mejiro McQueen was, and will always remain, the very embodiment of that greatness.