Mejiro l’Amone: Japan’s First Fillies’ Triple Crown Champion
Foaled 1983 (f). Sire: Mogami — Dam: Mejiro Hiryu. Breeder/Owner: Mejiro Farm.
Introduction
Among the many champions in Japanese horse racing, few have reached the summit of the Fillies’ Triple Crown. In 1986, Mejiro l’Amone became the very first filly to accomplish this feat, captivating fans with speed, stamina, and an unyielding will to win. This article traces her rise—from a jaw-dropping debut to a history-making autumn—and reflects on the legacy that followed.
Note on age terms: Race names in this article use their historical titles as they were at the time (for example, “4-Year-Old Fillies’ Tokubetsu”), even though today such races would be categorized for 3-year-olds. This may cause slight discrepancies between the horse’s age (given in modern terms) and the race title (recorded in its original form).
Pedigree and Background
Bloodline
Mejiro l’Amone was foaled in 1983 at Mejiro Farm. Her sire, Mogami, was French-bred and modest on the track (3 wins in 20 starts) but influential at stud in Japan. Mogami’s progeny were famed for stamina and power—sometimes at the expense of instant acceleration—and often displayed fiery temperaments. Her dam, Mejiro Hiryu, was a six-time winner and a sister to Mejiro Eagle, sire of dual Grand Prix winner Mejiro Palmer. The pedigree was steeped in the Mejiro line.
Name
Her name, l’Amone, comes from a peak in the Alps. Earlier sources sometimes rendered it “Ramone,” but the correct form is l’Amone.
Early Career (1985)
A Dazzling Debut
On at Tokyo Racecourse, Mejiro l’Amone debuted in a 1,400-meter dirt maiden. Heavily favored, she flew to the lead and never looked back. Each stride widened the gap until she was alone in the lane; she stopped the clock 3.1 seconds clear—nearly 20 lengths—a demolition that announced a star.
First Setbacks and Recovery
Next time out in the Keisei Hai 3-Year-Old Stakes (GII) she finished fourth, not beaten far. She rebounded decisively in the Kankiku Sho (Allowance) at Nakayama, then returned two weeks later to capture the TV Tokyo Hai 3-Year-Old Fillies’ Stakes (GIII) with a strong stretch surge. With three wins from four starts, she was crowned Champion Two-Year-Old Filly of 1985.
Classic Campaign (1986)
Queen Cup – A Rare Defeat
Her 3-year-old debut in the Queen Cup (GIII) at Tokyo brought an uncharacteristic fourth after she became keyed up before the start. Despite the blip, she remained the leading Classic hope.
Trial Success: Hochi Hai 4-Year-Old Fillies’ Tokubetsu (West)
On at Hanshin, she contested the Hochi Hai 4-Year-Old Fillies’ Tokubetsu (West) (GII). Racing from mid-pack, she was briefly trapped behind a fading rival, then burst through late to snatch victory on the line—a gritty, noise-rising finish that reminded everyone of her class.
Oka Sho — First Jewel
The Oka Sho (Japanese 1000 Guineas, GI) on at Hanshin crowned her spring. The 1.6 favorite settled kindly, crept closer around the final turn, then took command at the head of the stretch. For a heartbeat the pack loomed; then her stride lengthened and the crowd’s roar swelled as she drove clear, winning by 1 ¾ lengths. It was Mejiro Farm’s first Classic triumph.
Oaks Trial and The Oaks — Second Jewel
The Tokyo-based 4-Year-Old Fillies’ Tokubetsu (East) (GII) served as her Oaks trial. Facing the talented Dinah Actress, l’Amone’s determination told in the last 200 meters as she edged past to win.
In the Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks, GI) on , she stumbled at the break, regrouped, and reached the straight in fifth. Then came the move—smooth, ruthless, irresistible. She swept past the leaders and opened daylight to win by 2 ½ lengths. Two jewels secured; dominance unquestioned.
Autumn Glory
Rose Stakes — The Tune-Up
After a summer freshening, she returned in the Rose Stakes (GII) at Kyoto on . Not at absolute peak, she nevertheless out-fought Pot Tesco Lady by a neck.
Queen Elizabeth Cup — The Historic Triple Crown
On , she contested the Queen Elizabeth Cup (GI) at Kyoto. The weight of history hung in the air—no filly had ever achieved the Fillies’ Triple Crown. Sent off the overwhelming 1.3 favorite, she tracked the pace in fourth. With 800 meters remaining, her jockey urged her forward and she seized the lead entering the straight. Though her stride shortened near the finish, she held on bravely. She crossed the line first, making history as Japan’s first Fillies’ Triple Crown winner.
Moreover, she had won six consecutive graded races, from the Hochi Hai trial to the Queen Elizabeth Cup—a record at the time.
Final Race and Retirement
Her final challenge came in the Arima Kinen (GI) on . Backed as the second favorite behind Miho Shinzan, she was well-positioned early but faded in the stretch, finishing ninth. It was her only poor performance, but it marked the end of her racing career.
She retired as the Best Three-Year-Old Filly of 1986, though the coveted Horse of the Year title went to Derby winner Dinah Gulliver.
Legacy as a Broodmare
Great hopes surrounded her broodmare career, yet her direct offspring did not succeed at the highest level. However, her legacy endured through later generations:
- Field Rouge — Winner of the 2008 Kawasaki Kinen, her great-grandson.
- Glory Vase — Dual winner of the Hong Kong Vase (2019, 2021), also her great-grandson.
Thus, even though her own foals did not shine, her bloodline produced champions who excelled on the international stage.
Watch the Race Documentary
Conclusion
Mejiro l’Amone’s story is one of brilliance, courage, and history-making triumphs. From her overwhelming debut to her crowning moment in the Queen Elizabeth Cup, she etched her name into the annals of Japanese racing as the nation’s first Fillies’ Triple Crown winner. Though her broodmare record fell short of expectations, her bloodline’s continued presence in champions like Glory Vase ensures her legacy endures. She remains a shining symbol of Japanese racing in the 1980s—a filly who turned dreams into history.
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