Blow the Horn’s Shock 2nd Place in Takarazuka Kinen Fan Vote — The Reigning Champion Shows "Proof of Serious Intent"
Memories of last summer, when Blow the Horn blazed across the turf at Hanshin Racecourse, come flooding back vividly. It was the 65th Takarazuka Kinen where he unleashed a powerful late charge to claim his first G1 victory. About nine months later, the interim fan vote results announced this week have already turned all eyes towards the June stage. Blow the Horn has impressively secured 2nd place. With 42,922 votes, this is proof that he has transcended the realm of a "talented horse" and is racing up the stairs to become a "national idol horse."
Why Blow the Horn, Why Now? — What Captivates the Fans
The atmosphere surrounding him has clearly changed. While his 3rd place finish in last year's Arima Kinen wasn't a bad result, what stood out more was the "composure" in his race running. Settling in mid-pack during the race and smoothly shifting wide on the straight showed real stability. His partnership with the seasoned veteran jockey seems to have reached perfection, leading fans to expect not just a "race where he won't lose," but a "race built to win." Securing the second-highest number of votes after Liberty Island in the interim results is a direct reflection of this absolute trust.
Seeing the "Heat" in the Merchandise — The Significance of "Blow the Horn/Dry T-Shirt, Zip Hoodie [Cannot be shipped via Click Post]"
The passion of horse racing fans isn't limited to just buying support tickets. At JRA official shops and tack stores across the country, merchandise related to Blow the Horn is currently selling like hotcakes. In particular, the "Blow the Horn/Dry T-Shirt" is consistently low in stock as the sweaty season approaches. The design, featuring the horse's name and graphics inspired by the silks on breathable material, is also being well-received by younger fans.
Even more noteworthy is the "Blow the Horn/Zip Hoodie". The product page on the online store includes a notice stating, "【Cannot be shipped via Click Post】". Since Click Post has thickness restrictions, this indicates the hoodie is made of substantial material, featuring three-dimensional embroidery or prints that express the horse's power. Fans are willing to pay higher shipping fees to own this quality piece. At this point, it's almost like donning the actual silks themselves.
Who Are the True Rivals for the 65th Takarazuka Kinen?
Come June's Grand Prix. The Hanshin 2200m course suits Blow the Horn perfectly. If he aims to replicate last year's win, the challenge lies less in distance suitability and more in the "competition." Looking at the top names in this fan vote:
- Liberty Island: A mare who consistently delivers overwhelming performances against older horses, solidifying her place among the current strongest.
- Do Deuce: A horse that improves with racing, and his form during this period is truly remarkable.
- Justin Palace: Also a Hanshin specialist who turned the tables on Blow the Horn in last year's Arima Kinen.
If this star-studded line-up assembles, the race pace will undoubtedly be fiercer than in previous years. However, the jockey and the team, carrying the pride of being "unbeatable," are sure to come perfectly prepared. Clearly, this year's Takarazuka Kinen presents a clear narrative: "Will Blow the Horn defend his title, or will it herald the dawn of a new era?"
The "Blow the Horn Phenomenon" Viewed from a Business Perspective
When popularity reaches this level, it transcends being just a racehorse and gains value as a brand. Fan merchandise sales are a valuable revenue stream for the horse racing world, especially functioning as a gateway to attract younger demographics. If Blow the Horn secures consecutive wins at this year's Takarazuka Kinen, the related market is bound to expand even further. It makes one feel that sportswear manufacturers and lifestyle brands might seriously enter this field in the future. The day when consumer actions like "wearing or putting on Blow the Horn" become a new pillar of the horse racing business, not just ticket sales, might not be far off.
Finally — The Excitement of Waiting for Race Day
There's still time until the main event from the interim results. However, the fact that he gathered this many votes at this stage is proof that many horse racing fans sense "something special" in Blow the Horn's running. The calm demeanour in the paddock, the powerful stride in the return race, and that extraordinary late kick on the straight. When it all comes together, we will be witnesses to history. Now, all we can do is pray for clear skies in June.