Blow the Horn Shocks with 2nd Place in Takarazuka Kinen Fan Vote – Last Year's Champion Shows "Proof of Serious Intent"
Memories of last summer, when Blow the Horn blazed across the turf at Hanshin Racecourse, come flooding back. It was the 65th Takarazuka Kinen where he unleashed his powerful closing speed to claim his first GⅠ victory. About nine months later, the interim results of the fan vote announced this week have already turned all eyes toward the upcoming June race with intense anticipation. Blow the Horn has secured an impressive 2nd place. The 42,922 votes he received are proof that he has transcended the realm of a mere "top contender" and is now racing up the stairs to become a "national idol horse."
Why Blow the Horn, Right Now? – The Reason Fans Are Captivated
The atmosphere surrounding him has clearly changed. His 3rd place finish in last year's Arima Kinen was by no means a bad result, but even more impressive was the "composure" in his race management. Settling in mid-pack during the race and smoothly shifting wide on the straight, his partnership with his veteran jockey seems to have reached perfection. Fans aren't just hoping for a race where he "doesn't lose," they're anticipating a race where he "wins." The high number of votes he received, second only to Liberty Island in the interim results, is a direct reflection of this absolute trust.
The "Embodiment of Excitement" in Merchandise – The Significance of Blow the Horn Dry T-Shirts and Zip Hoodies [Click Post Unavailable]
The passion of horse racing fans extends far beyond just betting tickets. At JRA official shops and tack stores across the country, Blow the Horn-related merchandise is currently flying off the shelves. In particular, the "Blow the Horn/Dry T-Shirt" is consistently understocked as the warmer, sweat-inducing season approaches. The design, featuring the horse's name and graphics inspired by his silks on breathable material, is also popular among younger fans.
Even more noteworthy is the "Blow the Horn/Zip Hoodie". The product page on the online store includes a note: "[Click Post Unavailable]." Click Post has thickness restrictions, so this indicates the hoodie is made of substantial material, featuring three-dimensional embroidery and prints that convey the horse's power. Fans are willing to pay higher shipping costs to own this quality item. At this point, wearing it feels akin to donning their own racing silks.
The 65th Takarazuka Kinen: Who Are the Real Rivals?
Come June's Grand Prix. The 2200m track at Hanshin is an ideal stage for Blow the Horn. If he aims to replicate last year's victory, the challenge lies less in distance suitability and more in the "competition." Looking at the other top names in the fan vote:
- Liberty Island: A top current powerhouse, this filly delivers overwhelming performances even against older horses.
- Do Deuce: A horse that improves with each run, his form around this time of year is truly remarkable.
- Justin Palace: Also skilled at Hanshin, he turned the tables on Blow the Horn in last year's Arima Kinen.
If this stellar lineup assembles, the race pace will undoubtedly be fiercer than in previous years. However, you can be sure that the jockey and team will come fully prepared, driven by the pride that they "cannot lose." The central narrative for this year's Takarazuka Kinen has become strikingly clear: "Will Blow the Horn defend his title, or will a new era begin?"
The "Blow the Horn Phenomenon" from a Business Perspective
With such immense popularity, he has transcended being just a racehorse and gained value as a brand in his own right. Fan merchandise sales are a valuable revenue stream for the horse racing world, and they function particularly well as a "gateway" to attract younger demographics. If Blow the Horn secures a consecutive victory in this year's Takarazuka Kinen, the related market will likely expand even further. It almost makes you wonder if sports apparel manufacturers and lifestyle brands might soon enter this field in earnest. The day may not be far off when consumer actions like "wearing or sporting Blow the Horn" become a new pillar of the horse racing business, alongside betting turnover.
Finally – The Excitement of Waiting for Race Day
There's still time between the interim vote announcement and the main event. But the fact that he has gathered so many votes at this stage is proof that many horse racing fans see "something special" in Blow the Horn's performance. His calm demeanor in the paddock, his powerful stride in the post parade, and that extraordinary closing speed 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.