A promising contender in the 2025 Kentucky Derby, Admire Daytona, aims to make history as the first Japan-bred horse to win this prestigious race. Qualified through a victory in the UAE Derby on April 5 at Meydan, Admire Daytona is one of twenty horses expected to compete in the upcoming event at Churchill Downs on May 3. The horse's journey includes notable performances and unique characteristics that set him apart from other competitors. With a career marked by triumphs and challenges, Admire Daytona enters the race with significant expectations. His trainer, Yukihiro Kato, and owner, Junko Kondo, both experience their first Kentucky Derby, adding excitement to the mix.
Originating from Japan, Admire Daytona boasts an impressive lineage with Drefong as his sire and Ice Pastel as his dam. Purchased for $480,276 at the 2022 Japan Racing Horse Association Select Yearling and Foal Sale, the bay-colored stallion has shown remarkable potential in his short racing career. After breaking his maiden status in February 2023 during a Tokyo race, he went on to secure a thrilling nose victory in the Group 2 UAE Derby against Heart of Honor. This performance earned him a spot in the Run for the Roses via the Euro/Mideast Road to the Kentucky Derby.
Jockey Christophe Lemaire, who will guide Admire Daytona in the Kentucky Derby, acknowledges the challenge ahead but remains optimistic about the horse's capabilities. Despite having a modest record of two wins in six starts and earning $672,047 in career earnings so far, Admire Daytona's pace-setting style in the UAE Derby demonstrated his competitive edge. Competing alongside other strong contenders, including Luxor Café, another Japanese-bred horse competing via the Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby, Admire Daytona carries the hopes of many into this iconic race.
Since 2019, six Japan-bred horses have participated in the Kentucky Derby, with Forever Young achieving the highest finish in third place in 2024. Admire Daytona's inclusion adds diversity to the field, highlighting the global reach of thoroughbred racing. As part of the Run for the Roses tradition, the post-position draw scheduled for April 26 will determine each horse's starting position, further influencing the dynamics of the race.
The partnership between NBC Sports and Churchill Downs ensures extensive coverage of the Kentucky Derby across multiple platforms, allowing fans worldwide to witness this historic moment. With a start time set for 6:57 p.m. on Saturday, May 3, anticipation builds for what could be a groundbreaking performance by Admire Daytona. Regardless of the outcome, his participation marks a significant milestone in international horse racing history.
