Silk Racing Co.'s Almond Eye, winner of the Filly Triple Crown in Japan, was unanimously named Horse of the Year in her native country Jan. 8.
The daughter of Lord Kanaloa won five races in 2018, including the Oka Sho (Japanese One Thousand Guineas, G1), Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks, G1), and Shuka Sho (G1), along with the Japan Cup (G1) and the Nikkan Sports Sho Shinzan Kinen (G3).
She became the first female to unanimously earn all 276 votes cast by Japanese racing journalists for the Horse of the Year title, and also was named champion 3-year-old filly.
The Dubai Turf (G1) or Dubai Sheema Classic (G1) March 30 at Meydan are targets for Almond Eye's seasonal debut. She is also one of the early favorites for the Oct. 6 Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1), which her connections announced as a long-term target following her Japan Cup win.
"I am very honored to receive the prestigious Horse of the Year honor," said Masashi Yonemoto, representative for Silk Racing. "I would like to say thank you to Almond Eye's connections and fans. I would like to challenge the higher stages this year, so please cheer her also from now."
"I only trained the special filly who should be selected the Horse of the Year and only could get the results that she should get without any problems," said trainer Sakae Kunieda. "I would like to do my best (for her) to be selected for this award next year also."
"She was very stunning last year," said jockey Christophe Lemaire, who swept five awards during the ceremony. "In every race, she showed amazing acceleration without defeat. She is a superhorse after the winning the Filly Triple Crown and the Japan Cup, and she is the special horse for me. I want to win the big races this year too, and the number one target is the Arc de Triomphe."
2018 Japan Racing Association Award WinnersHorse of the Year: Almond Eye2-year-old colt: Admire Mars2-year-old filly: Danon Fantasy3-year-old colt: Blast Onepiece3-year-old filly: Almond EyeOlder Horse: Rey De OroOlder Female: Lys GracieuxSprinter: Fine NeedleDirt Horse: Le Vent Se LeveSteeplechaser: Oju ChosanBest Jockey (races won): Christophe LemaireBest Jockey (winning average): Christophe LemaireBest Jockey (money earned): Christophe LemaireMost Valuable Jockey: Christophe LemaireGrand Prize Jockey: Christophe LemaireJRA Special Award: Yutaka Take