In the world of horse racing, few names echo with as much admiration and awe as Hearts Cry. Born in Japan in 2001, this bay stallion etched his name into the international racing scene by doing what no horse had done before—defeating the legendary Deep Impact. But beyond that historic upset, Hearts Cry would go on to establish himself not only as a champion on the track but also as a sire whose influence now spans the globe.
The Race That Changed Everything
Hearts Cry had always shown potential but struggled to secure a major win—until the 2005 Arima Kinen. In a bold move, jockey Christophe Lemaire took him to the front early, breaking away from his usual hold-up style. Facing the undefeated Triple Crown winner Deep Impact, Hearts Cry delivered a stunning performance to hold off the favorite by half a length and secure his first G1 title.
2005 Arima Kinen – Hearts Cry Defeats Deep Impact
Conquering Dubai
The following year, Hearts Cry took his talents to the international stage, winning the Dubai Sheema Classic in dominant fashion, finishing more than four lengths ahead of European champion Ouija Board. With this victory, he became one of the first Japanese horses to make a mark on the global Group 1 circuit.
Legacy in Motion: Lys Gracieux and Beyond
Among Hearts Cry’s many outstanding progeny, one of the most iconic is Lys Gracieux. In 2019, she capped off her career with a commanding win in the Arima Kinen, echoing her sire’s triumph 14 years earlier. It was a poetic father-daughter victory in the same race, making Hearts Cry one of the few stallions to sire a winner of the race he himself conquered.
2019 Arima Kinen – Lys Gracieux’s Glorious Farewell
Global Impact and Lasting Legacy
Hearts Cry passed away in March 2023 at the age of 22. His passing came just weeks before Lemaire rode Equinox, a modern superstar, to victory in the Dubai Sheema Classic—echoing the moment they once shared in 2006. Lemaire dedicated that win to Hearts Cry, a testament to the emotional and professional impact the horse had on his career.
From Niikappu, Japan, to Ascot, Dubai, and Longchamp, Hearts Cry’s bloodline continues to shine through his progeny. He not only paved the way for Japanese horses on the world stage but redefined what Japanese breeding could achieve.
Final Thoughts
Hearts Cry’s story is not just one of racing success, but of breaking boundaries and building bridges between Japan and the international racing world. From conquering Deep Impact to siring global champions, his legacy endures—galloping forward with every new generation that carries his heart.
Learn More About Hearts Cry
For an in-depth overview of Hearts Cry’s career and legacy, you can visit the official memorial page hosted by JRA-VAN:
▶ Hearts Cry Memorial Page | JRA-VAN
Related Reading
If you enjoyed this article and want to learn more about Japanese horse racing legends, don’t miss our feature on Hearts Cry’s greatest rival:
▶ Deep Impact: The Legend Who Shocked the World of Horse Racing
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