A Legend Born from a Bold Breeding Strategy
El Condor Pasa was no ordinary racehorse—he was the result of a daring breeding experiment. His pedigree combined Kingmambo and Saddlers Gal, intertwining the bloodlines of Northern Dancer, Mr. Prospector, and Seattle Slew. This produced a rare 25% inbreeding coefficient, far beyond the typical 18.75% threshold. While most professionals would have avoided this, owner Takashi Watanabe pursued it with a clear vision: to breed a horse capable of winning Europe’s top middle-distance G1 races.
Born in Kentucky, raised in Hokkaido, and named after the Peruvian song “El Condor Pasa,” this colt would soon become a legend on the international stage.
See more on El Condor Pasa (JRA official memorial site)
From Dirt Debut to NHK Mile Cup Glory
El Condor Pasa debuted on dirt, storming from last to first and winning by seven lengths. He followed with a dominant nine-length victory, then triumphed in the Kyodo Tsushin Cup despite a surface change to dirt due to snow. His first turf test came in the New Zealand Trophy (G2), run on heavy ground, and he again won decisively.
He then tackled the NHK Mile Cup (G1) on yielding turf. With early speed and determination, he took the lead and held off his rivals with authority—his first G1 victory, confirming his adaptability and class.
The “Legendary G2”: Clashing with Silence Suzuka and Grass Wonder
In the fall of 1998, El Condor Pasa entered the Mainichi Okan (G2), facing two fan favorites: the front-running Silence Suzuka and the undefeated Grass Wonder. With 130,000 fans in attendance, the race became known as the “Legendary G2.”
Silence Suzuka won wire-to-wire. El Condor Pasa finished a game second, while Grass Wonder faltered. Yet, this performance affirmed El Condor Pasa’s position among Japan’s elite.
Japan Cup Victory Against Domestic Giants
Skipping the Mile Championship, El Condor Pasa aimed for the 2400m Japan Cup (G1). Many doubted his stamina, but he defied expectations, defeating Derby winner Special Week and champion mare Air Groove with a bold early move and relentless finish.
He became the first 3-year-old foreign-bred horse to win the Japan Cup and was named Best 4-Year-Old Colt of 1998.
A Groundbreaking Campaign in France
With the Arc de Triomphe as their goal, Watanabe and his team took an unprecedented step: a long-term European campaign. El Condor Pasa settled in Chantilly and started with a close second in the Prix d’Ispahan. He then won the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (G1), defeating European stars like Tiger Hill.
Next came the Prix Foy (G2), which he also won. By then, he had become a respected contender on the continent.
The Arc That Shook the World
On October 3, 1999, El Condor Pasa led the Arc de Triomphe from the start. Over soft ground, he built a significant lead, only to be caught in the final 100 meters by Montjeu. He lost by just half a length, but the effort was monumental.
The French press praised him: “There were two champions today.” El Condor Pasa had not just run well—he had nearly made history.
A Short Life, A Long Legacy
Back in Japan, he was honored with a retirement ceremony at Tokyo Racecourse. Sadly, he died at age 7 from colic. Yet, from limited progeny, he sired G1 winners such as Vermilion and Song of Wind.
In 2014, he was inducted into the JRA Hall of Fame, securing his legacy.
What El Condor Pasa Means to Japanese Racing
El Condor Pasa blazed a trail few had dared to follow. His long-term European campaign redefined what was possible for Japanese-trained horses. His story inspired successors like Orfevre, Deep Impact, and Equinox.
To many fans, no horse has yet surpassed his combination of power, versatility, and global impact.
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