Unbeaten Triple Crown Champion Mick Fire Retires from Racing at TCK

Mick Fire's Remarkable Journey and Retirement

Mick Fire, the illustrious 6-year-old stallion of Tokyo City Keiba (TCK), has officially announced his retirement from competitive racing after a stellar career characterized by resilience and many remarkable achievements. Last raced on July 22, 2023, in the Santa Anita Trophy (SⅢ), Mick Fire concluded his career after finishing 12th in a packed field of 15 horses as an 8th favorite. His remarkable achievements include winning the Southern Kanto Classic Triple Crown without defeat, a feat that has placed him in the annals of horse racing history.

A Legacy of Unbeaten Triumph

Mick Fire's rise began in September 2022 at TCK, where he immediately caught attention despite facing injuries. The turning point came in 2023 when he emerged victorious from three major races: the Haneda Cup (SⅠ), the Tokyo Derby (SⅠ), and the Japan Dirt Derby (JpnⅠ), achieving the unprecedented feat of an unbeaten Triple Crown. This victory made him only the second horse to achieve this since Tohshin Blizzard in 2001 and the first to do so as a native of Oi.

The year 2023 also marked the last before the implementation of the current “Three-Year-Old Dirt Triple Crown,” making Mick Fire a significant part of TCK’s history. His accomplishments earned him a championship title that will not be forgotten soon.

Post-TCK, Mick Fire continued his legacy by winning the Derby Grand Prix (M1) in Iwate that autumn and earning the 'NAR Grand Prix 2023' for the best three-year-old colt. His racing career wrapped up with a commendable record of 21 starts and 7 wins, making him a formidable competitor against both central and local horses.

The Ceremony of Farewell

To honor this legendary stallion, an official retirement ceremony will be held at the Oi Racecourse on October 7th after the last race, starting around 20:50. Fans and enthusiasts are invited to celebrate the incredible journey of Mick Fire and witness his last appearance as a racehorse. This event provides an opportunity to relive the emotions that Mick Fire brought to the fans over the years. Expectations are high for Mick Fire's future as a stallion at Rex Stud, where he will pass down his exceptional potential to the next generation of racehorses.

Trainer and Jockey Reflections

Trainer Kazuo Watanabe expressed heartfelt memories with Mick Fire, particularly regarding the Japan Dirt Derby. He recalled the mix of hope and doubt leading up to the race, culminating in overwhelming joy upon victory. Emotions ran high as he recalled the enthusiastic support from fans during this celebration.

Watanabe recalled wishing for Mick Fire to become a stallion throughout his career, appreciating the extraordinary opportunity of passing on his genes at Rex Stud, the same place where he was born.

Jockey Kunihito Omagari, who partnered with Mick Fire since his three-year-old season, shared insights into their journey, commemorating their achievements in the Haneda Cup and Derby. He emphasized the importance of the bond they shared, crediting Mick Fire for being a significant part of his career. Omagari remains optimistic about Mick Fire's future offspring, hoping to ride them in upcoming races.

As Mick Fire transitions to a new chapter in his life, he will be remembered not just for his speed and victories but also for the memories shared with fans, trainers, and jockeys. The anticipation surrounding his progeny will undoubtedly bring excitement in the years to come.

Join us at the retirement ceremony to bid farewell to this remarkable champion and celebrate his future legacy as a stallion, where we look forward to seeing the future impact of Mick Fire's lineage.