Hokusei Iwakiyama won the Banei Kikka-sho, its first victory since the Nanakamado-sho in October last year. Abe Yuya (阿部優哉) was the jockey, recording his first win in the race.
The Banei Kikka-sho, a BG2 race, was held over 200 metres of dirt at Obihiro Racecourse. Favourite Hokusei Iwakiyama produced a strong finish from before the second obstacle to claim its second graded-race victory. The winning time was 2:16.9, marking its first win since the Nanakamado-sho in October last year.
Fifth favourite Yamato Tensho finished second, while seventh favourite Kotobuki Lavender finished third. Hokusei Iwakiyama carried the top weight of 710 kg. During the race, winds were strong and the track was dry and heavy.
Jockey Abe Yuya (阿部優哉), recording his first win in the race, said he wanted to “undertake even more rigorous training” ahead of the Banei Derby at Obihiro on 30 December. Trainer Sakamoto Toichi (坂本東一) expressed delight at the win and said training would continue with the Derby in mind.
Following this victory, Hokusei Iwakiyama has indicated its intention to pursue entry in the Banei Derby, and has called for continued support from fans.