Multiple-grade 1 winner Red Falx was represented by his first winner July 2 when Nac Brave captured a 1,200-meter maiden race for juveniles over the turf course at Fukushima Racecourse.
Nac Brave, ridden by Takuya Kowata, tracked the leaders from third position early, hit the front a furlong out and won by three-quarters of a length. The colt, trained by Hiroaki Sugiura, was timed in 1:11.10.
Bred by Hirota Bokujo at Mitsuishi on Hokkaido Island and out of the Sakura Bakushin O mare Wakino Bakushin, Nac Brave first passed through the ring at the 2021 HBA Summer Yearling Sale, where he was acquired by Shadai Farm for ¥11,000,000 (US$80,292). Earlier this year, Kinya Komatsu signed the ticket on the colt for ¥18,600,000 (US$135,766) at the Chiba Thoroughbred Two-Year-Old Sale.
Red Falx, a son of Swept Overboard, is one of only three horses in history to win the Sprinters Stakes (G1) twice in a row. Named the 2017 JRA champion sprinter, he started his stud duties at Shadai Stallion Station in 2019 and stands there for ¥800,000 (approximately US$5,839). Nac Brave is the seventh starter for Red Falx at JRA, and his broodmare sire is also among the three horses who won back-to-back Sprinters Stakes.
