As the first half of the season concludes, a three-way neck-and-neck battle is unfolding for the Japanese leading sire title. As of June 26, Kizuna sits atop the leaderboard with progeny earnings of ¥2,454,877,000 (approx. US$15,175,019). The progeny of Kitasan Black has earned ¥2,385,662,000 (approx. US$14,747,161) and ranks second; with Lord Kanaloa, ranking third with progeny earnings of ¥2,377,920,000 (approx. US$14,699,303). A thin margin of just ¥76,957,000 (approx. US$475,716) separates first-place Kizuna and third-place Lord Kanaloa in the tight battle for leading sire.
Kizuna (Deep Impact), winner of five graded stakes including the 2013 Japanese Derby (G1), was crowned Japan's leading sire in 2023-24. He stood out from the crowd June 7 when Sixpence won the Yasuda Kinen (G1) at Tokyo, adding ¥180,000,000 (US$1,112,684) to his bankroll. World's End by Lord Kanaloa and Gaia Force by Kitasan Black dead-heated for second.
A week later, Croix du Nord, by Kitasan Black, who was ranked third on the 2025 leading sire chart, finished second in the June 14 Takarazuka Kinen (G1) at Hanshin and earned ¥120,000,000, (approx. US$741,790). That victory narrowed the margin between Kitasan Black and Kizuna.
After six consecutive years as the runner-up, there is widespread hope that Lord Kanaloa will finally claim the leading sire title.
