Introduction to GentildonnaGentildonna, a dark‑bay mare foaled on March 24 2010 in Japan, was bred by Shadai Farm and sired by the legendary Deep Impact out of the Irish‑bred mare Donna Blini. With a career spanning 19 starts, Gentildonna won 12 races, including the Japanese Fillies’ Triple Crown in 2012 and the 2014 Dubai Sheema Classic.
Racing Career HighlightsUnder trainer Kazuo Fujisawa and ridden primarily by Yasunari Iwata, Gentildonna captured the Oka Sho, Yushun Himba, and Shuka Sho in 2012. She added a second victory in the 2013 Japan Cup, and proved internationally dominant with a record‑breaking triumph in the 2014 Dubai Sheema Classic, becoming the first Japanese‑trained horse to win a Grade 1 race on Dubai turf.
Awards and AccoladesGentildonna retired with a career record of 19 starts for 12 wins, 2 seconds and 2 thirds, earning over ¥1.5 billion and receiving multiple JRA Awards including Horse of the Year (2012, 2013) and Best Three‑Year‑Old Filly (2012). According to the Japan Racing Association, Gentildonna is considered one of the greatest mares in Japanese racing history.
Legacy as a BroodmareAfter her 2014 retirement, Gentildonna was sent to Shadai Stud as a broodmare, producing foals such as Arianna (2016, by Deep Impact) and Sappho (2017, by Deep Impact). As noted by BloodHorse, Gentildonna’s influence on Japanese breeding is expected to continue for generations to come.
Conclusion and TakeawaysGentildonna’s remarkable career serves as a testament to the power of Japanese racing and breeding. With her impressive record and numerous awards, Gentildonna has cemented her place in the history of horse racing. As we look to the future, it will be exciting to see the impact of her legacy on the sport.
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