Meisho Hachiro wins 39th Mile Championship Nambu Hai

Meisho Hachiro, a horse belonging to the JRA, secured its first graded stakes victory by winning the 39th Mile Championship Nambu Hai at Morioka Racecourse on October 12, 2026. Ridden by jockey Hiroto Yoshihara, the third favorite overtook the leader in the final straight to claim the title in the 1600m dirt race.

The race featured 11 top-class horses from both the JRA and local circuits. Strength finished in second place, while the 2025 champion and first favorite, Wilson Tesoro, took third.

The event drew significant attention due to a controversial tactical encounter at the fourth corner between jockeys Yuga Kawada and Mirai Iwata. The intense maneuvering between the two favorites, Wilson Tesoro and Luxor Cafe, sparked debate among fans regarding riding styles and positioning, though neither horse ultimately secured the win.