Drefong Off the Mark in Style

Mark Smith - Sunday June 13

Few things excite fans more than a pure white thoroughbred, and Japan has been blessed of late with a few that can gallop.

Advertisement

The latest is the Kiyoshi Hagiwara-trained 2yo filly Hyams Beach who overcame a wide run to win a 1400m Newcomers race at Tokyo on Saturday.

Hyams Beach became the first winner for Defrong, providing Eclipse Award-winning sprinter with an impressive start to his stallion career.

Yukichan the dam of Hyams Beach (image JBIS)

A three-quarter sister to the current superstar Sodachi, Hyams Beach is a daughter of the pure white, three times stakes winner, Yukichan (Kurofune), a daughter of the snow-white Sunday Silence mare Shirayukihime.

Drefong was the most accomplished racehorse produced by Gio Poni (USA), who shuttled to Arrowfield Stud. Trained by Bob Baffert, Drefong won six of nine starts, with wins at the highest level in the 2016 King's Bishop Stakes and Breeders' Cup Sprint and the 2017 Forego.

Advertisment
More Reading...
High Hopes for Up and Comers
Andrew Forsman is hoping the younger members of his stable can make their mark in the new season’s age group events.
Backing Tomorrow’s Leaders: Sunline Trust and Stallion Auction Unite for the Future
On Saturday 26 July, the New Zealand thoroughbred breeding community will gather at the National Breeding Awards — not only to celebrate excellence, but to invest in the future of our people and our industry.
Qilin Queen First Group Winner for Pinatubo
As a Champion European 2YO by Shamardal, that did not win beyond 1400m, we might have expected Darley shuttler Pinatubo (IRE) to be a sharp juvenile sire, but that has not been the case in the Northern Hemisphere.
Vale, Leading NZ Administrator Ian Boyland
New Zealand racing has lost a highly respected and popular administrator with the passing of Ian Boyland at the age of 81.
What Should Breeders Make of This?
When a stallion (who is standing at a fraction of his esteemed peers 2025 fees) leads the 2025 2yo Australian General Sires list by Winners to Runners, what if anything is this signalling to breeders?
Star Sprinting Mare Olentia Heads to Magic Virtual Sale
Outstanding racemare Olentia will provide buyers from around the globe an incredible opportunity when she is offered at next month's Magic Millions Virtual Sale.
Kneebone to Launch Training Career
Tauranga’s race meeting on July 6 marked the beginning of an exciting new venture for Nick Kneebone.
Colt from Aussie Glamour Girl Mosheen Tops JRHA Select Sale - Yearlings
The first day of the 2025 JRHA Select Sale featuring yearlings was held at Northern Horse Park in Hokkaido on Monday and the horse that topped the session is a colt from four time Australian Group I winning mare Mosheen.
Century of Winners for McDougal
Corrina McDougal had to wait on a protest before earning her first training success, but on Sunday at Woodville, her 100th was never in doubt.
Sires With Winners - Monday July 14
Here is the full list of 25 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.