Kurifuji
Kurifuji, also known as Toshifuji, was an undefeated Thoroughbred racemare, whose three classic wins included the Tokyo Yūshun race or Japanese Derby.
She was a chestnut mare that was bred at the Shimofusa Stud in Japan. Kurifuji was by the five-time leading sire, Tournesol, and her dam Kenfuji was by the imported sire, Chapel Brampton. She was a sister to three other horses including Happy Might who won the Tenno Sho, autumn race over 3,200 metres.
Racing record
In 1943 Kurifuji was only the second filly to win the Japanese Derby after Hisatomo had done so in 1937. This race attracts top quality horses and many Japanese champions have won it including Deep Impact, Narita Brian, Shinzan and Symboli Rudolf. Kurifuji also won the 1943 Yushun Himba and 1943 Kikuka Shō. Racing in Japan, she had a total of 11 wins for 11 starts.Breeding career
Known as Kurifuji during her racing career, she was known as Toshifuji as a broodmare. Her progeny won 55 races and included:- 1946 colt, Tohanofuji, by Shian Mor, won 15 races
- 1949 colt, Theft Y by Theft, won 8 races
- 1950 filly, Ichijo by Theft, won 7 races
- 1951 filly, Yamaichi by Toshishiro, won 5 races including the Yushun Himba and Oka Sho etc.
- 1953 colt, Homaremon by Greylord won 5 races
- 1954 colt, Fuji-O by Greylord won 6 races
- 1958 filly, Mejirofuji by Greylord, won 2 races
- 1961 colt, Sugaya Homare by Turks Reliance, won 7 races.
In 1984 Kurifuji was inducted into the Japan Racing Association Hall of Fame.