Almond Eye’s First Foal, Aaron’s Rod, Set for Derby Day Appearance under Lemaire

May 15th 2026

The racing world will have its eyes firmly fixed on Tokyo Racecourse this coming Derby Day, not just for the Classic itself, but for the highly anticipated return of Aaron’s Rod. The first-born son of the legendary nine-time G1 winner Almond Eye is scheduled to compete in the 2-win Seiran Sho on May 31st, a significant stepping stone as he continues to make up for lost time.

A Career Interrupted at the Breakthrough

While the expectations for Aaron’s Rod have always been sky-high, his journey has been defined by a significant physical setback. After showing promise in his early outings, the colt secured a dominant breakthrough victory in a 2,400m 3-year-old maiden race at Tokyo Racecourse on February 8th 2025.

However, the post-race celebrations were short-lived. X-rays revealed a bone fragment in his left front knee, with further examinations confirming a fracture sustained during the exertion of the race. The diagnosis required a minimum of six months for recovery, effectively ruling him out of the 2025 Japanese Derby and ending his dreams of a Classic campaign.

Proving the Comeback: The October Milestone

The road back to the track was long, but Aaron’s Rod proved his resilience in the autumn of his three-year-old season. Making his return in October 2025, the colt silenced any doubts about his recovery by securing a hard-fought victory in a 3-year-old allowance race. That win was a crucial milestone, proving that despite the knee surgery and the long layoff, he still possessed the competitive engine that defined his mother's career.

A New Chapter

As 2025 drew to a close, Aaron’s Rod underwent a significant change in management. For much of his early career, he was under the care of Sakae Kunieda - the trainer who masterminded Almond Eye’s historic career. However, following Kunieda’s retirement at the end of last year, the colt was transferred to the stable of Keisuke Miyata.

This move marks a new era for the horse. While Kunieda provided the link to his mother's past, Miyata is now tasked with guiding Aaron’s Rod into his prime years. Since joining the new stable, the colt has been carefully managed to ensure his physical condition remains stable, returning to the Miho Training Centre on 9 May after a conditioning stint at Northern Farm Ten-ei.

The Seiran Sho and the Lemaire Connection

Now a four-year-old, Aaron’s Rod heads into the Seiran Sho - a contest for four-year-olds and upwards in the 2-win class over 2,400 metres. Christophe Lemaire, who famously steered Almond Eye to her record-breaking heights and has been the regular pilot for Aaron’s Rod through his highs and lows, remains in the irons. Lemaire’s deep understanding of the colt’s stride and physical history will be vital as they navigate the Tokyo home straight once again.

The Significance of Derby Day

Making an appearance on the same card as the Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) adds a layer of poignancy to the event. A year ago, this was the day Aaron’s Rod was destined for; instead, he was in the early stages of a long rehabilitation. As the racing community prepares for the biggest day on the calendar, fans will be watching closely to see if he can finally begin the climb toward the elite G1 level his pedigree suggests.