History Beckons: Croix du Nord Sets Sights on Unprecedented Spring Triple Crown

May 16th 2026

The Japanese racing world is bracing for a potentially historic moment this June, as the dual Group 1 winner Croix du Nord has been confirmed for the Takarazuka Kinen. Having already secured victories in the Osaka Hai and the Tenno Sho (Spring) earlier this year, the four-year-old colt now stands on the precipice of a feat never before achieved in the history of the sport.

The Quest for the Spring Triple Crown

The Sunday Racing Club announced on Saturday that Croix du Nord will target the Takarazuka Kinen on June 14th at Hanshin. Regular rider Yuichi Kitamura will remain in the plate as they attempt to sweep the three most prestigious middle-to-long distance races of the Japanese spring season.

While several legendary horses have won two out of the three, no domestic-bred horse has ever managed to win the Osaka Hai, the Tenno Sho (Spring), and the Takarazuka Kinen in a single calendar year.

The Physical Gauntlet

The scarcity of this achievement is rooted in the extreme physical demands of the spring schedule. To claim the crown, a horse must demonstrate world-class speed in the 2,000m Osaka Hai, step up in distance to a gruelling 3,200m in the Tenno Sho (Spring), and then drop back down to the 2,200m distance of the Takarazuka Kinen - all within a ten-week window.

This effect on a horse’s cardiovascular system and muscle composition is why even legends like Kitasan Black have seen their stamina finally buckle at the final hurdle.

The Ghost of 2017: Following Kitasan Black

For Croix du Nord, this bid is more than just a search for silverware; it is a chance to finish what his sire, the legendary Kitasan Black, started. In 2017, Kitasan Black made a definitive attempt at the inaugural Spring Triple Crown that captivated the nation:

• Leg 1: He dominated the Osaka Hai, claiming the inaugural running of the race as a Group 1.

• Leg 2: He delivered a record-breaking performance in the Tenno Sho (Spring), outlasting Cheval Grand over the 3,200-metre course.

• Leg 3: Entering the Takarazuka Kinen as the overwhelming 2/5 favourite, the heavy schedule finally took its toll. Kitasan Black finished a shock 9th behind Satono Crown, falling just short of the historic sweep.

Seven years later, his son returns to the same stage at Hanshin, looking to succeed where his father's stamina finally wavered.

A ¥300,000,000 Incentive

Beyond the prestige and the family legacy, there is a massive financial incentive driving this campaign. The Japan Racing Association (JRA) offers a staggering 300 million yen bonus (approximately £1.5 million) to any Japanese-bred horse that completes this specific treble. Should Croix du Nord prevail, he would be the first horse to ever trigger this lucrative payout.

The Return of a Rivalry: The Ultimate Tie-Breaker

The Takarazuka Kinen will also serve as a stage for a high-profile rematch against Museum Mile, the horse voted Best 3-Year-Old Colt of last year. This will be their first encounter since their legendary battles during the Classic season, where they established a perfectly balanced 1-1 head-to-head record.

In the Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas, above), Museum Mile reigned supreme, beating Croix du Nord into second place with a devastating turn of foot. However, Croix du Nord turned the tables in the Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby, below), securing a brilliant victory and evening the score. The Spring Grand Prix now serves as the ultimate tie-breaker for these two champions.

Current Condition and Recovery

Following a gruelling victory in the Tenno Sho (Spring) - won by a narrow margin of a nose - Croix du Nord has been resting at Northern Farm Shigaraki in Shiga Prefecture. Early reports are encouraging. His body weight has recovered significantly, rising from 514kg during his last race to a healthy 535kg.

The stable reports that the colt is adjusting well on the uphill training track and is scheduled to return to the Ritto Training Centre next week to begin his final preparations for his date with destiny.

History Maker?

If Croix du Nord manages to pull of the almost impossible feat, in my opinion, he'd go down as one of the all-time greats. Can he gain revenge for his father's defeat in 2017? We'll find out on June 14th.