Kurifuji (Japanese: クリフジ; Hepburn: Kurifuji; 10 March 1940 – c. 1964), 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 (GB), and her dam Kenfuji was by the imported sire, Chapel Brampton (GB). She was a sister to three other horses including Happy Might who won the Tenno Sho, autumn race over 3,200 metres.Morris, Simon; Tesio Power 2000 - Stallions of the World, Syntax Software
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. ASB: Toshifuji (JPN) Retrieved 2010-10-24 Kurifuji also won the 1943 Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks) and 1943 Kikuka Shō (Japanese St. Leger). 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 (IRE), won 8 races 1950 filly, Ichijo by Theft (IRE), won 7 races 1951 filly, Yamaichi by Toshishiro, won 5 races including the Yushun Himba and Oka Sho (Japanese 1,000 Guineas) 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.Ahnert, Rainer L. (editor in chief), Thoroughbred Breeding of the World, Pozdun Publishing, Germany, 1970
Kurifuji, or Toshifuji as she was then known, died in 1964.
In 1984 Kurifuji was inducted into the Japan Racing Association Hall of Fame.
Pedigree
See also List of leading Thoroughbred racehorses
References