Godolphin’s Kentucky-bred Lemon Pop, Japan’s Top Dirt Horse of 2023, capped of his stellar career with a repeat victory in the G1 Champions Cup at Chukyo Racecourse in Japan on Dec. 1. Bred in Kentucky by Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Tait, Lemon Pop is trained by Hiroyasu Tanaka.

The 6-year-old son of Lemon Drop Kid entered this year’s Champions Cup as a winner in 12 of 15 starts in Japan. His wins include a sweep of Japan’s two Grade 1 dirt races in 2023—the February Stakes (G1) and the Champions Cup (G1).

Front-Running Score

In this year’s Champions Cup, Lemon Pop led throughout in the approximately 1 1/8-mile fixture. He drew clear to a three-length lead in the lane and appeared well on his way to a dominating win. But Wilson Tesoro (JPN), last year’s runner-up, had other ideas. Wilson Tesoro closed resolutely in deep stretch. A game and determined Lemon Pop held his rival at bay, however, to score by a nose at the finish.

Lemon Pop is produced from the Giant’s Causeway mare Unreachable. He concludes a stellar racing career with 13 wins from 18 lifetime starts, banking more than $5.3 million. Lemon Pop was a $70,000 graduate of the 2018 Keeneland November Sale where he was consigned by Blandford Farm and acquired by Paca Paca Farm.