By Alan Carasso
Leontes (Jpn) (King Kamehameha {Jpn}–Cesario {Jpn}, by Special Week {Jpn}), the 2015 champion 2-year-old colt in Japan, has been retired from the races with a tendon injury, according to published reports.
Bred by Katsumi Yoshida's Northern Farm from 2005 G1 Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks), GI American Oaks winner and champion 3-year-old filly Cesario and racing in the colors of U.Carrot Farm, Leontes sparkled in each of his two racetrack appearances last season at two, graduating at first asking over 2000 metres before cutting back to the metric mile for a 3/4-length success in the G1 Asahi Hai Futurity (video) to secure his year-end honors. Just touched off by Makahiki (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) on his seasonal return in the G2 Hochi Hai Yayoi Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas Trial) at Nakayama Mar. 6 (video), Leontes was unplaced in the final two starts of his career, including a close fifth to Makahiki in the G1 Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) May 29.
A half-brother to 2014 G1 Japan Cup hero Epiphaneia (Jpn) (Symboli Kris S) and from the immediate family of two-time English highweight Anna Pavlova (GB) (Danehill Dancer {Ire}), Leontes retires with earnings of ¥130,406,000 (US$1,112,892).
Stud arrangements are pending.
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