Blue Stripe, an unforgettable champion, dies in Japan at age 9

The remarkable sister to Blue Prize left an unforgettable mark between Argentina and the United States, where she came within a nose of capturing the Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1) before her passing in Japan at the age of 9

HOKKAIDO, Japan (Special to Turf Diario).- The news struck hard across both Argentine and international racing. Extraordinary mare Blue Stripe, one of the finest South American runners of recent years and also a major performer in the United States, died last March 11 in Japan, according to official records from the Japanese Stud Book.

The information was first reported by Churchill Downs analyst Kaitlin Benson, although no official cause of death has yet been disclosed. She was only 9 years old.

A daughter of Equal Stripes and Blues for Sale (Not for Sale), and a maternal sister to the unforgettable Blue Prize, winner of the 2019 Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1), Blue Stripe built a brilliant career between Argentina and North America, leaving an unforgettable impression through her class, courage, and tremendous racing ability.

Bred by Haras La Manija and always carrying the colors of Haras Pozo de Luna, Blue Stripe quickly distinguished herself in Argentina under the care of Nicolás Martín Ferro, winning the Gran Premio Criadores (G1), the Clásico Bullrich (G2), and the Clásico Haras Argentinos (L), the latter against males.

But her international breakthrough would come later.

After contesting the 2021 Breeders’ Cup Distaff, where she finished seventh following physical setbacks leading up to the race, the bay mare remained in California and during 2022 developed into one of the leading older mares in the United States, now under the care of Marcelo Polanco.

She captured the Santa Margarita Stakes (G2) and later reached the peak of her career when winning the prestigious Clement L. Hirsch Stakes (G1), defeating several of the best dirt mares in the country.

Still, the most emotional chapter of her story would arrive that November, when she came within inches of racing immortality.

In the Breeders’ Cup Distaff at Keeneland, Blue Stripe delivered a memorable performance and was beaten only a nose by champion Malathaat (Curlin) in one of the most dramatic finishes of that year’s Breeders’ Cup.

That afternoon permanently cemented her place among the greatest Argentine mares exported to the world stage.

In total, Blue Stripe won 6 of her 11 starts and earned US$801,882.

Her enormous genetic value was confirmed shortly afterward when she sold for US$4 million during the 2022 Fasig-Tipton November Sale to Japan’s Grand Farm.

Before ultimately shipping to Japan, she still managed to become part of the inaugural book of services for Flightline (Tapit), the American Horse of the Year.

From that mating came a colt named Sky Strike, currently a 2-year-old. She also produced a 2025 colt by Kitasan Black, and had recently foaled another colt on February 24, this time by Japanese phenomenon Equinox.

Her early passing leaves an enormous sense of loss.

Blue Stripe was much more than a tremendously talented race mare. Few horses represented the growth of Argentine breeding on the international stage as powerfully as she did, following in the footsteps of Blue Prize while carrying the prestige of an extraordinary family to the highest level.

A genuine champion.

One that will never be forgotten.