Kathynmarissa, the champion of this year’s Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf, will be relocating to Japan after being sold to Katsumi Yoshida of Northern Farm for $3.2 million at the Fasig-Tipton November Sale on Monday. The 5-year-old mare, a daughter of American Pharoah—who is entering his second season at stud in Japan—caught buyers’ eyes not only because of her prestigious Breeders’ Cup victory but also due to the popularity of her sire in the Japanese racing world.
“She was stunning,” said Shingo Hashimoto, who purchased the mare on behalf of Yoshida. “Her performance last weekend made her look fresh despite racing recently. It was a dominant win—truly remarkable.” Although no definitive plans have been announced regarding Kathynmarissa’s first breeding, Hashimoto mentioned that Equinox, a two-time Japanese Horse of the Year, is a strong contender.
Ending her racing career with eight wins from 16 starts and earnings totaling $3,255,745, Kathynmarissa competed under owner Michael Caruso and Michael Dubb and was trained by Chad Brown. She captured her maiden stakes victory late in her 3-year-old season at the Dueling Grounds Oaks Invitational Stakes at Kentucky Downs. After a shortened 4-year-old campaign, she peaked at five, winning the G3 Modesty Stakes at Churchill Downs followed by a streak of three consecutive wins: the G1 Diana Stakes, G2 Flower Bowl Stakes, and culminating with the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf.
Bred in Kentucky by Don Alberto Corp., Kathynmarissa is out of La Dalila, a Chilean Group 1-winning daughter of Milt’s Overture. La Dalila has produced four winners from five runners, including Chilean champion La Poetisa, who herself is the dam of Group 2 winner Lorenzzo. Kathynmarissa’s pedigree also features notable Chilean bloodlines such as Top Diplomat and Temis, linking her deeply to Chilean racing heritage.
Gainesway, acting as agent, handled the consignment of Kathynmarissa.
This article was originally published in the News section of Paulick Report on November 3, 2026.
Fan Take: This high-profile purchase highlights the ongoing international demand for top-quality turf mares, reflecting the global interconnectedness of thoroughbred racing and breeding. Kathynmarissa’s move to Japan could strengthen bloodlines there and elevate the level of competition, benefiting the sport worldwide.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
