Just A Way ranked #1 in the world

Just A Way, the racehorse owned by Akatsuki Yamatoya, one of Gintama's screenwriters, is set to retire. After finishing in second place in the Japan Cup on November 30, he will run his last race, the Arima Kinen, on December 28, with his retirement ceremony scheduled for January 4. "His running [in the Japan Cup] was fit for a win" was the evaluation of Naosuke Sugai, his trainer. "I'd like to make absolutely sure he finishes his career as a racehorse at the Arima."

Just A Way has earned some impressive accomplishments in his three years as a racehorse. Born in 2009, he won the Arlington Cup in 2012, the autumn Tennō Shō (Emperor's Prize) in 2013, the Nakayama Kinen and Dubai Duty Free Stakes in March 2014, and the Yasuda Kinen in June 2014. This October he raced in the prestigious Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France. This year the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities ranked him #1 in the world, the first Japanese racehorse to receive this honor. "He's unforgettable, there's no way I could forget him," Sugai said.

Stallions are often put out to stud after retirement (meaning that they breed more racehorses), but Just A Way's future is yet undetermined. "Justaway" is also the name of a line of explosive toys in Gintama, as well as a racehorse in one episode.



Prepaid cards featuring Just A Way



[Via Daily Sports Online, Images from Nijimen and Twitter]