King Kamehameha (horse)

King Kamehameha (キングカメハメハ, 2001 – 2019) was a Japanese Thoroughbred racehorse. Bred by Northern Farm, he was owned by Makoto Kaneko and trained by Kunihide Matsuda. He was sired by Kingmambo out of the mare Manfrotto, a daughter of Sunday Silence.

King Kamehameha achieved significant success on the racetrack. He won the Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) and the NHK Mile Cup in 2004, establishing himself as one of the leading three-year-olds of his generation in Japan. His victory in the Japanese Derby was particularly impressive, showcasing his stamina and speed.

Following his racing career, King Kamehameha became a highly successful stallion at Shadai Stallion Station. He sired numerous high-class racehorses, including Lord Kanaloa, Duramente, Rose Kingdom, and Apapane. His progeny consistently demonstrated talent across a range of distances and surfaces, solidifying his reputation as a leading sire in Japan. He became a Champion Sire in Japan multiple times.

King Kamehameha died in 2019 at the age of 18. His legacy continues through his offspring and his significant contribution to Japanese Thoroughbred breeding.