While horse racing in the United States faces challenges, Japan is experiencing a resurgence in the sport’s popularity and producing increasingly competitive horses.

Japan's Strategic Investment in Racing

A substantial investment in all aspects of horse racing – including breeding, training, and the races themselves – is driving this success. Historically focused on turf racing, Japan has strategically shifted its attention towards dirt tracks over the past decade.

Kentucky Derby as a Primary Goal

This year, Danon Bourbon and Wonder Dean carry the hopes of the nation. Racing manager Hiroshi Ando expressed optimism about Japan’s prospects, stating, “We are getting closer.” He highlighted the ambition to not only compete but to make history, drawing parallels to Forever Young’s near-victory in the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Classic.

While the Arc De Triomphe in Paris remains a long-term goal, reflecting Japan’s deep roots in turf racing, the immediate focus is on conquering the Kentucky Derby.

The Japan Racing Association's Role

The Japan Racing Association (JRA) initiated the Japan Cup in 1981 to boost national interest and elevate the sport. It has since become the world’s richest turf race, boasting an $8.2 million purse.

Learning from International Expertise

Tom Hashimoto, general manager of the JRA’s New York Representative Office, emphasized the importance of learning from international expertise, particularly from the U.S. and Europe, in developing Japan’s thoroughbred program. He noted that this development was a gradual process, built step-by-step on lessons learned from other countries.

A History of Thoroughbred Development

Japan’s success story began in the early 1990s with Sunday Silence, a champion in the U.S. who was exported to Japan due to limited breeding opportunities domestically. He became Japan’s leading sire for 13 consecutive years, and his lineage continues to produce winners worldwide.

Interest in dirt racing gained momentum after Victoire Pisa’s victory in the 2011 Dubai World Cup. The presence of American Pharoah in Japan for breeding until July further fuels this trend, with breeders eager to see the performance of his offspring.

Improving Derby Performance

Japan’s journey in the Kentucky Derby has seen steady improvement, from Ski Captain’s 14th-place finish in 1995 to Master Fencer’s sixth place in 2019, Derma Sotogake’s sixth in 2023, and Forever Young’s close third-place finish in 2024.

The Derby’s timing – a Sunday morning event in Japan – has captured the attention of Japanese racing fans, boosting both viewership and betting. Ando describes the Derby atmosphere as the best in racing and admits it’s addictive.

The intentional and strategic investment by Japanese stakeholders is clearly paying off, ensuring a growing Japanese presence in the world’s most prestigious horse race. Hashimoto underscored the holistic approach to funding the industry, emphasizing investment in breeding, training, and racing to create a sustainable and thriving ecosystem.