Japan Builds Hope for Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe Win

Japan’s long pursuit of a first victory in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is gathering fresh momentum as a powerful group of contenders prepares for key tests in Europe this weekend. Trainer Yoshito Yahagi and his star colt Shin Emperor horse headline the challenge, aiming to turn years of near-misses into a historic breakthrough at Longchamp next month.

Shin Emperor horse will run in Saturday’s Group 1 Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown, a race that often shapes the Arc picture. The 4-year-old came in third in this race last year, went on to have a bad run in heavy going at Longchamp. He recovered, however, with a second spot in the Japan Cup, followed by a very nice success in Saudi Arabia. A below-par effort in Dubai prompted a long layoff, but Yahagi believes the horse has returned stronger and wiser.

The Japanese camp’s optimism rose even higher after the unexpected success of Byzantine Dream in an Arc trial last weekend. That performance suggested that this year’s crop from Japan has the quality and readiness to match Europe’s best. Alongside Shin Emperor horse, Derby winner Croix Du Nord will run in Sunday’s Group 3 Prix du Prince d’Orange at Longchamp, a key race to measure his Arc credentials.

Speaking after Shin Emperor horse’s sharp gallop at the Curragh on Tuesday morning, Yahagi’s racing representative Hiroshi Ando said the team is quietly confident. “All the Japanese horses are a strong group to challenge the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, and we hope Shin Emperor horse will not disappoint this group. We hope it can be this year,” Ando told Idol Horse, signaling belief that the long wait might soon end.

History, however, warns against premature celebration. Japan has sent many champions to Paris, from El Condor Pasa to Deep Impact and Orfevre, yet none have managed to win Europe’s most prestigious middle-distance race, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. After every near-miss, the determination to win the trophy has only gone up. Yahagi, who has a reputation for taking his horses through tough international competition, is considered to be the perfect trainer to turn a dream into reality and finally transport the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe back to Japan.

This campaign reflects careful planning. Last year, Shin Emperor horse was prepared in Chantilly and flew to Ireland just a day before the Irish Champion Stakes. This season, Yahagi has opted for a longer stay in Europe to sharpen the horse’s fitness and settle him into local conditions. Shin Emperor horse arrived at the Curragh on August 29 and has been based at the Rangers Lodge stables of Richard Brabazon, whose father, Aubrey, was a celebrated jockey. Big-race rider Ryusei Sakai joined the team on Monday to partner with the chestnut in his final workouts.

Sakai was pleased with the horse’s latest piece of fast work, in which Shin Emperor followed a lead horse ridden by Irish jockey Chris Hayes. “He felt very well, very comfortable, I was very happy,” Sakai said. “He is a more mature and stronger horse now than last year, more experienced too. I also learned a lot from the experience at Leopardstown last year and I hope that experience can help us in the big race, and eventually in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.”

Saturday’s Irish Champion Stakes will provide the first major test of Shin Emperor’s readiness, as he faces Delacroix and other top European runners. A strong performance would not only boost confidence for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe but also demonstrate that the carefully adjusted preparation has paid off.

Meanwhile, attention will also turn to Croix Du Nord in Paris on Sunday. The Japanese Derby winner carries high expectations after a dominant domestic season and will attempt to secure his ticket to Longchamp with a convincing run in the Prix du Prince d’Orange. A positive showing would add another layer of strength to Japan’s Arc arsenal.

The coming weekend promises a revealing look at Japan’s prospects for one of racing’s most coveted prizes. With Shin Emperor horse seeking to deliver a statement in Ireland and Croix Du Nord stepping out in France, the path to Longchamp is taking shape. Years of ambition, heartbreak, and relentless preparation have brought Japan to another pivotal moment. Whether this will finally be the year remains to be seen, but the resolve and planning behind the current campaign give the nation’s supporters every reason to watch with keen interest.