Staff Writer |
Japanese-bred horses have been gaining ground in North American horse racing in recent years. Many view the 2021 Breeders' Cup, held at Del Mar, as the high point of this trend. During that weekend, Marche Lorraine emerged victorious in the Gr.1 Breeders' Cup Distaff, while Loves Only You triumphed in the Gr.1 Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf.
Many have long believed that a Japanese horse would eventually win a prestigious race like the Gr.1 Kentucky Derby and pave the way for more Japanese competitors to enter the scene. While this has yet to happen, with eight horses from Japan participating in this year's two-day event at Santa Anita Park on 3rd and 4th November, it's possible that the floodgates could finally burst open.
"I can't even really imagine, to be honest, winning such a great race," said Hiroyuki Asanuma, who owns Gr.1 Breeders' Cup Classic contender Derma Sotogake , through journalist Toshi Onikubo who translated his comments. "But you know, if we're sending a horse you know we'd like to win."
The Breeders' Cup Classic victory holds great significance as Asanuma, aged 73 and requiring a cane to walk, made the long journey from Japan to be present. Moreover, the trainer of the horse, Hidetaka Otonashi, aged 68, cannot renew his training license post 70 years of age, according to Japan Racing Association guidelines. The duo's last best chance at World Championship glory may be Derma Sotogake, who finished sixth in this year's Kentucky Derby. Additionally, Ushba Tesoro is also participating in the Classic, and his jockey, Yuga Kawada, expressed his delight regarding the opportunity.
"Personally, and, as a representative of Japan, this is a really good challenge, to come here and make history for Japan and myself as well," he said through interpreter Raazi Hamad.
Preparations for the 40th running of the Breeders' Cup Championships, which will take place on Friday and Saturday at Santa Anita Race Track in Arcadia, California, are ongoing as Ushba Tesoro takes to the track. Although Ecoro Neo was scratched from the Gr.1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile, there are several other Japanese runners, including Meikei Yell in the Filly and Gr.1 Mare Sprint, Jasper Krone in the Gr.1 Turf Sprint, Win Marilyn in the Filly and Gr.1 Mare Turf, Win Carnelian and Songline in the Gr.1 Breeders' Cup Mile, and Shahryar in the Gr.1 Breeders' Cup Turf. Hidenori Take, the trainer of Meikei Yell, comes from a family of horsemen, and he understands the significance of participating in the Breeders' Cup and having the opportunity to win a race.
"It means a lot and it is an honour to have even just one runner here," he said through Onikubo. "You know, if Meikei wins it, that would mean a lot. I'm still a young trainer (42), and that would be meaningful for my career and life as a trainer."
The Difference
Leading Japanese handler, Hiroyuki Asanuma explained that reaching that objective necessitates significant adaptation. Tracks in the United States differ in every aspect, from the surface to the training style to the overall atmosphere. This experience will enhance his abilities as a trainer. The knowledge gained from previous trips to the U.S. could assist Japanese Thoroughbred trainers in achieving their defining moment at the Breeders' Cup. They are eager to take on this challenge.
"This is the highest pinnacle of dirt racing in the world ... This is the biggest challenge for me," said Otonashi.