Japanese trainers have made a huge splash on the international scene in the 21st century, lighting up the stage in Dubai, Australia, and the USA. The Dubai World Cup, Melbourne Cup, and Breeders’ Cup Festival have all fallen under the Japanese spell since 2000. However, there is one international showstopper which has remained elusive – the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
No international race captures the imagination of Japanese racing fans quite like the Longchamp showpiece, with betting turnover for the contest often on a par with the biggest domestic Group 1 races. Given that popularity, a Japanese Arc winner would be met with wild acclaim. But as yet, we haven’t had one. Following a series of placed efforts, could 2025 finally be the year that Japan wins the race it covets above all others?
The Near Misses
Since Speed Symboli finished 11th in the 1969 edition, over 30 runners have travelled from Japan in an effort to conquer the Arc. All have failed, but the following quartet came close to handing the nation a longed-for success.
1999: El Condor Pasa (Second)
Following wins in the Japan Cup, the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud, and the Prix Foy, this Yoshitaka Ninomiya star was well fancied in 1999, and he very nearly did it. Attempting to make all, El Condor Pasa found himself three lengths clear in the straight, only to be run down by a magnificent finishing effort from the sensational Montjeu.
2006: Deep Impact (Third)
A five-time Grade 1 winner in his homeland, Yauo Ikee’s star performer started favourite in 2006. The four-year-old held every chance in the straight but could not repel the late thrusts of Rail Link and Pride. Deep Impact crossed the line in third but was later disqualified due to a banned substance being found in his sample.
2010: Nakayama Festa (Second)
Eleven years on from El Condor Pasa, Japan suffered another agonising defeat. Nakayama Festa came with a late charge to hit the front inside the final furlong, only to be undone by the Sir Michael Stoute-trained Workforce, who got up to score by a head.
2012 & 2013: Orfevre (Second)
In 2012, Orfevre looked certain to break Japan’s Arc duck when moving two lengths clear in the straight. However, his stamina wilted inside the final 100 yards as he was reeled in by the charging Solemia.
Returning for a second crack in 2013, Orfevre again ran well, but was no match for the brilliant five-length winner, Treve.
The 2025 Contenders
It’s been a case of close but no cigar so far for Japan, but those near misses have only served to enhance the desire for Arc success. In 2025, the following quartet are the latest to make a bid for Japanese racing immortality.
- Croix Du Nord – Sporting the same Sunday Racing Co Ltd silks as Dubai Sheema Classic winner Shahyrar, Takashi Saito’s Croix Du Nord won the Japanese Derby in June and warmed up for the Arc with a win in the Prix du Prince d’Orange
- Byzantine Dream – A Group-class performer at up to two miles, Tomoyasu Sakaguchi’s stable star has no concerns in the stamina department. He proved his effectiveness over this trip in the Prix Foy last time out, and could go close under Oisin Murphy
- Aloha Alii – Following three successive defeats in Japan, Aloha Alii was an unconsidered 100/1 shot for the Arc. However, an impressive three-and-a-half-length success in the Prix Guillaume d’Ornana saw those odds come crashing down. Godolphin’s Cualificar managed only third that day but boosted the form when landing the Prix Niel on Trials Day
- Shin Emperor – As a full brother to 2020 winner Sottsass, Shin Emperor is certainly bred for the job. Having finished 12th in 2024, he will attempt to emulate his sibling, who won the Arc at the second attempt. His participation hinges on test results following his disappointing display in the Irish Champion Stakes
With three runners who won a French Group race on their most recent start, and another so closely related to a previous winner, the Japanese Arc dream is very much alive in 2025.