u/Demi_Suzuka_694

Just in case some of you don't know:

Like what it suggests, the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) is the international governing body of horse racing. This organization includes the JRA, BHA, France Galop, HKJC, etc.

The current Chairman, Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, was talking about further modernizing horse racing in the recent press conference held by the IFHA. He included the massive influence of Umamusume: Pretty Derby in his speech and how it revitalizes interest in the sport.

Here's the YT link.

Umamusume has reached even the high-ranking officials of horse racing. Cygames really went for a massive breakthrough.

In fact, the photo attached has all the horses in it, with none left out in the back.

For comparison, here are the cumulative length differences of the Arc renewals this decade:

• 2020 Arc (Sottsass): 30 lengths
• 2021 Arc (Torquator Tasso): 43¼ lengths
• 2022 Arc (Alpinista): 43 lengths
• 2023 Arc (Ace Impact): 14¾ lengths
• 2024 Arc (Bluestocking): 20¾ lengths (Haya Zark pulled up)
• 2025 Arc (Daryz): 22¼ lengths

All at more than 10+ lengths difference.

What an extremely strong field. All are duking it out, and we witnessing history as Daryz becomes the first colt who won the Arc twice since Alleged in 1977-1978 is just the cherry on top.

What an amazing Arc renewal.

(Source @AtTheRaces)

Looks like Aga Khan's trainer Francis-Henri Graffard is aiming for two Japanese G1 races for two of his horses:

• Erdenali (3G) to Mile Championship
• Calandagan (5G) to Japan Cup for the 2nd time

Looks like it's just getting hard for you to finally claim a G1 race, Gaia Force.

(Source @JRA_Special)

La victoire appartient au plus opiniatrê.

Victory belongs to the most persevering.

勝利は、最も忍耐強い者にもたらされる.

Oh you thought that lineup was it? That it's all elimination game from this moment forward? Welp, guess what–another strong competitor joins the Arc!

Friendly Soul is currently a 5-year old mare and was one of the star European fillies in 2024 generation. She's a genmate rival of Kalpana and has already beaten her before. She didn't join G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in 2024 but instead entered G1 Prix de l'Opera and won the race.

She was geared up for her 2025 season but unfortunately a major setback happened to her during training which required more than a year's worth of rest. Because of her injury, she completely skipped her 2025 season.

Now, Friendly Soul is back and is fully healed for her 2026 season and with consistent podium finishes (except one race where she was pulled up by her jockey before starting). She's the recent winner of G1 Prix Vermeille (ParisLongchamp 2400m) during Arc Trials weekend, which is the final leg of the French Triple Tiara but is a race open to all-ages.

Normally, entering the Arc this late wouldn't be possible already. However, since Friendly Soul won a race during Arc Trials weekend which provides exclusive entry in the Arc, she was still able to join the race.

Japan gains yet another strong obstacle. Can't wait to see her in the Arc!

(Source @francegalop)

The official YouTube channel of France Galop will stream this event live. Stream link.

This opening ceremony includes the official reveal of Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe gate draws, which will be shown on 8:45 PM CEST (GMT+2).

Other broadcasting services like Japan's Netkeiba will also hold a livestream on this event.

(Original screenshot by @rdrisms)

Article source

Forever Young wants only the best for himself. He eats the most expensive carrots, and a luxurious stable room with multiple assistant grooms. All high maintenance. If he doesn't get any of these, he gets frustrated.

Ebayan, you're truly living the life of a nepobaby.

Kobe Shimbun Hai, one of the preparatory races for Kikuka Sho, was finally over. Of course, the Triple Crown hopeful Lovcen was the overwhelming favorite. But just like his previous races, this one was very close too. So close that it almost made his fans have a heart attack. Why does Lovcen always do this?

Well, looks like he's learning from the best. Meet Lovcen's damsire, the "Iron Horse" Giant's Causeway!

Giant's Causeway was an American-bred, Irish-trained chestnut racehorse from the 2000 generation. He was bred and owned by Coolmore, and trained under Aidan O'Brien. He was a very strong horse, having 13 starts with 9 wins and 4 2nd places. He never dropped beyond podium. But what really made Giant's Causeway popular was how most of his races were always finished very close. He was so tough and resilient, and a very powerful duelist on the final stretch. This was the origin of his "Iron Horse" nickname. He eventually became a Cartier awardee as the 2000 European Horse of the Year.

He retired as a 3-year old after taking 2nd place in 2000 Breeders' Cup Classic with a grand total of 6 G1 wins, and went on stud duty in Coolmore. Just as he was spectacular as a racehorse, he was also a very successful sire, especially in USA. His bloodline also shined a bit in Japan with Suzuka Causeway and Eishin Apollon, and looks like it will continue shining brightly with Lovcen in the spotlight.

(Source @ponyace)

Ebayan really loves cameras huh, doesn't he? He craves media attention and he deserves all of it.

Oh and Shin Emperor at the back.

(Source @DarleyinJapan)

A multiple G1 winner, having won Dubai Duty Free Stakes (now Dubai Turf), Takarazuka Kinen, and Japan Cup, all in 2007. Achievements that rose him to the height of Japanese horse racing as the Horse of the Year.

A strong contemporary rival of Meisho Samson, Daiwa Major, Pop Rock, and many more.

A horse with a ferocious ability on the turf, yet has a gentle personality.

May you rest well on the great heavenly pastures above, you amazing horse.🕊

His 21st win streak!

Ka Ying Rising did this WHILE CARRYING THE HEAVIEST LOAD IN THE FIELD (135 lbs/61 kg).

HE BROKE THE RECORD BY ALMOST A FULL SECOND. UNWHIPPED.

Japan, Australia.....yeah nobody could beat this monster right now.

Come on, IFHA. Just give the World's Best Racehorse title to him.

Source (World Horse Racing)

Still quite a very long way before Forever Young could surpass Romantic Warrior's record.

Source

(Source @SportingLife)

Also according to the same source, he might skip the Champion Stakes this time (he won the race last year over Ombudsman) at Ascot on October 17, with Japan Cup as his main end-of-year priority.

Previously it was still a plan. Now this is a hard confirmation that Calandagan will return to Japan Cup.

(Source @FrankelWatch13)

Some things to consider for both Deep Impact and Sunday Silence to show just how impressive their records are:

• Japan was still not considered a Part 1 country when Sunday Silence was active as a sire, meaning not all JP G1 races as we all know right now were considered International G1s back then.
• Japan has lesser G1 races compared to USA, Australia, and UK. It's an island country versus continents with countries that can be traveled by land like Europe and South America.
• Both Sunday Silence and Deep Impact unfortunately died early or at least earlier than expected. Both were aged 16 and 17 respectively.

Also, the graded stakes system was introduced in the 1970s. 1984 for Japan in particular. That's why old horses like Nearco or Phalaris are not in this list.

Source (Sky Bet Sporting Life)

"A mile and a quarter race in Japan" refers to none other than Autumn Tenno Sho or Akiten (2000m/10f). Ombudsman is currently the world's highest-rated racehorse under that distance. Akiten has a really good prize money offer too, higher than any European G1 race that isn't the Arc.

Looks like Japan during the autumn season is possibly getting a strong batch of raiders👀