Horse racing in Japan is on the rise. A Kentucky Derby winner could be next
Horse racing in Japan is growing in popularity and competitiveness, with increased investment in breeding, training, and dirt-track racing helping Japanese horses become stronger contenders on the global stage. After near successes like Forever Young's third-place finish in the 2024 Kentucky Derby, Japan is aiming for a historic win with entrants Danon Bourbon and Wonder Dean. The sport's rising profile in Japan is boosting public awareness and industry growth, supported by strategic learning from international racing programs.
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Open this photo in gallery:Kentucky Derby entrant Danon Bourbon works out at Churchill Downs on Monday in Louisville, Ky.Charlie Riedel/The Associated PressShareSave for laterPlease log in to bookmark this story.Log InCreate Free AccountAs horse racing grapples with an uncertain future in the U.S. with tracks closing and legalized sports betting taking away something that made the sport unique, there is a place in the world where it’s getting increasingly popular and turning out significantly better competition.Japan is pouring tons of money into everything from breeding to training and racing, with a turn to dirt-track runners over the past decade or so after turf was the focus for so long.
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