The Thoroughbred Connection

The bloodlines of racehorses know no borders, and in the world of thoroughbred breeding, Ireland and Japan have become kindred nations. Japan and Ireland breed some of the best horses in the world. Ireland is the third largest producer of thoroughbreds used for racing, known as bloodstock, in the world.

While Japan has risen to become one of the great powerhouses of global thorough-breeding, now ranking 5th in the world, increasingly its bloodlines are mixing with Ireland’s, as foals from Irish mares and Japanese stallions carry the best of both countries.

These young fillies and colts represent more than just pedigree on paper, they are living testaments to a partnership between the two countries’ traditions with victories on racetracks all over the world.

There is a long tradition and history of Irish-bred and trained horses reaching the height of the sport in Japan, from thundering hooves on racetracks to the breeding farms in Hokkaido furthering the interwoven story of excellence.

Ireland’s deep-rooted tradition of horseracing and thoroughbred breeding has been about more than just the sport for a long time. It also has a significant economic impact that sustains rural communities and has been a strong source of employment across the country. The country’s position as a global leader in the industries has attracted attention far beyond Europe.

Japan has emerged as one of Ireland’s closest partners in this shared passion. Japanese buyers have increasingly purchased Irish bloodstock, creating transcontinental relations that hold both cultural and economic significance for the countries.

A shining example would be track horse, Mad Cool who was bred by Moyglare Stud in County Kildare in Ireland and trained in Japan who was victorious in the prestigious Takamatsunomiya Kinen, a Japanese Grade 1 race in 2024.

Globally, Japan breeds the 4th highest number of thoroughbreds, and the connection flows both ways with its influence on the industry felt in Irish stables. Poetic Flare, trained by Irishman Jim Bolger is currently standing in Shadai Stallion Station in Japan. Meanwhile, Auguste Rodin, Ireland’s Horse of the Year 2024,was sired by the legendary Japanese-bred Deep Impact. His farewell performance was on Japanese soil at the Japan Cup in 2024 before retiring to stud in Coolmore Ireland.

Each year, around 16 million people flock to racecourses across Japan for horse racing events with top events like the Japan Cup drawing crowds of over 100,000, as well as audiences worldwide through live broadcasts.

This bond dates back decades to 1983, when the Irish-trained mare Stanerra stunned the racing world with her win in the Japan Cup, a victory that was the catalyst of a lasting connection between the two nations. Those influences still hold today and since 1990, the winner of the Japan Cup at JRA Tokyo Racecourse has been honoured with the annual Ambassador of Ireland Prize. This tradition predates Tokyo’s first St Patrick’s Day Parade in 1992.

The partnership continues on the track every year with a unique exchange of Group 2 races: the Tyros Stakes at Leopardstown Racecourse in Ireland each August, and the Ireland Trophy at Tokyo Racecourse in October.

Today, the Irish-Japanese connection in racing is more than history, it’s a part of everyday operations. In Hokkaido, members of the Irish community are an integral part of Japan’s thriving thoroughbred breeding and racing industry, even working on an Irish-owned horse farm.

In recent years, more than 100 young Japanese professionals have travelled to Ireland to work as riders or trainees, spending months in towns and villages across the country. Hosted by Irish Thoroughbred Marketing, Go Dolphin, RACE Academy, and the Irish National Stud, there are opportunities to gain valuable hands-on experience in the heart of Irish racing.

There is an established tradition of fostering new talent in Ireland and Japan. Since 1994, Irish Thoroughbred Marketing has sponsored the leading apprentice jockey from the Japan Racing Association Horse Racing School. This prize is personally presented by the Ambassador of Ireland to Japan. It is a gesture of respect for former Irish jockey Michael Kennedy who coached at the school between 1992 and 1995 and made a lasting impression.

Ireland’s reputation in the equestrian sphere is second-to-none. The Irish Sport Horse is renowned globally for its versatility and courage, and has long been the world’s leader in the Olympic discipline of eventing. The Irish Sport Horse Studbook has topped the World Breeding Federation Sport Horse rankings in 24 years of the 29 years and today it remains the leading studbook in the world.

That legacy has reached a proud milestone at the Paris Olympics in 2024, where Japan’s national equestrian team won their first Olympic medal in 92 years, a bronze in Team Eventing. Among the horses that brought the team to victory was Irish-bred MGH Grafton Street.

The partnership between Ireland and Japan extends beyond the professional arena. For many years, Ireland’s Embassy in Tokyo has supported the All Japan Student Equestrian Competition, presenting a trophy of Irish crystal to the winners of the team event as a symbol of shared respect, tradition and the joy of sport across nations and generations.

For decades, trainers, owners, jockeys, apprentices, grooms, farriers, veterinarians, officials and students have benefitted from the close friendship and collaboration between both countries. They learn from one another, share their skills and experiences and either bring those lessons home, or have chosen to stay and build new lives.

What began in the 1980s and 90s as a professional exchange has grown into something more enduring: a community shaped by a love for the craft and a shared heritage.