Shin Emperor Eyes Ambitious European Double in Irish Champion Stakes and Arc de Triomphe

Japanese racing sensation Shin Emperor is preparing for a historic bid to complete a rare double in the prestigious Irish Champion Stakes and the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, following an impressive public workout at ParisLongchamp. The three-year-old colt, trained by international master Yoshito Yahagi, looks set for a European adventure that mirrors the path taken by his illustrious full-brother Sottsass, who triumphed in the Arc in 2020.

Shin Emperor, who was last seen finishing third in the Japanese Derby in May, displayed readiness and comfort during his gallop on French turf this past Sunday. The son of Siyouni, bred in France, appears to have embraced his European roots, especially during his time at Chantilly, where he thrived.

Owner Susumu Fujita’s racing manager, Hiroshi Ando, spoke to Sky Sports Racing about the horse’s preparation: “Shin Emperor adapted really well to the track at Longchamp, and his rider was pleased with how he handled the ground. His French pedigree seems to be shining through—he looked at ease, almost like he was back home in Chantilly.”

It was a pleasant surprise for the connections that Shin Emperor, unlike many Japanese horses, took to the French oats eagerly. “He’s really loving being in France,” Ando added, hinting at the colt’s potential for a stellar performance on European soil.

The next major test for Shin Emperor is this Saturday’s Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown, where he will face a top-tier field including Economics, Auguste Rodin, and Los Angeles. The stakes are high, as a strong performance here could set him up for an all-out assault on the Arc, Japan's long-sought Holy Grail of horse racing.

Ando acknowledged the challenge: “Sottsass ran in the Irish Champion Stakes as well, so we’re following a similar path. We believe this race will put him in top condition for the Arc, but first, we have to focus on giving our best at Leopardstown.”

With regular jockey Ryusei Sakai flying in for the ride, Shin Emperor’s team is confident about their chances. Sakai, though young, brings plenty of experience to the table, having ridden in high-pressure races like the Kentucky Derby and scored victories in the UAE Derby and Saudi Derby.

“He’s a talented young jockey with international experience, and we trust him to deliver on the big stage,” Ando said.

Shin Emperor’s journey to Europe carries with it the weight of Japanese racing history, as the country continues its quest to capture the elusive Arc trophy. The colt will aim to go one step further than El Condor Pasa and Orfevre, who both finished second in the Arc, and bring the coveted prize back to Japan.

With a star-studded line-up in the Irish Champion Stakes, and the ultimate goal of the Arc looming large, Shin Emperor’s European expedition promises to be one for the ages.