Japan will be represented by two contenders, Meisho Tabaru and Admire Terra, in the 105th running of the Group 1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at ParisLongchamp on October 4. Despite the country’s history of producing internationally competitive racehorses, a victory in the prestigious €5 million (S$7.27 million) race has so far eluded Japanese connections since Speed Symboli’s initial participation in 1969.

Japan has come close on four occasions, with El Condor Pasa finishing second in 1999, Nakayama Festa in 2010, and Orfevre placing second twice in 2012 and 2013. This year’s duo, both five-year-olds, carries the hopes of the Japanese racing community to finally secure the elusive win.

Meisho Tabaru, trained by Mamoru Ishibashi, is a two-time Grade 1 winner in Japan, having claimed the Takarazuka Kinen in both 2025 and 2026. He also competed internationally, finishing fifth in the Group 1 Dubai Turf at Meydan in 2025. Sired by Gold Ship, a 2014 Arc participant who finished unplaced, Meisho Tabaru will be ridden by Japan’s legendary jockey Yutaka Take, who has been his regular rider.

Admire Terra, trained by Yasuo Tomomichi, comes into the race with two Grade 2 victories, including the Hanshin Daishoiten in March. His latest run was a third-place finish in the Grade 2 Sapporo Kinen in August. The son of Rey de Oro will carry the colors of his international jockey Cristian Demuro, who has previously won The Arc twice—aboard Sottaross in 2020 and Ace Impact in 2023—though this will be his first time partnering Admire Terra.

While expectations were initially higher for another Japanese entry, Forever Young, who recently captured the Grade 1 Jockey Club Gold Cup at Belmont Park, that horse will remain in the United States to prepare for a potential second consecutive win in the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Keeneland on October 31.

Keisuke Imamura, general manager of the Japan Racing Association’s Paris office, emphasized the significance of The Arc for Japanese racing. He noted that the horses are well-suited to the conditions at ParisLongchamp and expressed optimism about their chances. “The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is a special race for the Japanese racing community,” Imamura said. “Winning The Arc would be a long-held dream for everyone involved in Japanese racing.”

Admire Terra’s trainer and jockey have reported encouraging morning workouts on the soft ground expected on race day. Demuro commented that the horse handles various track conditions well and is in good form heading into the race.

With a strong tradition behind them and growing international experience, Meisho Tabaru and Admire Terra seek to make history for Japan at one of the world’s most coveted racing events.