Japanese Horses Will Challenge Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe
Meisho Tabaru and Admire Terra have arrived at ParisLongchamp to contest the 105th edition of the race on October 4, 2026.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Equestrian
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Japanese contenders Meisho Tabaru and Admire Terra will compete in the 105th Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at ParisLongchamp on October 4, 2026. The duo aims to secure the first win for Japan in the prestigious 2,400-meter race, which features a €5 million prize purse.
Why it matters
Japanese racing participants have long sought to capture the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, a milestone that has eluded the nation since its first entry in 1969. Success in this event would represent a significant achievement for Japan's equestrian industry on the global stage.
The Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe spans a distance of 2,400 meters and carries a total prize purse of €5 million. Admire Terra enters the competition following 15 career starts in Japan, while Meisho Tabaru is a two-time Takarazuka Kinen champion.
The players
Meisho Tabaru
This horse is a two-time winner of the Takarazuka Kinen and a primary Japanese contender in the race.
Admire Terra
This horse is a Japanese entry that won the Hanshin Daishoten and finished third in the Sapporo Kinen.
Yutaka Take
He is the professional jockey selected to ride Meisho Tabaru in the competition.
Cristian Demuro
He is the professional jockey assigned to ride Admire Terra and has been conducting trackwork.
Forever Young
This racehorse is scheduled to represent Japan at the Breeders' Cup Classic later in October.
The details
Meisho Tabaru and Admire Terra traveled to France following early nominations for the race. Jockey Cristian Demuro finalized preparations for Admire Terra by completing a one-mile trackwork gallop with the horse on September 22.
Timeline
March 22, 2026: Admire Terra won the Hanshin Daishoten.
August 16, 2026: Admire Terra placed third in the Sapporo Kinen.
September 22, 2026: Cristian Demuro performed trackwork on Admire Terra.
October 4, 2026: The Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe is scheduled to take place.
October 31, 2026: Forever Young will compete in the Breeders' Cup Classic.
Season Trajectory
This race marks the latest attempt by Japanese trainers to break a decades-long winless streak in one of Europe's most prestigious turf events. The outcome will influence the global standing of Japanese racing programs ahead of other major international events like the Breeders' Cup.
The performance of Meisho Tabaru and Admire Terra will determine if Japan finally earns its first victory in this high-stakes race. Fans should watch for how these contenders handle the 2,400-meter distance, which is a critical factor for international betting and tournament standings.
The takeaway
Securing a win in this historic race would mark a watershed moment for the Japanese equestrian community. Observers should track the adaptability of these horses to European turf conditions as a key indicator of their potential for success.
What happens next
The Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe is scheduled for October 4, 2026, at ParisLongchamp, while Forever Young is set to race in the Breeders' Cup Classic at Keeneland on October 31, 2026.
Further reading
For more on international horse racing events, visit our Equestrian section.
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