4 May 2021
The Japanese have a great fascination with the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe but have yet to enjoy a win in the race with one of their representatives. This could be the year that they finally succeed in this lofty ambition, on the 100th anniversary of the thoroughbred world championship race which takes place at ParisLongchamp on Sunday 3rd October 2021!
Koji Maeda, one of the biggest owners in Japan, announced that his representative Deep Bond will be making the trip to France in the Autumn to take part in the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. The colt will also run in a warm-up race prior to the main event and will take part in the Qatar Prix Foy – which takes place on Sunday 12th September at ParisLongchamp on Arc Trials Day*.
Deep Bond recently finished second in the Tenno Sho-Printemps, a Group 1 at Hanshin racecourse last Sunday. The race is over 3,200 meters, or two miles (800 meters further than the Arc de Triomphe).
Koji Maeda explained, "He showed a lot of courage in the Tenno Sho, which is a very demanding race. Although the ground was very quick on Sunday at Hanshin, he is a son of Kizuna, who himself finished fourth in the Arc in 2013, and he can handle softer ground. He is the right horse for France in the Autumn.”
Deep Bond has the bad luck to be born the same year as the superstar Contrail, who has so far dominated his generation in Japan.
Contrail is a son of Deep Impact, who ran in the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in 2006 (finishing 3rd on the day before being disqualified later). He will not be leaving Japan as he is destined for the breeding shed and will retire to stud this winter.
The best performance to date of a Japanese runner in the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is that of Orfèvre, second in 2012 and again in 2013.