'It was shocking' - how Japan turned it around to become a superpower in racing

A fascinating subplot to Royal Ascot next week will be whether Japan’s brace of runners can add to the country’s recent golden trot on foreign fields.

It has been plain for some time that Japan is producing some of the world’s leading racehorses. A series of international firsts was embellished in November when two horses bred and raced in Japan made off with races at the Breeders’ Cup. Two more struck at Hong Kong’s international meeting in December, after which Japanese runners won four races on Saudi Cup day and five on Dubai World Cup night. The world has become their stage.

Given that litany, Japan’s Royal Ascot contingent warrants the greatest respect. Sheema Classic winner Shahryar goes in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes on Wednesday, while Grade 1 winner Grenadier Guards tackles the Platinum Jubilee Stakes on Saturday. Victory for either would represent another international first at a meeting where Japan’s horses have yet to hoist their country’s pennant.