Karandagan, European Horse of the Year, Triumphs at 45th Japan Cup

On November 30, 2025, at Tokyo Racecourse, the 45th Japan Cup (G1) captivated global attention as Karandagan, the European Horse of the Year from France, achieved a commanding victory under jockey M. Barzalona. Clocking an astonishing JRA record time of 2 minutes, 20.3 seconds, the win marked a historic achievement: the first time a foreign horse has claimed the Japan Cup in 20 years, since Alkaased in 2005.

Awarded the 'Cartier Award' and holding the world's top rating, Karandagan had been highly anticipated as a 'Grade S monster' even before the race. While some concerns were raised regarding its adaptability to Japan's notoriously fast tracks, its prowess was undeniable, backed by a four-race winning streak in G1 races. Despite its relatively small physique, Karandagan overwhelmed its rivals with an astonishing late surge. Many fans took to social media, praising the achievement with comments like 'As expected of the European Horse of the Year' and 'Proven to be the world's strongest.'

The race unfolded with an eventful pace. Shortly after the start, Admire Terra experienced a fall, and the riderless horse continued to gallop at a high pace. Even before the race, there were unexpected developments, such as Durezza's withdrawal, but Karandagan maintained a calm composure throughout. In the final stretch, it engaged in a fierce dead heat with the three-year-old Masquerade Ball, who performed admirably taking advantage of its weight allowance, ultimately clinching victory by a mere nose. While Japanese contenders showed their mettle, with Masquerade Ball finishing second and Danon Decile, a winner in Dubai, placing third, they ultimately could not match Karandagan's overwhelming performance.

A victory by a foreign horse in the Japan Cup has been rare in recent years, effectively overturning past data that often led to foreign entries being 'crossed out' by bettors. Karandagan's visit was even described as receiving 'state guest-level hospitality,' and its impact on the Japanese racing world is immeasurable. As a gelding, it will not have a career as a stallion, but anticipation is already building for its potential re-entry in next year's Japan Cup. This historic race further deepened racing exchanges between Japan and the world, providing Japanese fans with a day of new excitement and emotion.

The context

The Japan Cup is one of Japan's most prestigious international G1 horse races, held annually at Tokyo Racecourse. Established in 1981, it was created with the specific aim of promoting international exchange in horse racing and showcasing Japan's top thoroughbreds against leading international competitors. However, despite its international ambition, foreign horses have historically found it challenging to win due to several factors, including the unique characteristics of Japanese turf courses, which are often faster and firmer than those in Europe, and the formidable strength of local Japanese horses. A win by an international contender, especially one of Karandagan's caliber as a European Horse of the Year, is therefore a significant event that not only breaks a long-standing trend but also reaffirms the race's global standing and the competitiveness of international racing.