Rusei Sakai, who is challenging for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, showed “confidence in his achievement” and “pride in being the best jockey.

The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is a long-cherished dream of Japanese horsemen. Since the first attempt in 1969, famous horses such as Elcon Dol Pacer, Deep Impact, and Orfevre have tried to reach the top, but have fallen just one step short.

Rusei Sakai, 27, will be challenging for the race on October 6 (local time) with Sin Emperor, a 3-year-old stallion.

Sakai and his trainer, Yoshito Yahagi, and Forever Young (3-year-old stallion), the favorite horse of Susumu Fujita, the owner and representative of Cyber Agent, challenged overseas horse racing in the first half of the year and made a strong impact. This time, the same trio will be aiming for their first feat in Japanese horse racing.

Friday caught up with this young hope of the Japanese horse racing world just before the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. We asked him about his passionate thoughts before his trip to France.

There is a good chance.

–Rusei Sakai: “Last year, you had to travel a lot in and out of the country.

Rusei Sakai: “Last year (754 rides) was incredibly busy, and I thought, ‘There won’t be another year like this. However, when I opened my eyes, I found that I had even more opportunities to ride overseas this year. It’s a real blessing to be a jockey, but it also makes me wonder where I am and what time it is (laughs).

–With Forever Young, he won the Dubai and Saudi Arabian Derby, and ran a blistering third in the Kentucky Derby, which was as good as a win. It has truly been a year of leaps and bounds, with a fourth place finish in the domestic leading position, interspersed with overseas tours.

Rusei Sakai: “I have been working with Mr. Yahagi to become a jockey who is active in the world, so I am still lacking in many areas. However, I have been given really good opportunities. Whether overseas or in Japan, preparing thoroughly for a race is the same. For me, every weekend race and the big races overseas are the same.

–Rusei Sakai: “This will be your first time riding in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, but what kind of race is it from your point of view?

Rusei Sakai: “It is the dream of every Japanese horseman, and it is a special race that no one has won yet. I went to France two years ago and three years ago to study there with the hope of one day riding in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. I also watched the race live twice. I have ridden at the Longchamp racecourse myself, so I have a good idea of what to expect. I am really excited. On the other hand, I also feel a sense of responsibility and pressure to represent Japanese horses.

–This year’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is said to be a crowded race. In fact, the race is attracting a great deal of attention, with Shin Emperor being pushed to the top of the list of favorites by overseas bookmakers.

Rusei Sakai: “His older brother (Sottsass, a French-bred horse) is a Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe horse. So there is no reason why he is not suited to this stage. He also has a high aptitude for Longchamp’s powerful track. I think his pedigree is also highly regarded there. This year’s race is really crowded, and Shin Emperor has a good chance.”