Former English Teacher From Nashville Helps Race Horse Who Traveled More Than 6,000 Miles to Realize Kentucky Derby Dream

Every horse owner dreams that one day their equine friend would participate in the Kentucky Derby and earn unmatched fame and prestige in the world of equestrian sports. What we might not realize is that American horses and horse owners are not the only aspirants when it comes to the Run for the Roses. The Derby is famous globally and has a compelling history with an evergreen significance.

All these factors ensure that it is a race that would attract participants from all around the world, and not only the American subcontinent. The 149th Kentucky Derby is no different in this regard, as Derma Sotogake has traveled across oceans to be here for the big day. The Churchill Downs Japan coordinator will be showing him the ropes, literally.

The international Kentucky Derby contender

Derma Sotogake has a determined team for sure. The horse was transported 6,000 miles from Japan to Louisville just so that the horse could attend the 149th “Fastest Two Minutes in Sports”. However, landing in Louisville is not enough. Derma Sotogake and his team need to navigate through America and its culture. This aid is being provided by Kate Hunter, a former English teacher who used to belong to Nashville. Now, Hunter is a resident of Japan and is the Churchill Downs Japan Coordinator, she loves horse racing and speaks Japanese fluently.

Hunter is responsible for making sure the trainers and the jockeys reach the starting line. According to a report by WDRB.com, this is not her first stint at the Derby. In the 148th race, she assisted the team of Crown Pride, a team that placed 13th. Kate Hunter described her duties, saying, “I do the paperwork for the Triple Crown, let them know what kinds of vaccines they need, and help them register for the Kentucky Derby. It’s my job to make the trip from Japan to America as smooth as possible.” One of the major reasons for requiring a liaison such as Hunter is that racing in Japan can be a lot different than in America, with horses running both clockwise or counter-clockwise as per the track.

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Japanese also drive differently than Americans.  Hunter revealed, “I can sometimes be a very glorified Uber. I pick them up in the morning and take them to the track and when the work is done, I’ll take them back to the hotel and take them out to eat.” Seems like Derma Sotogake’s team has a great guide to fare them through. Masanari Tanaka, the assistant trainer for Derma Sotogake, said, “She speaks good Japanese. Also, Kate is a really enjoyable person, great person. If she’s around, it’s fun. Without her it’s really hard to manage everything.” Derma Sotogake is not the only Japanese horse taking part in this year’s race.

With love, from Japan

Derma Sotogake is one of the two Japanese-bred horses set to gallop to the finish line, the second one is Continuar. The former established himself as a contender for the Kentucky Derby after a fast win at the UAE Derby, a Grade 2 stakes race. The latter came in fifth in the Saudi Derby and third in the Dubai Derby, and is trained by the legendary Yoshito Yahagi. These two horses will only be the third and fourth horses from Japan to take part in the Derby.

According to a report by WLKY.com, Continuar’s assistant trainer, Takahide Ando, through interpreter Kate Hunter, said, “The Kentucky Derby is one of the greatest races in the world. It’s been high on the list that [head trainer] Mr. Yahagi [Yoshito] has wanted to travel to.” It seems like the dream is finally coming true for these Japanese trainers and horses. A Kentucky Derby win would surely be a big deal for Japan, and might even mark the country’s presence on the global equestrian scene.

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