“It Is Tough to Rival”: 54-Year-Old Trainer Highlights on Popular Horse Racing Scene After Historic ‘Partnership’

The horse racing realm has always kept its fans on their toes with pleasant surprises. Now, it’s time for a trio to work with each of their strong suits combined. Since its inception, this equestrian sport has made a multitude of winning strides. Partnerships and tie-ups more often than not seamlessly bring forth stallions with diverse pools of talents and breeding quality on common ground. Interestingly, it has also functioned during the pandemic period with no spectators, among a few sports. And now, it has a fun collaboration for a greater cause.

Equinox, the recently retired Japanese Thoroughbred racehorse, may have never thought of racing on the European soil. But according to Irish horse racing trainer Aidan O’Brien, Equinox’s juniors may have a chance to race to their best limits on foreign soil. At least that’s what the recent ‘partnership’ hints at.

Horse racing world has a titillating partnership announcement

The Japanese Racing Association (JRA) has come to collaborative terms with the Horse Racing Ireland and BHA. The joint cooperation committee also includes representation from Goodwood, York and Leopardstown, Racecourse Media Group and leading tracks and Ascot. On a mission to benefit the sport with the development of working practices and groundbreaking initiatives, the committee will work towards acing teamwork.

The 54-year-old O’Brien, the pre-eminent global stallion farm Coolmore’s trainer, had commented, “When it comes to passion for, and knowledge of, horseracing, it is tough to rival the Japanese, from the fans to the racing operations and bloodstock businesses. Their increased international participation and success has only fuelled more interest and investment.” 

Under the leadership of BHA Chair Joe Saumarez Smith, the committee will handle matters related to regulation and publicising the sport to fans and bettors, while also letting connections to nominate more of their best horses in each other’s administrations. But a multitude more people have shared their views before the deal goes official.

More information on the team-up

JRA’s Chief Executive Masayoshi Yoshida had kept his view forward, said, “It is an important and significant step for the JRA and Japanese horseracing. We will be working together more strongly than ever before to achieve further development in all areas. I look forward to working hand in hand to create the future of horseracing together.”

READ MORE: “This Hadn’t Happened in 155 Years”: Historic Belmont Stakes Winning Trainer Shares Insight on the Future of Horse Racing

The fine combination of media assets, pooling knowledge and insights of each stakeholder, deeper fan engagement is what the members are looking forward to embrace. The proactive recruitment system of the leading tracks has already permitted several Japanese races to take part in the European races, outside of the traditional challenge of the Arc.

Watch this story:  Best Dressage Horse Whose Movements Could Even Compete With Ballerina’s Elegant Moves