Last year, Japanese horse racing experienced a moment of hope as Forever Young emerged as a strong contender for the Kentucky Derby, a long-held aspiration for the nation. The race culminated in a thrilling three-way photo finish, with Forever Young crossing the line nearly simultaneously with two other horses, raising hopes among fans.

Despite the excitement, Forever Young ultimately finished just behind the winner, Mystik Dan, and Sierra Leone, missing out on the coveted title. Another Japanese horse, T O Password, also participated but finished in fifth place, highlighting the competitive nature of the event.

The outcome was a bittersweet moment for Japanese racing enthusiasts, as the dream of securing a Kentucky Derby victory remained elusive despite the promising performance of their horses.