Kate Hunter, serving as the Japanese representative for Churchill Downs, is actively working to elevate the presence and success of Japanese horses in the Kentucky Derby, a prestigious American horse racing event. In recent years, Japanese participation has grown, highlighted by Forever Young’s third-place finish in 2024 and the entry of two Japanese-related horses—Wonder Dean, Japan-born, and Danon Bourbon, Japan-trained but foaled in the U.S.—in the 2026 Derby. Hunter’s role involves preparing these horses for the unique challenges of Derby Day, including acclimating them to the intense environment at Churchill Downs, with hopes that a Japanese victory could disrupt longstanding traditions and mark a historic milestone for Japanese racing.

Neither Wonder Dean nor Danon Bourbon is currently favored to win, but their participation symbolizes a broader shift in international competition and breeding influence, as Japanese racing has long integrated Kentucky bloodlines. A Derby win for either horse would not only be a first for Japan but also a transformative moment for the industry, potentially boosting global recognition and breeding prestige. Hunter and the Japanese trainers have embraced American training methods and adapted them, aiming to combine the best of both worlds to achieve Derby success and reshape the sport’s future.