Terunobu Fujita, a trainer from Japan’s regional NAR circuit, is making history by shipping Fee Blanche to compete at the Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar next month. The NAR is Japan’s second-tier racing circuit, primarily on sandy dirt tracks, distinct from the elite JRA level. Fujita gained international attention in 2023 when his NAR-trained horse Mandarin Hero narrowly missed winning the G1 Santa Anita Derby and later competed in the Kentucky Derby. Now, Fee Blanche, owned by Carrot Farm and previously successful under JRA training, will run in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint, a distance more suited to her strengths.

Since moving to Fujita’s Oi stable, Fee Blanche has won three of five starts at distances up to a mile, showing strong form despite a recent fourth-place finish in the JPN2 Ladies Prelude over 1800m. Fujita and jockey Hiroto Yoshihara, regarded as Japan’s top jockey with international experience, will handle Fee Blanche’s campaign in California. The mare’s participation marks a significant milestone for the NAR circuit, highlighting its growing presence on the international racing stage.