Success of Japanese-bred runners away from home at an all-time high

The Japanese thoroughbred has never been held in such high regard.

As highlighted on the accompanying table, Japanese-trained horses have plundered plenty of heavyweight international races in recent months, with Almond Eye's success in the Dubai Turf at Meydan last March setting in motion a year that would come to include Deirdre's win in the Nassau Stakes at Goodwood, Australian Group 1 victories for Lys Gracieux, Fierce Impact and Mer De Glace and an exceptional showing at the Longines Hong Kong International Meeting.

Crucially with a view towards the future, it was success that didn't hinge on Deep Impact, the titan of the Japanese industry who died last summer having cultivated a large international following.