Byzantine Dream Wins Prix Foy, Positions as Emerging Japanese Contender for Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe

teh testing analyzer. Here is a full and complete article:

Byzantine Dream Strengthens Arc Claims with Foy victory

Paris, France – Byzantine Dream has strengthened Japan’s hand for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe with a convincing win in the Qatar Prix Foy. Compatriot Alohi Alii has already stated his claims with a blitz in the Prix Guillaume d’Ornano last month, and Japanese Derby winner Croix du Nord is also on course for the French capital on October 5.

second in the Tenno Sho when last seen, the Tomoyasu Sakaguchi-trained four-year-old Byzantine Dream, successfully ridden by oisin Murphy, came from off the pace to edge out Andre Fabre’s Sosie.

“He broke well but the one beside him stumbled and I actually clipped a heel for a stride,but he relaxed promptly and the pace wasn’t super fast and I was able to get on the back of Maxime Guyon (on Sosie),” murphy told Sky Sports Racing.

Murphy continued, “He doesn’t do an awful lot in front and in Saudi Arabia he ran around, so I just thought I woudl hopefully get there hands and heels and if he wasn’t winning today it would set him up perfectly for the big race.”

He further explained, “I wasn’t concerned about dropping back in distance as I think he is a weak stayer over extended distances and has a very good turn of foot. He beat a high-class field today but he does want fast ground.”

Sakaguchi noted, “The horse was in very good condition. The jockey rode a perfect race. It’s a lovely victory. He still has room for improvement. He will be at the peak of his condition for the Arc. Today was just a prep race,and he still has something in hand.”

pierre-Yves Bureau, racing manager for Wertheimer and Frère, owners of Sosie, commented: “That was a very good return! He hadn’t run since early July, and the idea was to prepare him for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. We were beaten by the horse we knew the least about, but against the other runners, he clearly showed his quality. If all goes well, we’ll be at the start of the Arc in four weeks’ time. We are satisfied.”

Ed Walker was pleased with Almaqam’s performance in third. “That’s a very good performance, I’m very pleased with Almaqam. All week, I was worried about where to run him.I think we made exactly the right choice in coming here. He definitely stays the trip. We learned a lot today. Almaqam wasn’t beaten by much. I think he will be better on softer ground. He’s had a light campaign this year, and today’s race opens up more options for him going forward.”

How does Byzantine Dream’s Prix Foy victory contribute to the broader narrative of Japanese horses’ increasing success on the international racing stage?

A Stunning Victory at Longchamp

Byzantine Dream’s impressive win in the Group 2 Prix Foy (2,100m) at Longchamp on September 7th, 2025, has sent ripples through the racing world. The four-year-old colt, trained by Yoshito Yahagi, delivered a powerful performance, leaving seasoned European rivals in his wake and firmly establishing himself as a serious contender for the upcoming Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. The victory marks a significant step forward for Japanese horses on the international stage, building on the success of horses like Equinox and Titleholder.

Race Recap: Prix Foy 2025

The prix Foy, traditionally a key Arc de Triomphe trial, saw Byzantine Dream navigate a challenging course and a competitive field.

Final Time: 2:12.45

Distance: 2,100 meters (approximately 1.3 miles)

Track Condition: Soft

Key Rivals: facing off against established European contenders like West Wind Blows and Absurde, Byzantine Dream demonstrated superior stamina and a decisive turn of foot.

Jockey: Mirco Demuro expertly guided Byzantine Dream, positioning him strategically throughout the race and unleashing a strong finishing kick.

Demuro’s ride was lauded by analysts, highlighting his ability to assess the track conditions and maximize the colt’s potential. the win wasn’t just about speed; it was a testament to the horse’s adaptability and the trainer’s meticulous preparation.

The Rise of Japanese Racing: A Global Force

Japan’s influence in thoroughbred racing has been steadily growing. Investments in breeding programs, coupled with innovative training techniques, have produced a string of world-class horses.

Equinox’s Triumph: The 2023 Tenno Sho (Autumn) and Arima Kinen winner, Equinox, showcased Japanese power and precision.

Titleholder’s International Success: Titleholder’s performances in races like the 2022 Qatar Prix du royallieu demonstrated Japan’s growing ambition on the global circuit.

Strategic Breeding: Japanese breeders are focusing on stamina and versatility, creating horses capable of competing on diverse track conditions.

Byzantine Dream’s Prix Foy victory is a continuation of this trend, signaling that Japanese horses are not just competitive, but are now genuine threats in Europe’s most prestigious races.The focus on Japanese thoroughbreds is increasing globally.

Analyzing Byzantine Dream’s Arc de Triomphe Potential

The Prix Foy win considerably elevates byzantine Dream’s chances in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, scheduled for October 6th, 2025.However, several factors will determine his ultimate success.

Strengths

stamina: The Prix Foy demonstrated Byzantine dream’s ability to handle a testing distance on soft ground – crucial for the Arc.

Turn of Foot: His finishing speed suggests he can quicken when needed, a vital asset in a crowded Arc field.

Trainer Expertise: Yoshito Yahagi is a highly respected trainer with a proven track record of preparing horses for major international races.

Potential Challenges

European Competition: The Arc de Triomphe typically attracts the best horses from Europe, including potential rivals like Luxembourg and nashwa.

Track Conditions: While he handled the soft ground in the Prix Foy, varying track conditions at Longchamp on Arc day could pose a challenge.

Travel & Acclimatization: Adjusting to the European surroundings and travel logistics can impact a horse’s performance.

Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe Betting Odds & Predictions (September 7, 2025)

Following the Prix Foy, betting markets have adjusted accordingly. (Odds are subject to change)

Luxembourg: 3/1

Nashwa: 4/1

Byzantine Dream: 6/1

West Wind Blows: 8/1

Absurde: 12/1

these odds reflect the growing confidence in Byzantine Dream’s chances, but the Arc remains a highly competitive race with several potential winners. Arc de Triomphe betting is expected to surge in the coming weeks.

The Impact on Japanese Racing Tourism

The success of Japanese horses abroad is also driving increased interest in Japanese racing tourism. Fans are eager to witness the training facilities, breeding farms, and racecourses that produce these world-class athletes. This surge in tourism benefits the Japanese economy and promotes the country’s rich equestrian culture. Japanese horse racing travel* packages are becoming increasingly popular.

Tewfik Yahyaoui’s Procurement Expertise & Racing Logistics

While seemingly unrelated, the logistical complexities of transporting and preparing horses for international races highlight the importance of efficient procurement and supply chain management. Individuals like Tewfik Yahyaoui, with experience in creative procurement (as noted on LinkedIn), possess skills crucial for navigating the challenges of international horse racing. From sourcing specialized equipment