Coolmore will break new ground by having its first horses trained in Japan this year, after Sue Magnier was granted an owner's license by the Japan Racing Association.
Magnier, wife of Coolmore supremo John Magnier, is set to be represented by Chesapeake Bay, an unraced 3-year-old colt by Frankel out of Marsha, who the owners bought for 6 million guineas in 2017, and by a second Frankel, a filly out of Shadow Hunter called Snowscape.
According to Japanese media website Nikkan Sport, Chesapeake Bay arrived at trainer Mitsumasa Nakauchida's stable at the Ritto training center near Kyoto last Saturday in preparation for his racing career.
Nakauchida said: "They asked us to train him. The horse only arrived last week, so we'll have to see how he does from now on. His body is still waiting to grow, so we'll see what happens."
Nakauchida has had limited exposure in Europe, with Grenadier Guards being his only notable runner, in the 2022 Platinum Jubilee Stakes (G1) at Royal Ascot, but has been a leading trainer in Japan.
His most significant performer has been Liberty Island, who won the Japanese Triple Tiara in 2023 with victories in the Oka Sho (Japanese One Thousand Guineas, G1), Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks, G1), and Shuka Sho (G1).
The JRA operates a strict ownership qualification process, which usually starts between five and six months before a decision is made on whether an applicant is approved.
A JRA review board, which meets in April, July, and November each year, assesses the application before fees and agreements with a trainer are then signed to complete the process.
As well as a main training operation at Ballydoyle in Ireland, Coolmore has for a number of years had horses trained in Britain, France, Australia, and the United States.
Mick Flanagan from the Coolmore racing office said: "Japan is one of the greatest racing and breeding nations on the planet. We have always enjoyed doing business in Japan and we are very appreciative of the JRA and everyone in Japan for accommodating us."
