Emperor Shin Ruled Out: Arc de Triomphe Update

Japan’s challenge for the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe has suffered a blow with the news that Shin Emperor will not travel from Ireland to France following his disappointing effort in the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes on Saturday.

Trainer Yoshito Yahagi said he was “speechless” after the four-year-old Siyouni colt, who is a brother to 2020 Arc hero Sottsass, cut out tamely to finish sixth of eight behind Delacroix.

Following tests at his temporary base on the Curragh, Shin Emperor was found to have suffered a breathing issue, as well as a “moderate” internal bleed.

A statement released on the Yahagi Stable X feed read: “Shin Emperor underwent an endoscopic examination on Monday local time due to an abnormality observed in his racing performance. As a result, asthma [inflammatory lower airway syndrome] and moderate pulmonary haemorrhage [EIPH, exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage] were identified.

“While these conditions do not require immediate complete rest, it was determined that competing in the Arc de Triomphe when not in optimal condition would be difficult, and the decision was made to withdraw from the race. Moving forward, the plan is to return to Japan on September 28 and prepare for the Japan Cup.”

Yoshito Yahagi (centre): ‘The plan is to return to Japan on September 28 and prepare for the Japan Cup’Credit: Masakazu Takahashi

Shin Emperor was sent off a 10-1 chance for last year’s Arc following a fine third at Leopardstown but struggled to 12th place behind Bluestocking after a wide trip on ground much deeper than he had previously encountered.

He bounced back to dead-heat for second in the Japan Cup last November and also landed the hugely valuable Neom Turf Classic in Saudi Arabia at the start of this year.

Qatar Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe, Longchamp, Octaber 5
Coral: 4 Aventure, 9-2 minnie Hauk, 8 Croix du Nord, 10 Byzantine Dream, Sosie, 14 Alohi Ali, Kalpana, 16 Culificar, Gezora, 20 Bar.

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