A Japanese trainer in France
Satoshi Kobayashi is the first Japanese trainer to set up in France. He has known the French circuit from the inside since 2002 and deals with owners in Japanese, with no intermediary.
Placing a horse in training in France
What it involves to put a horse into training at Chantilly when you live in Japan, Germany or an English-speaking country.
Three reasons
Group level is within reach
The stable has three Group wins to its name, including the Prix Imprudence in April 2026, and placed a filly in a French Classic the following month.
An already international yard
Japanese owners already have horses here, and the stable enters runners in Germany on a regular basis.
The steps
Timescales and costs depend on your situation and country of residence. They are set out during the first conversation.
- 01
A first conversation
You set out your plan — a horse already bought, a purchase to come, or a share in an existing horse. The conversation can be held in Japanese or in French.
- 02
Defining the sporting plan
Type of horse, budget, timescale, ambitions: Classic flat racing, provincial meetings, entries abroad. The objective is agreed before any purchase.
- 03
Owner formalities
Racing in France requires approval as an owner from the racing authority, and registration of racing colours. These steps are open to non-resident owners. The detail of the procedure is to be completed by the stable.
- 04
The horse arrives
Transport, health documents, passport, and import formalities where applicable. Practical arrangements to be completed by the stable.
- 05
Training and reporting
The horse joins the string at Chantilly. Frequency and form of reporting — written, calls, video — to be specified by the stable.
- 06
Programme and entries
Choice of races, jockeys and racecourses, in France and abroad. The stable enters runners in Germany on a regular basis.
- 07
Race day
Welcome at the racecourse, access to the parade ring, and remote follow-up for owners who cannot travel. Arrangements to be specified.
Which language
This site exists in four languages. Exchanges with the stable are possible in the languages set out below.
- 日本語 — Japanese
- Directly with the trainer, no intermediary.
- Français — French
- Directly with the trainer.
- English
- Arrangements to be specified by the stable.
- Deutsch — German
- Arrangements to be specified by the stable.
What you will need to ask
The following is not yet published on this site. It will be given to you during the first conversation.
- Monthly training fee and additional charges
- To be completed
- Entry, transport and jockey fees
- To be completed
- Payment arrangements for a non-resident owner
- To be completed
- Insurance cover for the horse
- To be completed
- Distribution of prize money and applicable tax
- To be completed
- Length of commitment and notice terms
- To be completed
First contact
Tell us about your plan
Write in the language of your choice. You will be answered in that same language.