Satoshi Kobayashi
The first Japanese trainer to set up in France.
Satoshi Kobayashi arrived in France in 2002. He knew two words of French at the time: « bonjour » and « merci » — hello and thank you.
He would become the first Japanese trainer to set up in France, licensed as a public trainer at the Chantilly training centre.
His training career counts three Group wins.
The Arc de Triomphe
Interviewed by Equidia on Le Grand Debrief in April 2026, Satoshi Kobayashi said he dreams of winning the Arc de Triomphe — and of winning it by beating the Japanese horses.
Equidia — Le Grand Debrief, April 2026
A few dates
Partial timeline, to be completed by the stable.
- 2002
Arrival in France
Satoshi Kobayashi settles in France with two words of French to his name.
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Three Group wins
Three wins at Group level across his training career. Race names and dates to be completed.
- April 2026
Le Grand Debrief
He appears on Equidia and sets out his objective: the Arc de Triomphe.
- April 2026
Showna, Group 3
Win in the Prix Imprudence at Deauville, returned at 65/1.
- May 2026
Poule d'Essai des Pouliches
Fifth in the ParisLongchamp Group 1, from fifteen runners.
A Japanese trainer at Chantilly
Japanese owners looking to race in Europe find here someone who speaks their language and has known the French circuit from the inside since 2002. Three horses in the yard already carry Japanese names.
OwnershipThe Arc de Triomphe
Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe · ParisLongchamp
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The race has been run.