Japanese runners entered the world's most prestigious race with high hopes, but once again their dreams were dashed by the thick walls of Europe. Shin Emperor finished 12th and Yutaka Take and Irish-bred Al Riffa finished in 11th. The winner was the second favorite, British mare Bluestocking, followed by the seventh favorite Avanture in second and the sixth favorite Los Angeles in third.

Once again, the long-held dream of the Japanese team was shattered. Shin Emperor and Jockey Sakai, the 35th Japanese-trained horse to compete in the race. The full-brother of 2020 champion Sottsass, entered with high expectations after an excellent run in the G1 Irish Champion Stakes when finishing third.

After a good start, Shin Emperor chased the horses on the outside of the pack, stalking the leaders. He raced in a good rhythm but was slow to respond when asked to quicken by the jockey before the fourth turn.

Sakai, shortly after the finish said, "It was a disappointing result, but I was able to run the race I wanted to run. I think the horse's condition was better than last time. He didn't seem to mind the track, but I felt he lost a bit of energy little by little. He couldn't keep up in the straight. Even though I didn't get a result, the race itself was fun and I wasn't unable to do anything. I must challenge myself to win, so I will use this experience as fuel for the future".

His trainer, Mr. Yahagi, expressed his frustration by saying, "I can't help but feel disappointed, but Shin Emperor is only a three-year-old. I honestly feel that we haven't fully grasped the cause of the defeat, but we will analyze the situation thoroughly and try to achieve better results". Team YAHAGI, which has always broken the mold, will continue to challenge themselves relentlessly.