Among the nearly 80,000 spectators at the Tokyo Racecourse on a recent sunny autumn day, two familiar figures could be seen cheering from a special VIP box.

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako attended the Emperor's Prize autumn race in Fuchu on the outskirts of the capital, marking the first time in 11 years for an emperor to make an appearance at the race track. 

Their appearance highlighted Naruhito's attachment to horses, who had formerly confessed to his “spectacular loss” in placing his first bet on a horse.

ENJOYING A DAY AT THE RACES

On Oct. 29, a horse named Equinox, the betting favorite, won the Emperor's Prize race. Equinox crossed the finish line in a record time of 1 minute and 55.2 seconds, far ahead of his rivals, before 77,800 spectators. 

Following the race, Naruhito seemed to be moved and murmured that was “wonderful as expected.”

The emperor and empress were standing and watching the race through binoculars from the balcony of a VIP room.

Masako had never watched horse racing before in person although she is well known for her deep affection for animals.

Naruhito and Masako had the racing form printed out from the Japan Racing Association (JRA)’s website on hand. Masako was jotting down notes at times.

The pair reportedly compared the list of horses with the race results as they were posted on an electronic board.

Before the prestigious race kicked off, Naruhito wondered “which horse would prove to be the front-runner.”

Realizing that “Equinox is particularly popular,” Masako asked about “the strengths” of the horse’s jockey, Christophe Lemaire.

Masayoshi Yoshida, chairman of the JRA, was apparently astonished at how knowledgeable Naruhito and Masako are about horse racing.

Some other races featuring notable horses were held that day, too.

Hyams Beach, who ran in the 12th race, is a younger sibling of Maillot Blanc. Under the name of Hakurei, Maillot Blanc serves as a member of the Imperial Guard Headquarters.

Naruhito and Masako are reported to have shown a photo of Hakurei taken at the Imperial Palace to officials at the race track.

The emperor and empress visited the JRA Racing Museum on the grounds of the Tokyo Racecourse that day.

Naruhito noticed an autograph on the saddlecloth of an equine called Almond Eye who won the autumn 2019 Emperor's Prize. He quickly pointed out the signature “must be one by Mr. Lemaire.”

Naruhito first attended a horse race in Japan in 2007 when he was crown prince, when he made an appearance at the Japanese Derby. There, a mare named Vodka became the third filly winner ever, the first in 64 years.

Naruhito found a panel portraying Vodka's achievement in a special exhibition corner at the museum. He said he “clearly remembers” it. Masako described the accomplishment as “impressive,” looking back on that time.

LOSING WAGER PART OF LEGACY

During his student days in Britain, Naruhito, who was then called Prince Hiro, attended a horse race as well. He humorously retraces the bitter memories of his first wager at a racing site in a book about his two-year student life in the European nation from 1983.

Naruhito attended a Royal Ascot event, which is organized by the British royal family, on two occasions.

“It was the first time in my life to buy a betting ticket,” Naruhito writes. “But it ended up a spectacular loss. I lost a paltry 2 (British) pounds so this didn't hit my pocketbook seriously.”

Naruhito’s past is part of the imperial family’s long and deep bond with horses.

According to records of the Equine Cultural Affairs Foundation of Japan, Emperor Meiji rode a horse for the first time when he was 16. Emperor Taisho tried riding a horse at the Aoyama Imperial Palace after he turned 8.

Emperor Showa rode a pony in Numazu, Shizuoka Prefecture, when he was 10. He is believed to have later refined his riding skills at the Akasaka detached palace and the Takanawa imperial residence.

Emperor Emeritus Akihito enjoyed riding a horse for the first time at the Akasaka detached palace at age 8. He became the head of the horsemanship club at Gakushuin Boys' Senior High School.

Akihito and his wife, Michiko, now the empress emerita, attended the autumn Emperor's Prize in 2005 and 2012, although the emperor refrained from riding a horse out of concerns about the possibility of falls and injuries hampering his official duties after ascending the throne.

Naruhito started riding horses shortly after entering elementary school. He could reportedly jump over relatively low obstacles on horseback in his later years at the academy.

On Oct. 29, Naruhito and Masako met with jockeys, horse owners and trainers.

They also spoke with Lemaire, who was reportedly surprised that Naruhito and Masako have a trove of knowledge on horse racing.