Japan's racing world is steeped in tradition. Many trainers are former jockeys or come from long-established racing families. Nobuhiro Suzuki, 42, is one of a new breed of trainer: outsiders, usually highly educated. Suzuki gained his training license in 1997 after working as a veterinarian, groom and assistant trainer. He is also a skilled equestrian. Based at Miho Training Center in Ibaraki Prefecture, he currently ranks No. 4 by wins at Miho, No. 10 overall. Since his debut, his horses have notched 68 wins in 687 races.
What is it that attracts you to riding and racing?
In equestrian sports and racing, your partner, of course, is an animal. And in these sports you can't succeed by effort alone. You also can't succeed with skill alone. Mutual effort, by the human and the horse, is necessary. I think that's what I find attractive.