Force of the Horse: A New Card Game Born From Japan’s Racing Culture

Generations of fans have followed the stories of legendary horses and jockeys, and many enjoy adding another layer of excitement by wagering on the outcome of major races.

In recent years, their interest has gone far beyond domestic tracks. The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, held every October at ParisLongchamp, has become a particularly symbolic event for Japanese racing fans. The growing number of bettors in Japan who use bookmakers offering odds on the Arc reflects not only the global reach of the race but also the passion of Japanese fans who see international racing as part of their sporting culture.

Against this backdrop, a new form of engagement has emerged in Japan: bringing the thrill of racing into the realm of collectible card games. That is the premise behind Force of the Horse, announced in late 2024 and rolled out in early 2025. This article looks at how the game builds on Japan’s rich horse racing culture and why it is finding such a receptive audience.

Japan’s horse racing scene, particularly under the Japan Racing Association (JRA), has a long tradition and a devoted following. Horses such as Deep Impact, Almond Eye, and, more recently, Equinox have captured the public imagination, each with its own compelling storyline. Fans are drawn not only to the competition on the track but also to the narratives that unfold around these equine heroes.

In the last two decades, the focus has extended to international competitions. Every autumn, Japanese racing fans follow the Arc closely, hoping to see a home-trained horse finally win the French classic. That aspiration has added emotional weight to the race and helped to spur interest in overseas betting. Increasingly, fans in Japan use online bookmakers that provide odds to the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe to place bets on the race —an emblem of how horse racing bridges national borders.

It is no coincidence that Force of the Horse has resonated with this audience. The game taps into the same desire to connect with the drama of racing—only this time, it does so on a tabletop rather than at the track or on a betting slip.

Force of the Horse translates the tactics and tension of real horse racing into a competitive card game. Players build their own decks from several types of cards: Horse Cards - representing famous thoroughbreds with distinctive traits, Jockey Cards - affecting stamina and race strategy, Force Cards - capturing racing styles such as frontrunner or late closer, Condition Cards - simulating variables like weather and track surface.

A match unfolds like a race in miniature. Turn by turn, players decide how to use stamina, when to press for the lead, and how to time their final surge down the stretch. The mechanics are designed to evoke the thrill and uncertainty of an actual contest.

According to the official website, the starter set includes well-known names beloved by Japanese fans—such as Gran Alegria, Duramente, and Contrail—while booster packs add further depth with bloodline variations and tactical options. The game’s structure encourages players to build unique strategies, mirroring the way trainers and jockeys plot real-world victories.

Following its late-2024 announcement, the starter set of Force of the Horse went on sale in early 2025. The company offered early-bird bonuses for pre-orders and partnered with hobby shops across Japan to host trial events. Local tournaments and league play soon followed, helping to establish an organized player community.

The developers also launched a YouTube channel, “Toreka de Keiba,” featuring tutorials and match showcases, making it easier for newcomers to learn the ropes. Future plans reportedly include an English-language edition and competitive events abroad, signaling ambitions to bring this Japanese-born concept to the global stage.

Force of the Horse is more than just another collectible card game. It is a fusion of horse racing culture and card games, born from Japan's deep-rooted passion for the sport. The existence of fans betting on international races like the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe illustrates how horse racing is a sport that connects people across borders. The attempt to express this passion within a card game proposes a new way to enjoy sporting culture.

Horse racing is a sport steeped in tradition and narrative, yet “Force of the Horse” unfolds that story upon the card, offering players strategy and excitement. A future where spectating, betting, and card gaming mutually complement each other promises to bring further appeal to horse racing enthusiasts.