Who Is Luxor Cafè? Everything About Kentucky Derby 2025 Horse: Owner, Trainer, Earning and More

A colt is coming from his hometown, Tokyo, to earn respect in the Kentucky Derby 2025. Luxor Cafè once dominated the track in his homeland, now holding the nation’s hopes on his back. With a powerhouse pedigree, an international colt becomes a serious threat to other colts.

Furthermore, Luxor Cafè, with its American brilliance and Japanese training, brings poise for tough competitors. As fans prepare to witness Derby, they will witness a rising star. But, before you praise him, you may be wondering who Luxor Cafè is. How did he make it to Tokyo for the Kentucky Derby? 

Who is the Kentucky Derby’s horse, Luxor Café?

Luxor Café is a three-year-old colt born on 1st January 2022. He is of American lineage and built his racing career in Japan. The 3-year-old colt has now entered the Kentucky Derby 2025. Speaking to his style, an explosive shift of foot, a poised demeanor mirrored while racing, and brownie points to his ability to handle different distances make him command the dirt.

Notable: four wins in six races, which included pacesetters among contenders in the Hyacinth Stakes and Fukurya Stakes, where he earned 70 points on the track of Japan, which is enough to open gates for Churchill Downs. He not only traveled internationally, but his consistent improvement and late-race clutch make him a strong contender to win the 1¼ mile race.

Who owns Luxor Cafè?

He is owned by Koichi Nishikawa, a renowned owner in Japanese horse racing. Nishikawa also owns Cafè Pharoah’s full brother, a horse that is part of his investment in American Pharoah’s bloodline. He is chasing the Kentucky Derby and wants to cement his place as the first Japanese owner to make it to the Kentucky Derby.

Who is the trainer of Luxor Cafè?

Noriyuki Hori, a renowned and talented trainer, trains at Luxor Cafè. Hori’s attention to detail distinguishes him from other trainers. Hori has precisely trained and developed his colt to peak at the right time. As seen in a young colt’s need for patient and steady development, Luxor Cafè’s calm and competitive energy, 

Who is the Luxor Cafè jockey?

João Moreira will ride the Luxor Cafè, a well-known Brazilian jockey, “The Magic Man.” The recent victory, a five-length win in the Fukuryu Stakes, makes Luxor Cafè punched his ticket to the Kentucky Derby. Added to Moreira’s riding style, his skill set is unique; speed judgment and runner IQ with track awareness make him a perfect rider for Luxor Cafè.

What are Luxor Cafè’s career earnings?

Since May 2025, Luxor Cafè has earned a hefty amount of $377,000, primarily from its winnings in Japanese stakes races. His recent win in the Hyacinth Stakes on February 23, 2025, at Tokyo contributed a large amount to his overall earnings of $244,745. This victory earned him a large check and gave him 30 points on the Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby. In addition to competing with the American colt, his earnings and stud value will skyrocket.

Luxor Cafe earns 30 points on the Japan Road to the #KyDerby! pic.twitter.com/3q9vNfXTZJ

— Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) February 23, 2025

When and where is Luxor Café’s next race? 

Luxor Café is set to race in the 151st Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 3, 2025. A 3-year-old is eager to make his American debut at Churchill Downs, Louisville. The Kentucky Derby post time is set for 6.57 p.m.ET. The race will be broadcast on NBC and streamed on Peacock. His post position will be 7, a considerable position; his current status is 15-1 odds, which makes him a tough and profitable contender.

What are Luxor Café’s racing stats and past performances? 

His impressive record of 6 races with 4 amazing victories, 1 runner-up, and 0 thirds. His impressive performance in the Fukurya Stakes over 1,800 meters was followed by an exciting finish in the Hyacinth Stakes. With this speed of victory, he belongs among the elite horses— the 3-year-old stepping into Derby day.

What is Luxor Café’s pedigree and bloodline?

Luxor Cafè belongs to the elite bloodline of American Pharoah, the 2015 U.S. Triple Crown and Breeders’ Cup Classic champions, a horse who captured millions of fans worldwide with his strong play. Luxor Café’s genetic lineage places him strongly among tough, competitive horses in the world of racing. Speaking to Luxor Cafe’s dam, Mary’s Follies, proved to be both a broodmare and a stakes winner. Her victory in the Grade II Boiling Springs Stakes at Monmouth Park in 2009 cemented her status as a top-tier turf performer.

 His bloodline also includes Café Pharaoh and Regal Glory, who share both elite genes. Café Pharaoh won multiple races in Japan and marked his way to the Prestigious race in 2022, the Mile Championship Nambu Hai, setting a new race record of 1:33.8 on a muddy track. On the flip side, Regal Glory earned several U.S. Grade 1 race wins, proving his elite pedigree. Thanks to his elite pedigree, Luxor Cafè is all set to step up as a champion and prove his worth.

The post Who Is Luxor Cafè? Everything About Kentucky Derby 2025 Horse: Owner, Trainer, Earning and More appeared first on EssentiallySports.