Notable Horse Races in Japan

Japanese thoroughbreds and horseracing are considered to rank among the finest in the world. This is why notable Japanese race horses are marked in international horseracing calendars.

Here are some Japanese horseracing events that you shouldn't miss:

Japan Cup

The Japan Cup started in 1981 as an invitation race, which was unusual in the racing world at that time. This race, which made it possible for foreign-trained horses to compete in Japan for the first time, played an important role in the internationalization of horseracing in Japan and around the world. The Japan Cup was awarded international Grade 1 race status in 1992 by the International Cataloguing Standards Committee.

Throughout the history of the Japan Cup, winners of such great races as the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, the Epsom Derby and the Breeders' Cup Turf have been drawn to this race.

The Japan Cup has also become one of the most important races in the world in terms of its prize money and quality.

The Japan Cup Dirt

The Japan Cup Dirt, another international invitation race, was inaugurated in 2000. From 2008, its venue is moved from the Tokyo Racecourse to the Hanshin Racecourse, and the racing distance is changed from 2,100 meters to 1,800 meters.

This race, which is held on the same weekend as the World Super Jockeys' Series, attracts attention as one of the highest prize money dirt races in the world.

Also starting in 2008, a total of four graded 1 races, namely the Queen Elizabeth II Commemorative Cup, the Mile Championship and the aforementioned two races are grouped together as the 'Japan Autumn International'.

JRA is working to build enthusiasm for the Autumn G1 series and to attract leading racehorses, promoting this month-long festival of top-class international grade 1 races to fans both in Japan and overseas.

Nakayama Grand Jump

The Nakayama Grand Jump, which was held as the first international invitation jump race in the world in 2000, offering one of the world's largest prize money, has gained great attention with world-class jump horses coming from France, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, UK and USA.