Japan Cup

The Japan Cup is the penultimate race of the 12-race Emirates World Series and one of the most important races of the Japanese racing season.

• Race Type: Group 1
• Distance: 2400m
• Track: Tokyo Racecourse, Fuchu, Tokyo
• Date: Sunday, 26 November 2023

Held the last Sunday of November at Tokyo Racecourse in Fuchu, Tokyo, the race attracts runners from all over the world. Winners have come from Japan, North America, Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, France, Germany and Italy.

The Japan Racing Association started the Japan Cup in order to give local racehorses a chance to compete against international racehorses. The left-hand turn race is contested over 2400 meters on turf and is open to thoroughbred three-year-olds and up. Three-year-old colts and geldings carry 55 kgs, three-year-old fillies 53 kgs, four-year-olds and up horses and geldings 57 kgs and four-year-olds and up mares 55 kgs.

Previous winners of the Japan Cup:

The Japan Cup was first run in 1981 and was restricted to horses trained in Japan, the USA, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and India, as well as ones that were specifically invited. An American mare, Mairzy Doates, trained by John Fulton and ridden by Cash Asmussen, finished a length in front of Frost King, a Canadian trained horse, with The Very One, another American horse, was third.

Some previous winners include: Alkaased, 2005; Zenno Rob Roy, 2004; Tap Dance City, 2003; Falbrav, 2002; Jungle Pocket, 2001; T M Opera O, 2000; Special Week, 1999; El Condor Pasa, 1998; Pilsudski, 1997; Singspiel, 1996 and Lando, 1995.