Japan Cup (Guide)
The Japan Cup is Japans premier horse racing
event of the year. As part of the World
Racing Series, the Japan cup showcases a
wide array of international entries every
year.
The Japan Cup is a 2,400 meter left-handed
race on turf at the prestigious Tokyo Racecourse
in Tokyo for 3-year-olds and above thoroughbreds.
With prize money for the Japan Cup racing
almost $4,000,000 US, this race always attracts
top class horses, riders and trainers from
all around the world.
As part of the World Racing Series, the
Japan Cup is formally recognized as one
of the worlds premier racing events.
Japan Cup Prize Money (Approx.)
| |
Owner |
Trainer |
Jockey/Exercise
Rider/Groom |
|
| 1st Place |
5,000,000 yen
(U.S.$ 47,619) |
500,000 yen
(U.S.$ 4,761) |
400,000 yen
(U.S.$ 3,809) |
|
| 2nd Place |
2,000,000 yen
(U.S.$ 19,047) |
400,000 yen
(U.S.$ 3,809) |
300,000 yen
(U.S.$ 2,857) |
|
| 3rd Place |
1,300,000 yen
(U.S.$ 12,380) |
300,000 yen
(U.S.$ 2,857) |
200,000 yen
(U.S.$ 1,904) |
Tokyo Race Course
Turf Course (Japan Cup Course)
Circumference 2,116m
Width 24 ~ 35m
Homestretch (final turn to finish) 500m
Dirt Course
Circumference 1,878m
Width 25m
Homestretch (final turn to finish) 467m
Dirt Track
JRA's dirt courses are based on designs
used in the United States, but uniquely
fine-tuned to handle Japan's higher rate
of precipitation. Tracks are packed firmly
with a layer of mountain sand to support
the horses' hooves and then covered with
approximately 70mm (2.75 inches) of loose
river sand to absorb impact and ease leg
stress. Although the horses must exert
slightly greater effort when the track
is dry,speed is increased as the track
absorbs more water.
Stables and Quarters for Grooms
International stables of ferroconcrete construction
with 22 stalls have been constructed for
the participating horses. The grooms' quarters
are built on top of the stables with 44
western-style bedrooms. The quarters are
complete with showers, baths, living rooms
and simple kitchenettes.
Training
The dirt track is open for training everyday
and the turf course will be open three days
a week (Wednesday through Friday). Starting
gate training can also be held. Please note
that paddock schooling (stable area to parade
ring and track) is not allowed on race day.
The inaugural running
in 1981 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
triumphed as five-year-old Mairzy Doates,
trained by John Fulton and partnered by
Cash Asmussen, came home a length in front
of the Canadian-trained Frost King, with
The Very One, another from America, in third.
A year later restrictions on entry were
abolished and the best horses from around
the world were invited and the Japan Cup
remains an invitational race.
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