Japan Cup

Last updated

Japan Cup
Previous: 2025 Japan Cup
November 30, 2025 (2025-11-30)
Next: 2026 Japan Cup
November 29, 2026 (2026-11-29)
Japan Cup.jpg
Japan Cup 20071125R1.jpg
ジャパンカップ (Japan Kappu)
ClassGroup 1
Location Tokyo Racecourse
Fuchū, Tokyo, Japan
InauguratedNovember 22, 1981(44 years ago) (1981-11-22)
Race typeThoroughbred
Sponsor Longines
Website Japan Cup - Racing Information
Race information
Distance2400 metres
(about 12 furlongs / 1+1⁄2 miles)
Record Calandagan, 2:20.3
SurfaceTurf
TrackLeft-handed
Qualification3-year-olds & up, Thoroughbreds (safety factor: 18 horses; up to ten foreign-trained starters are allowed in the race)
Weight3-year-old 56 kg / 4-year-old & up 58 kg
Allowances
Purse ¥  1,090,000,000 (as of 2025)
1st: ¥ 500,000,000
2nd: ¥ 200,000,000
3rd ¥ 130,000,000
BonusesAdditional money awarded if winner won in qualified international races (see below) plus ¥ 3,500,000 to the winning owner.

The Japan Cup (ジャパンカップ, Japan Kappu; JPN G-1) is a Group 1 horse race in Japan, held annually on the last Sunday of November, post time of 15:40 at Tokyo Racecourse in Fuchū, Tokyo. It is a flat race run over a distance of 2400 metres (about 1+1⁄2 miles, or 12 furlongs) with a maximum of 18 horses.

Contents

First run in 1981, the Japan Cup was created by the Japanese Racing Association (JRA) to give local horses the opportunity to compete against those of international calibre and to promote goodwill within the racing community worldwide. Similar to the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, the Melbourne Cup and the Breeders' Cup, the Japan Cup extends invitations to top-performing horses aged 3 and above from around the world. The race is one of the world's richest, reaching a total prize purse of over one billion yen in 2023, and often reaching an audience of 100,000 people. [1] [2] It is the middle leg of the informal "Autumn Triple Crown" along with the Tennō Shō (Autumn) and the Arima Kinen.

Despite a short history, the Japan Cup has established itself as an international contest with winners from all over the world, and is regularly ranked highly in the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA)'s "Top 100 Group 1 Races of the Year" compilation due to its high quality and depth of racers. In its early history, the race was dominated by foreign horses, with 8 of the first 10 winners coming from abroad. However, in recent years the number of overseas entries has significantly declined, and in the last twenty years only one horse from outside of Japan has won.

Course

Aerial view of the Tokyo Racecourse taken in 2019 Tokyo-Racecourse aerial 2019.jpg
Aerial view of the Tokyo Racecourse taken in 2019

The Japan Cup is held at the Tokyo Racecourse, in the western Tokyo suburb of Fuchū. At 2,400 metres, the race is run counter-clockwise around the oval turf track, which uses a blend of Noshiba grass and Italian ryegrass. [3] The Cup uses Tokyo Racecourse's A-course configuration, placing the track's fence rail in its innermost position. [4] This means the circumference measures 2,083 m (1.29 mi; 10.35 furlongs) and the width varies from 31 to 41 m (102 to 135 ft), offering competitors ample room to manoeuvre and overtake in ways that are not always available in similar lengthed races. [5]

The track has several undulations, varying in size and length, with a sharp rise of 1.2 m (4 ft) over 60 m (200 ft) halfway through being one of the more challenging obstacles. The homestretch is one of the longest in Japanese racing at 525 m (1,722 ft), often leading to dramatic late surges. At 400 m (1,310 ft) to the post, there is a sharp 2 metres of elevation gain over the next 120 m (394 ft), requiring jockeys to conserve their horse's stamina to overcome this final hurdle. The final stretch is flat, allowing for racers to focus entirely on one last spurt of speed towards the post. [4] [6]

Due to its length and demanding finish, the race tends to favour strong closers who can handle the uphill run and quickly accelerate in the final straight. [7] There is a long 325 m (1,066 ft) before the first corner. [8] While theoretically this minimises early positional advantages, analysis of the 2014 to 2024 races shows that horses starting near the inner fence are significantly more likely to win. [9]

History

Early years

The inaugural running

The Japan Cup's creation was motivated by the JRA's desire to ensure the horses racing in Japan measured up to the quality of international horses. [10] [11] Prior to its creation, and even in the years after, options were limited in Japan for foreign horses. Most races only allowed Japanese horses to compete, leaving Japan's horses isolated from the outside world. [a] [14] As such, the Japan Cup offered an opportunity to determine how Japan compared to the rest of the world on their home turf. The idea of "creating strong horses that can compete on the world stage" had been proposed by the JRA since at least the 1970s. [15] However, early efforts to establish an international race during that decade failed, due to a lack of interest from overseas racing authorities and domestic concerns of foreign competition disrupting the stud market. [13] By the start of the 1980s, the JRA's relations with the main racing authorities in other countries had developed enough for them to host their proposed race. [16]

The finish of the inaugural 1981 Japan Cup, with Mairzy Doates (furthest right, pink cap) passing the post one length ahead of Frost King (nearest the rail, white cap). The best performing Japanese horse, Gold Spencer (yellow cap), can be seen some distance behind Mairzy Doates and Frost King. Finish of the 1981 Japan Cup.png
The finish of the inaugural 1981 Japan Cup, with Mairzy Doates (furthest right, pink cap) passing the post one length ahead of Frost King (nearest the rail, white cap). The best performing Japanese horse, Gold Spencer (yellow cap), can be seen some distance behind Mairzy Doates and Frost King.

The inaugural Japan Cup took place in 1981, scheduled for late November to target the traditional Western horseracing off-season, and avoiding competing with October's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. [18] Invitations were sent to trainers in Japan, the United States, Canada and India. [c] A horse from Turkey, Dersim, was also invited, but was injured shortly after arriving in Japan and could not compete. [19] The original line-up of international horses was at the time deemed nothing special. The most prestigious of the group was The Very One, a winner of twelve graded stakes races in 1978 and 1979, but was now six years old and nearing retirement. Conversely, in Japan the horses entered were viewed as an "all star cast", featuring the top three placing racers in the year's recent autumn Tennō Shō. [20] [19]

The race was won by American mare Mairzy Doates, ridden by Cash Asmussen, who finished a length [d] ahead of Canadian-trained Frost King. Japan's best performer, Gold Spencer, placed fifth. [21] [22] The disparity between the Japanese and foreign horses' performances came as a major surprise to the JRA officials, who had anticipated a domestic victory. The race is credited as a turning point in Japan's efforts to seriously compete at an international level in horse racing. [19] [23] [24] When writing about the first Cup's events, historian Ryōji Motomura noted the depth of the initial Japanese disappointment: "Those who watched that race must have sighed in deep regret, thinking that it would be another 20 years before a Japanese horse won the Japan Cup, something that would happen in the 21st century." [25]

Runnings in the 1980s

In the Cup's second year the range of invited countries was expanded to include participation from Europe and Oceania. However, the race was once again won by an American horse. Half Iced, the last international horse to enter the race, [26] narrowly defeated French fillies All Along and April Run, with the Irish mare Stanerra in fourth. Once again, the best performing Japanese horse, Hikari Duel, placed fifth. [27]

Stanerra returned the next year after a successful season in Europe, having recently won the Group 2 Prince of Wales's Stakes and Group 1 [e] Joe McGrath Memorial Stakes, winning the Cup by a head over Japanese-trained Kyoei Promise. [29] Stanerra's victory was highlighted by the Liverpool Daily Post as an example of the growing trend in the 1980s of European mares matching the racing performance of stallions. [30] Her victory is also credited with strengthening the Republic of Ireland's diplomatic relations with Japan; since 1990, the Irish Government traditionally presents the Cup's winner with the Ambassador of Ireland Prize. [31]

1984 was the first year Japanese horse races received official grading, classifying the Cup as an International Group 1 race. [6] [32] The race itself was the first ever showdown between two Japanese Triple Crown winners: Mr. C. B. and the undefeated Symboli Rudolf. They had won their Crowns a year apart, nearly twenty years after Shinzan became the last horse to do so in 1963, leading to much discussion by Japanese fans over which of the two horses were superior. There was an expectation that one of them would be the first Japanese horse to win the event in the "Triple Crown Showdown". [33] However, it was the lesser-fancied Japanese Katsuragi Ace who claimed victory, defeating British-trained Bedtime by 1+1⁄2 lengths, with Symboli Rudolf narrowly behind in third and Mr C. B. trailing in tenth. [34] [35] Japan achieved a second victory the next year, with Symboli Rudolf returning to triumph over Japanese-trained Rocky Tiger. [36]

In 1986, Jupiter Island, ridden by Pat Eddery, became the first British-trained horse to win the Cup, narrowly defeating fellow British runner Allez Milord. [37] The result was only confirmed after an inquiry by racecourse stewards following an objection by Allez Milord's rider Greville Starkey, who alleged the two horses had collided 60 metres from the post. [38] Jupiter Island's victory more than doubled the previous prize money the horse had accumulated in his previous forty starts, and at seven years old, he remains the oldest horse to win the Cup. [39] [40]

Le Glorieux, trained in France by Robert Collet and ridden by Alain Lequeux, captured the 1987 edition, [41] while Pay the Butler, trained by Robert J. Frankel and ridden by Chris McCarron, secured the United States' third victory the year after. [42] Having previously only won a single major race, the Group 2 Red Smith Handicap ran six months prior, Pay the Butler's win was regarded as a major upset over the year's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner Tony Bin and Japanese favourites Oguri Cap and Tamamo Cross. [43] [44] [45]

A decade of global competition

Oguri Cap, a rare triple entrant in the early days of the Japan Cup (1988--1990) Oguri Cap in Yushun Stallion station.jpg
Oguri Cap, a rare triple entrant in the early days of the Japan Cup (1988—1990)

New Zealand mare Horlicks beat Oguri Cap by a neck in 1989, setting a new world record time for 2400 metres [46] [47] and becoming Australia and New Zealand's highest stakes winner. [48] Her win marked the beginning of a decade of several countries vying for supremacy. Better Loosen Up became the first Australian winner in 1990, prevailing in a close finish over France's Ode and Britain's Cacoethes. [49] In 1991, the United States achieved its fourth victory in the Cup with Golden Pheasant. The horse, a rare example of a thoroughbred jointly owned by two parties (Los Angeles Kings ice hockey team owner Bruce McNall and NHL ice hockey player Wayne Gretzky), has been described as the final major triumph for American-trained entrants in the Cup. [50]

Japanese-trained horses triumphed the next three years, although each time an overseas horse placed second. Tokai Teio emerged victorious in 1992, [51] followed by Legacy World in 1993 [52] and Marvelous Crown in 1994. [53] The 1993 race also saw the only instance in the Cup's history of a fine being issued; the French horse Kotashaan's jockey, Kent Desormeaux, was fined $460 (equivalent to $1,000in 2025) for easing his horse after mistaking the 100 meter mark for the finish. [54] [55]

Despite bookmakers expecting a fourth straight Japanese win through Hishi Amazon, [56] [57] in 1995 the Cup was won for the first time by a German-trained horse, Lando. The race, which Lando's jockey Michael Roberts considers his greatest memory, [58] was a significant milestone for German entrants; previously, no German horse finished in the top five. The race was also the first time no Japanese horse placed in the top five, with Narita Brian finishing sixth 1+3⁄4 lengths behind the American Awad. [59]

British trainer Michael Stoute captured back-to-back victories, winning with the Irish horses Singspiel in 1996 and Pilsudski in 1997. Singspiel's nose-length victory made him Britain's leading prize money earner, [60] [61] while Pilsudski's win marked both his final career start and the fifth country in which he won a Group 1 race. [62] Singspiel's jockey, Frankie Dettori, was also originally scheduled to ride in 1997, on the British horse Mons. However, Dettori was replaced a week before by Michael Kinane after receiving a riding ban. [63] Dettori, who in his initial response stated his shock at having to miss the Japan Cup, [63] had to wait until 2002 to enter the race again and secure his second Cup victory.

Japanese dominance

El Condor Pasa, the winner of the 1998 Japan Cup El Condor Pasa 19991128I1.jpg
El Condor Pasa, the winner of the 1998 Japan Cup

Between 1998 and 2004, the Japanese contingent's performance shifted noticeably. In 1998, El Condor Pasa led a historic sweep for Japan, finishing ahead of Air Groove and Special Week in the race's first-ever Japanese one-two-three. [64] Special Week went on to win the next year's race against a strong international field, including the year's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner Montjeu from Ireland. Yutaka Take, Special Week's jockey, remarked at the time it'd been a long-term career goal to win the event; Take has gone on to win the Cup several times over the next three decades. [65] [66]

In 2000, the Japanese horse T. M. Opera O entered the Japan Cup unbeaten for the season and maintained his year-long record, defeating his fellow Japanese rivals Meisho Doto and Fantastic Light by respectively, a neck and a nose behind in third. With this victory's prize money, T. M. Opera O became the highest-earning racehorse in world history at ¥1,216,477,000 (equivalent to ¥1,355,000,000in 2024), overtaking the North American record held by Cigar and the previous Japanese record held by Special Week. [67] T. M. Opera O went on to win the year's Arima Kinen; having already won the year's autumn Tennō Shō, he was awarded an additional ¥200,000,000 (equivalent to ¥223,000,000in 2024) by the JRA for winning the three races, an accomplishment dubbed as completing the "Autumn Triple Crown." The same reward has been offered every year since to any horse that is able to win the trifecta of races. [68] [69]

T. M. Opera O could not repeat his success the year after, losing to Jungle Pocket by a neck. For the first time Japanese-trained horses filled the top five positions. Golan, trained by Michael Stoute, was the best foreign finisher of the race in sixth. [70]

The Japan Cup was temporarily moved in 2002 to Nakayama Racecourse due to renovations at Tokyo Racecourse. The race was held on the right-handed outer loop course, switching the race's direction and reducing its distance to 2,200 m (1.37 mi; 10.94 furlongs). [f] [72] The year also brought Italy's greatest success in the event, with the Italian-trained Falbrav securing a narrow victory over the American-trained Sarafan, with Japanese runner Symboli Kris S finishing a close third. Frankie Dettori was Delbrav's jockey, making him the first rider to win the event multiple times. [73]

The Cup returned to Tokyo the next year, where Tap Dance City went wire-to-wire to achieve the largest winning margin ever recorded in the race's history at nine lengths. [74] The 2004 race saw Zenno Rob Roy lead another Japanese sweep of the podium, against a series of lackluster performances from the international racers. [75] Having won the year's autumn Tennō Shō, Zenno Rob Roy went on to triumph in the Arima Kinen the following month, becoming the second, and most recent, horse to achieve the Autumn Triple Crown. [68]

International win drought

In 2005, British-trained Alkaased, ridden by Frankie Dettori, won in a photo finish over the Japanese horse Heart's Cry, with Zenno Rob Roy finishing third. The race set a new world record for the race's 2,400 metres at 2:22.1, surpassing the previous record set by Horlicks in 1989. [76] [77] Moreover, this was the final victory by a foreign horse in for nearly two decades. [78]

In 2006, a few weeks after being disqualified from the year's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe after testing positive for ipratropium, [79] Deep Impact returned to racing in his home country at the Japan Cup and secured victory in his career's penultimate race. [80] [81] In part due to this victory, he was later named Japanese Horse of the Year for the second consecutive year. [82] Similar circumstances occurred the year later, when Admire Moon won the Cup by a head over Pop Rock; [83] this was Admire Moon's final race before retiring and being crowned 2007's Japanese Horse of the Year. [84] [85]

Screen Hero was considered an outsider in the 2008 race, having competed in only four races that year following an 11-month hiatus due to a leg injury. Sent off at odds of 40/1, he defied expectations to win the race, finishing half a length ahead of Deep Sky. [86]

After finishing fourth in 2007 and third in 2008, Vodka finally claimed victory in her third attempt at the Japan Cup in 2009, winning in a photo finish over the 2008 Kikuka-shō winner Oken Bruce Lee. Vodka's final time of 2:22.4 was the third-fastest in the race's history, and was the first time a Japanese mare had won the event, [87] as well as making her the first mare worldwide to earn over $10 million (roughly ¥ 936,000,000) in prize money in their career. [88]

The 2010 race ended with a controversial disqualification. [89] [90] Buena Vista, the race favourite, finished first past the post two lengths ahead of Rose Kingdom. However, an inquiry relegated Buena Vista to second position, having been determined to have abruptly veered inward on the final straight and impeding Rose Kingdom's progress. This meant Rose Kingdom was declared the winner. [91] [92] The disqualification was unpopular both within Japan and internationally due to Buena Vista's strong performance in the race, with the race's stewards being referred to as incompetent, resulting in the JRA revising its inquiry rules to meet international horse racing standards. [92] [93] Buena Vista returned in 2011 to claim the title outright. [89] [90]

Double victories and Triple Crown Showdowns

Gentildonna

Gentildonna nosing out Denim and Ruby at the 2013 Japan Cup, becoming the first double winner Gentildonna Japan Cup 2013(IMG1).jpg
Gentildonna nosing out Denim and Ruby at the 2013 Japan Cup, becoming the first double winner

In 2012, the final stretch of the race came down to Orfevre, the 2011 Japanese Triple Crown winner, facing off against the 2012 Fillies' Triple Crown [g] winner Gentildonna. In a closely contested ending, Gentildonna claimed victory by a nose. However, a stewards' inquiry afterwards confirmed that Gentildonna made contact with Orfervre in the final stretch. The result stood, but Gentildonna's jockey, Yasunari Iwata, was suspended for two days. [93] [94] Gentildonna returned the next year to win the Cup again, becoming the first horse to win the race twice. [95] She attempted a third consecutive victory in 2014 in her final race, but came fourth whilst Epiphaneia, who had entered at the relatively low odds of 15–1, claimed victory. [96]

The 2014 race was the first race in the event's history to be sponsored, [97] after the JRA began searching for suitable sponsors the previous year following a gradual decade-long decline in turnover. [98] 2014 also saw the first release of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities' "Top 100 Group 1 Races of the Year for 3yo's and upwards", a report which ranks Group 1 races by the average IFHA ratings of their top finishers over the previous three runnings. [99] The Japan Cup placed eighth in the inaugural report, [100] and since then has regularly placed in the top ten each year, including first in 2023. [101] [102]

Almond Eye

The Japanese filly Shonan Pandora captured the 2015 race, becoming the seventh mare to win the race. [103] Kitasan Black went wire-to-wire to comfortably win the year after, with fellow Japanese racers Sounds of Earth and Cheval Grand finishing second and third respectively 2+1⁄2 lengths behind Kitasan Black. [104] Cheval Grand returned next year to claim victory, with the win securing the top position in the 2016 Longines World's Best Jockey Rankings for his jockey Hugh Bowman. [105]

In 2018 Alkaased's course record was broken, when Almond Eye clocked 2:20.6 on firm ground. The race was another all-Japanese sweep, with Almond Eye finishing 1+3⁄4 lengths ahead of Kiseki, with Suave Richard in third. [106] Her performance received great praise from commentators, including her being called one of the greatest horses both in the world. [107] [108]

Suave Richard crossing the finish line in first place at the 2019 Japan Cup Suave Richard Japan Cup 2019(IMG1).jpg
Suave Richard crossing the finish line in first place at the 2019 Japan Cup

2019's Japan Cup was the first in which all the entrants were domestic racers, with no international horses signing up for the event. It was also a memorial race for the late Deep Impact, who had been euthanised in July earlier that year. Several runners, including runner-up Curren Bouquetd'or and third-placed Wagnerian, were progeny of Deep Impact. [109] Suave Richard, who was sired by Heart's Cry, delivered a strong late run to win under the year's British Champion Jockey, Oisin Murphy. [110] [111]

The 2020 Japan Cup had a significant amount of excitement prior to the event due to a very strong line-up, [112] in particular featuring three Japanese Triple Crown winners; the 2018 Fillies Triple Crown winner Almond Eye, the undefeated 2020 Triple Crown winner Contrail, and the undefeated 2020 Fillies Triple Crown winner Daring Tact. [113] These three horses all placed in the top three, with Almond Eye triumphing in the Cup again by 1+1⁄4 lengths over Contrail and Daring Tact. [114] [115] Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 recorded the lowest crowd attendance in the race's history by a significant margin at 4,604 people, [2] following the JRA's decision to hold all of their races that year behind closed doors. [116]

Recent races

Contrail avenged his loss from the previous year by winning the 2021 Cup in his final race before retirement, finishing two lengths ahead of the Japanese Authority. [117] Despite racing only three times previously in the year, his prior performance meant Contrail had been the odds-on favourite, [118] and his victory at the Cup contributed to him securing the 2021 JRA award for Best Older Colt or Horse. [119]

Vela Azul was the victor in 2022, his first Group 1 title. [120] The horse had spent the majority of his previous races (16 out of 21) on dirt tracks, only switching to turf at the Awaji Tokubetsu allowance race in March 2022, five races before the Japan Cup. [121] [122] The race favourite, Shahryar, placed second, and in the closing moments of the race was involved in an incident where he drifted left in the closing stages, significantly impeding Danon Beluga's progress. The JRA stewards judged this careless riding and banned Shahryar's rider, Cristian Demuro, from racing for four days. [123]

2023 was another year with a line-up considered especially strong, featuring multiple Grade 1 winners such as the year's Saudi Cup's winner Panthalassa and the seventh Japanese Triple Tiara winner Liberty Island. [124] In spite of the quality of the competition Equinox, the world's highest rated horse [125] and who was on a streak of five G1 wins, won in a victory widely described by reporters and the race's commentators [126] as a commanding win. [127] [128] The strength of Equinox's performance, combined with the field's depth, led to two honours: Equinox was named the year’s World’s Best Racehorse by the IFHA, and the Japan Cup the IFHA’s World’s Best Horse Race. [129]

Running near the back for much of the race, Do Deuce surged forward in the final stretch to win the 2024 Cup in his penultimate race, resulting in him being awarded both the year's JRA Japanese Horse of the Year and the JRA Award for Best Older Male Horse awards . [130] [131] It also secured jockey Yutaka Take's record fifth win in the event's history. [130] [132]

The end of the Japanese streak

The French-trained Calandagan was the sole entrant from outside of Japan in 2025. However, in the lead-up to the event he was considered one of the best overseas participants in recent years, [133] having previously won three Group 1 races in the year, being ranked at the top of the Longines World's Best Racehorses Rankings, and had recently been declared the Cartier Horse of the Year. [134] Calandagan lived up to his strong reputation, surging in the last 300 metres to beat Masquerade Ball by a head, breaking Almond Eye's world record for 2,400m on turf and marking the end of Japan's winning streak of 19 years. [135] [136] The race itself also drew attention from reporters for featuring three jockeys getting thrown off their horses. [78] [137]

Decline in international participation

Participation of foreign horses in the Japan Cup (1981--2024), by total number and % Participation of Foreign Horses in the Japan Cup (1981 - 2024).png
Participation of foreign horses in the Japan Cup (1981—2024), by total number and %

Between the American horse Alkaased's and the Irish horse Calandagan's victories in 2005 and 2025, only one non-Japanese horse has placed in the top three; the British Ouija Board, who was third in 2006. All other top-three placers in this twenty-year period were born and trained in Japan, except for the 2024 runner-up Shin Emperor, who was born in France and brought over to Japan as a foal. [138] The number of international horses has also declined; while over half of the horses in the inaugural race were from abroad, by 2024 there were only three. [139] In more extreme cases, the number was even lower; Iresine, a French horse, and Calandagan were the only entries from abroad in 2023 and 2025 respectively, and no foreign horses competed in 2019. This has led to commentators raising concerns about the Japan Cup maintaining its prestige or has "lost its way". [140] [141] However, it has also been argued that the Cup's homogeneous winners since the 2000s is nothing unique and is instead an example of the home-advantage trends seen in other international races. [142]

The decline in international interest is often attributed to the rise in the overall strength of Japanese horses since the early 2000s. [140] [143] [144] The most commonly cited reason of this trend is the great success of leading sires Sunday Silence and Northern Dancer, whose progeny from the 1990s onwards have consistently performed at a high level and produced numerous Group 1 winners. [145] [146] Additionally, the JRA has also encouraged trainers to breed their horses with international bloodlines to enhance their competitive edge, [147] [148] and has built facilities such as the Bloodhorse Training Center to facilitate further training and research. [17] [149]

The increasingly busy international racing calendar is a contributing factor to declining international numbers. In the Japan Cup's first years, November was "a time when once a comfortable silence fell over flat racing". [39] However, since 1981, numerous high-profile worldwide competitions like the Breeders' Cup and the Hong Kong Vase have been established in the winter months. With similar levels of prestige and prize money, these races have given trainers a wider range of available international options, [61] [150] leading to suggestions that the Cup be moved to a less competitive time of the year. [141]

Concerns have also been raised about the logistical challenges involved with bringing foreign horses to Japan. The process, which involves lengthy amounts of travel and quarantine, can distress the horses involved, further making the idea of racing in Japan unappealing to foreign horse owners. [151] In 2022, the JRA opened a new quarantine stable near Tokyo Racecourse to help make travel to Japan for the Cup more enticing for trainers. [152] [153] The issues surrounding horses traveling from abroad have been noted as a problem since the early years of the Japan Cup. The 1983 winner Stanerra arrived in Tokyo in bad shape from the flight and required six hours of walking daily before her race to rebuild her strength, [154] while the 1989 winner Horlicks required the use of a full-length mirror mired with other horses' scent to help overcome her stress and loneliness after arriving in Japan. [155]

Purse and qualification

Throughout its history, the Japan Cup has been repeatedly described as one of the world's richest races. [h] In the original 1981 race, the prize pool totaled over ¥123,000,000 (equivalent to ¥174,000,000in 2024), with ¥65,000,000 (equivalent to ¥91,800,000in 2024) being awarded to the winner Mairzy Doates. [21] The purse's size increased steadily over the years, with the prize pool nearly ¥250,000,000 (roughly US$3.61 million [54] ) by 1992. [159] By 2023, the prize pool had reached over a billion yen. [160]

While the list of qualifying races varies slightly each year, typically foreign horses that win notable Group 1 races outside of Japan will be invited to participate, with the incentive of an additional prize if they place well. [161] Japanese horses undergo standard JRA selection based on previous performances and their total career earnings. [162] [163] Horses that participate in the race and have also achieved victory in other specific JRA races in the year will also be eligible for bonuses. [164] For example, in 2025, the criteria were as follows:

Invitation and bonus criteria for the 2025 Japan Cup [5] [69] [165]
CriteriaRaces involvedBonus
Foreign based horse invited after winning one of the following:
  • 1st place in Japan Cup: US$3,000,000
  • 2nd place: US$1,200,000
  • 3rd place: US$750,000
  • 4th place: US$450,000
  • 5th place: US$300,000
  • 6th or lower: US$200,000
Other invitational horses:N/AUS$100,000 regardless of placing
Horse wins any three of the following races in the same year:
  • ¥200 million for Japanese-bred horse
  • ¥100 million for non-Japanese bred horse
Horse completes the year's Autumn Triple Crown:
  • Tennō Shō (Autumn)
  • Japan Cup
  • Arima Kinen
  • ¥300 million for Japanese-bred horse
  • ¥150 million for non-Japanese bred horse

Records

Leading horses: [166]

Leading jockey: [166]

Leading trainers: [166]

Leading owner: [166]

Winners

Individual race results and prize money derived from the Netkeiba, Racing Post and JRA weblinks listed under References.

Winners of the Japan Cup
YearWinner (CB)AgeJockeyTrainerOwnerTimeTop 5 Purse
1981Flag of the United States.svg  Mairzy Doates  (USA)5Flag of the United States.svg  Cash Asmussen  (USA)Flag of the United States.svg John Fulton (USA)Flag of the United States.svg Arno Schefler (USA)2:25.3¥123,500,000
1982Flag of the United States.svg  Half Iced  (USA)3Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg  Don MacBeth  (CAN)Flag of the United States.svg  Stanley M. Hough  (USA)Flag of the United States.svg  Bertram R. Firestone  (USA)2:27.1¥134,000,000
1983Flag of Ireland.svg  Stanerra  (IRE)5Flag of the United Kingdom.svg  Brian Rouse  (GB)Flag of Ireland.svg  Frank Dunne  (IRE)Flag of Ireland.svg Frank Dunne (IRE)2:27.6¥137,200,000
1984Flag of Japan.svg  Katsuragi Ace  (JPN)4Flag of Japan.svg  Katsuichi Nishiura  (JPN)Flag of Japan.svg  Kazumi Domon  (JPN)Flag of Japan.svg Ichizo Node (JPN)2:26.3¥142,500,000
1985Flag of Japan.svg  Symboli Rudolf  (JPN)4Flag of Japan.svg  Yukio Okabe  (JPN)Flag of Japan.svg  Yuji Nohira  (JPN)Flag of Japan.svg  Symboli Bokujo  (JPN)2:28.8¥148,800,000
1986Flag of the United Kingdom.svg  Jupiter Island  (GB)7Flag of Ireland.svg  Pat Eddery  (IRE)Flag of the United Kingdom.svg  Clive Brittain  (GB)Flag of the United Kingdom.svg  Marquess of Tavistock  (GB)2:25.0¥152,000,000
1987Flag of the United Kingdom.svg  Le Glorieux  (GB)3Flag of France.svg  Alain Lequeux  (FRA)Flag of France.svg  Robert Collet  (FRA)Flag of Germany.svg Sieglinde Wolf (GER)2:24.9¥161,500,000
1988Flag of the United States.svg  Pay the Butler  (USA)4Flag of the United States.svg  Chris McCarron  (USA)Flag of the United States.svg  Robert J. Frankel  (USA)Flag of the United States.svg  Edmund A. Gann  (USA)2:25.5¥180,500,000
1989Flag of New Zealand.svg  Horlicks  (NZL)6Flag of New Zealand.svg  Lance O'Sullivan  (NZL)Flag of New Zealand.svg  Dave O'Sullivan  (NZL)Flag of New Zealand.svg Graham de Gruchy (NZL)2:22.2¥195,300,000
1990Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Better Loosen Up  (AUS)5Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Michael Clarke  (AUS)Flag of Australia (converted).svg  David Hayes  (AUS)Flag of Australia (converted).svg Gabe Farrah, et al. (AUS)2:23.2¥210,000,000
1991Flag of the United States.svg  Golden Pheasant  (USA)5Flag of the United States.svg  Gary Stevens  (USA)Flag of the United States.svg  Charles Whittingham  (USA)Flag of the United States.svg  Bruce McNall  (USA) [1] 2:24.7¥228,000,000
1992Flag of Japan.svg  Tokai Teio  (JPN)4Flag of Japan.svg Yukio Okabe (JPN)Flag of Japan.svg  Shoichi Matsumoto  (JPN)Flag of Japan.svg  Masanori Uchimura  (JPN)2:24.6¥248,000,000
1993Flag of Japan.svg  Legacy World  (JPN)4Flag of Japan.svg  Hiroshi Kawachi  (JPN)Flag of Japan.svg  Hideyuki Mori  (JPN)Flag of Japan.svg  Horse Tajima Co.  (JPN)2:24.4¥248,000,000
1994Flag of Japan.svg  Marvelous Crown  (JPN)4Flag of Japan.svg  Katsumi Minai  (JPN)Flag of Japan.svg Makoto Osawa (JPN)Flag of Japan.svg Sadao Sasahara (JPN)2:23.6¥248,000,000
1995Flag of Germany.svg  Lando  (GER)5Flag of South Africa.svg  Michael Roberts  (SAF)Flag of Germany.svg  Heinz Jentzsch  (GER)Flag of Germany.svg  Gestüt Haus Ittlingen  (GER)2:24.6¥251,200,000
1996Flag of Ireland.svg  Singspiel  (IRE)4Flag of Italy.svg  Frankie Dettori  (ITA)Flag of the United Kingdom.svg  Michael Stoute  (GB)Flag of the United Arab Emirates.svg  Sheikh Mohammed  (UAE)2:23.8¥251,200,000
1997Flag of Ireland.svg  Pilsudski  (IRE)5Flag of Ireland.svg  Michael Kinane  (IRE)Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Michael Stoute (GB)Flag of the United Kingdom.svg  Lord Weinstock  (GB)2:25.8¥251,200,000
1998Flag of the United States.svg  El Condor Pasa  (USA)3Flag of Japan.svg  Masayoshi Ebina  (JPN)Flag of Japan.svg  Yoshitaka Ninomiya  (JPN)Flag of Japan.svg  Takashi Watanabe  (JPN)2:25.9¥251,200,000
1999Flag of Japan.svg  Special Week  (JPN)4Flag of Japan.svg  Yutaka Take  (JPN)Flag of Japan.svg  Toshiaki Shirai  (JPN)Flag of Japan.svg  Hiroyoshi Usuda  (JPN)2:25.5¥251,200,000
2000Flag of Japan.svg  T. M. Opera O  (JPN)4Flag of Japan.svg  Ryuji Wada  (JPN)Flag of Japan.svg  Ichizo Iwamoto  (JPN)Flag of Japan.svg  Masatsugu Takezono  (JPN)2:26.1¥476,000,000
2001Flag of Japan.svg  Jungle Pocket  (JPN)3Flag of France.svg  Olivier Peslier  (FRA)Flag of Japan.svg  Sakae Watanabe  (JPN)Flag of Japan.svg  Yomoji Saito  (JPN)2:23.8¥476,000,000
2002Flag of Ireland.svg  Falbrav  (IRE) [2] 4Flag of Italy.svg Frankie Dettori (ITA)Flag of Italy.svg Luciano d'Auria (ITA)Flag of Italy.svg Scuderia Rencati (ITA)2:12.2¥476,000,000
2003Flag of the United States.svg  Tap Dance City  (USA)6Flag of Japan.svg  Tetsuzo Sato  (JPN)Flag of Japan.svg  Shozo Sasaki  (JPN)Flag of Japan.svg  Yushun Horse Syndicate  (JPN)2:28.7¥476,000,000
2004Flag of Japan.svg  Zenno Rob Roy  (JPN)4Flag of France.svg Olivier Peslier (FRA)Flag of Japan.svg  Kazuo Fujisawa  (JPN)Flag of Japan.svg  Shinobu Oosako  (JPN)2:24.2¥476,000,000
2005Flag of the United States.svg  Alkaased  (USA)5Flag of Italy.svg Frankie Dettori (ITA)Flag of the United Kingdom.svg  Luca Cumani  (GB)Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Michael Charlton (GB)2:22.1¥476,000,000
2006Flag of Japan.svg  Deep Impact  (JPN)4Flag of Japan.svg Yutaka Take (JPN)Flag of Japan.svg  Yasuo Ikee  (JPN)Flag of Japan.svg  Kaneko Makoto Holdings Co.  (JPN)2:25.1¥476,000,000
2007Flag of Japan.svg  Admire Moon  (JPN)4Flag of Japan.svg  Yasunari Iwata  (JPN)Flag of Japan.svg  Hiroyoshi Matsuda  (JPN)Flag of Japan.svg  Darley Japan Farm Co. Ltd.  (JPN)2:24.7¥476,000,000
2008Flag of Japan.svg  Screen Hero  (JPN)4Flag of Italy.svg  Mirco Demuro  (ITA)Flag of Japan.svg Yuichi Shikato (JPN)Flag of Japan.svg  Teruya Yoshida  (JPN)2:25.5¥476,000,000
2009Flag of Japan.svg  Vodka  (JPN)5Flag of France.svg  Christophe Lemaire  (FRA)Flag of Japan.svg  Katsuhiko Sumii  (JPN)Flag of Japan.svg  Yuzo Tanimizu  (JPN)2:22.4¥481,520,000
2010Flag of Japan.svg  Rose Kingdom  (JPN) [3] 3Flag of Japan.svg Yutaka Take (JPN)Flag of Japan.svg Kojiro Hashiguchi (JPN)Flag of Japan.svg  Sunday Racing  (JPN)2:25.2¥481,400,000
2011Flag of Japan.svg  Buena Vista  (JPN)5Flag of Japan.svg Yasunari Iwata (JPN)Flag of Japan.svg Hiroyoshi Matsuda (JPN)Flag of Japan.svg Sunday Racing (JPN)2:24.2¥480,920,000
2012Flag of Japan.svg  Gentildonna  (JPN)3Flag of Japan.svg Yasunari Iwata (JPN)Flag of Japan.svg  Sei Ishizaka  (JPN)Flag of Japan.svg Sunday Racing (JPN)2:23.1¥481,100,000
2013Flag of Japan.svg Gentildonna (JPN)4Flag of the United Kingdom.svg  Ryan Moore  (GB)Flag of Japan.svg Sei Ishizaka (JPN)Flag of Japan.svg Sunday Racing (JPN)2:26.1¥481,400,000
2014Flag of Japan.svg  Epiphaneia  (JPN)4Flag of Belgium (civil).svg  Christophe Soumillon  (BEL)Flag of Japan.svg Katsuhiko Sumii (JPN)Flag of Japan.svg  U. Carrot Farm  (JPN)2:23.1¥481,460,000
2015Flag of Japan.svg  Shonan Pandora  (JPN)4Flag of Japan.svg  Kenichi Ikezoe  (JPN)Flag of Japan.svg  Tomokazu Takano  (JPN)Flag of Japan.svg  Tetsuhide Kunimoto  (JPN)2:24.7¥575,400,000
2016Flag of Japan.svg  Kitasan Black  (JPN)4Flag of Japan.svg  Yutaka Take  (JPN)Flag of Japan.svg  Hisashi Shimizu  (JPN)Flag of Japan.svg  Ono Shoji  (JPN)2:25.8¥575,340,000
2017Flag of Japan.svg  Cheval Grand  (JPN)5Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Hugh Bowman  (AUS)Flag of Japan.svg  Yasuo Tomomichi  (JPN)Flag of Japan.svg  Kazuhiro Sasaki  (JPN)2:23.7¥575,220,000
2018Flag of Japan.svg  Almond Eye  (JPN)3Flag of France.svg Christophe Lemaire (FRA)Flag of Japan.svg  Sakae Kunieda  (JPN)Flag of Japan.svg  Silk Racing  (JPN)2:20.6¥577,344,000
2019Flag of Japan.svg  Suave Richard  (JPN)5Flag of Ireland.svg  Oisin Murphy  (IRE)Flag of Japan.svg Yasushi Shono (JPN)Flag of Japan.svg NICKS Co, Ltd (JPN)2:25.9¥574,560,000
2020Flag of Japan.svg Almond Eye (JPN)5Flag of France.svg Christophe Lemaire (FRA)Flag of Japan.svg Sakae Kunieda (JPN)Flag of Japan.svg Silk Racing (JPN)2:23.0¥574,620,000
2021Flag of Japan.svg  Contrail  (JPN)4Flag of Japan.svg  Yuichi Fukunaga  (JPN)Flag of Japan.svg  Yoshito Yahagi  (JPN)Flag of Japan.svg Shinji Maeda (JPN)2:24.7¥575,460,000
2022Flag of Japan.svg  Vela Azul  (JPN)5Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Ryan Moore (GB)Flag of Japan.svg  Kunihiko Watanabe  (JPN)Flag of Japan.svg U. Carrot Farm (JPN)2:23.7¥765,580,000
2023Flag of Japan.svg  Equinox  (JPN)4Flag of France.svg Christophe Lemaire (FRA)Flag of Japan.svg  Tetsuya Kimura  (JPN)Flag of Japan.svg Silk Racing (JPN)2:21.8¥960,520,000
2024Flag of Japan.svg  Do Deuce  (JPN)5Flag of Japan.svg Yutaka Take (JPN)Flag of Japan.svg Yasuo Tomomichi (JPN)Flag of Japan.svg  Kieffers Co. Ltd.  (JPN)2:25.5¥959,260,000
2025Flag of Ireland.svg  Calandagan  (IRE)4Flag of France.svg  Mickael Barzalona  (FRA)Flag of France.svg  Francis-Henri Graffard  (FRA)Flag of France.svg  Aga Khan Studs SCEA  (FRA)2:20.3¥960,400,000

1 With Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg  Wayne Gretzky  (CAN) as a minority stake holder. [50]
2 The 2002 race took place at Nakayama Racecourse over a distance of 2,200 metres.
3 Rose Kingdom finished second to Buena Vista but was promoted as a result of a disqualification.

Winners by nationality

Horse

NationFoaledTrainedOwned
Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia  (AUS)111
Flag of France.svg  France  (FRA)021
Flag of Germany.svg  Germany  (GER)112
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg  Great Britain  (GB)243
Flag of Ireland.svg  Ireland  (IRE)511
Flag of Italy.svg  Italy  (ITA)011
Flag of Japan.svg  Japan  (JPN)283030
Flag of New Zealand.svg  New Zealand  (NZL)111
Flag of the United Arab Emirates.svg  United Arab Emirates  (UAE)001
Flag of the United States.svg  United States  (USA)744

Jockey

NationNo.
Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia  (AUS)2
Flag of Belgium (civil).svg  Belgium  (BEL)1
Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg  Canada  (CAN)1
Flag of France.svg  France  (FRA)8
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg  Great Britain  (GB)3
Flag of Ireland.svg  Ireland  (IRE)3
Flag of Italy.svg  Italy  (ITA)4
Flag of Japan.svg  Japan  (JPN)18
Flag of New Zealand.svg  New Zealand  (NZL)1
Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa  (SAF)1
Flag of the United States.svg  United States  (USA)3

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ Japanese horses had on rare occasions competed abroad before 1981. However, outside of Hakuchikara's victory at the 1959 Washington's Birthday Handicap, their results were "a series of humiliating defeats", leading trainers at the time to view taking their horses outside Japan as a futile endeavour. [12] [13]
  2. ↑ Screenshot is from the Sky Racing documentary, Global Impact: The Rise Of The Japanese Thoroughbred. [17]
  3. ↑ Although Britain and France had been considered important countries to include during the race's initial development, the JRA decided against extending invitations to them due to limited ties with their respective racing authorities. This decision was heavily criticised by Japanese media in the build-up to the race. [18]
  4. ↑ A common horseracing measure in race results that represents the average length of a horse, around 8 ft (2.4 m).
  5. ↑ An international grading standard regulated by the IFHA that denotes a race as having major international importance and where the partaking racers are expected to be of a very high standard. [28]
  6. ↑ Nakayama Racecourse's turf track does not have a 2,400m configuration. [71]
  7. ↑ Often referred to as the Japanese Triple Tiara.
  8. ↑ Amongst other years; 1989, [46] 1990, [156] 1994, [157] 2004, [75] 2011, [89] 2021. [158]

References

Full race results

References

  1. ↑ Marquardt, Lucas (2014-03-12). "Japan Cup Recap". Thoroughbred Daily News. Archived from the original on 2025-10-07. Retrieved 2025-09-21.
  2. 1 2 "The 43rd Running of The Japan Cup in association with LONGINES, Press Information" (PDF) (Press release). Japan Racing Association. November 2023. p. 6. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2025-07-25.
  3. ↑ "The Philosophy for JRA Track" (PDF) (Press release). Japan Racing Association. p. 3. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2025-08-14. Retrieved 2025-09-22.
  4. 1 2 "Tokyo Course Details". Horse Racing in Japan. Archived from the original on 2025-06-18. Retrieved 2025-09-22.
  5. 1 2 "Japan Cup 2025". Horse Racing in Japan. Archived from the original on 2025-10-07. Retrieved 2025-09-06.
  6. 1 2 今週の注目レース:ジャパンカップ（G1） [This week's featured race: The Japan Cup (G1)]. Japan Racing Association (in Japanese). 2024-11-24. Archived from the original on 2024-11-18. Retrieved 2025-10-12.
  7. ↑ Goda, Naohiro (2025-03-29). "Tokyo Racecourse – Track Analysis (Japan Cup)". The Hong Kong Jockey Club. Archived from the original on 2025-01-14. Retrieved 2026-02-10.
  8. ↑ 【360° interactive video】Tokyo Racecourse Turf 2400meters (Interactive video). Japan Racing Association. 2021-11-21. Archived from the original on 2025-10-07.
  9. ↑ "Japan Cup (G1) - Data Analysis". Horse Racing In Japan. 2024-11-18. Archived from the original on 2025-05-14. Retrieved 2025-09-22.
  10. ↑ Webber, Adrian (2023-11-24). "Domestic horses look to continue home dominance". The Japan Times . Archived from the original on 2025-10-07. Retrieved 2025-10-05.
  11. ↑ Tazawa, Satoshi (2021-01-08). 「アーモンドアイの出現が必然となるまでの1981-2020日本競馬史」（上） ["The History of Japanese Horse Racing from 1981 to 2020: The Inevitable Appearance of Almond Eye" (Part 1)] (in Japanese). nippon. Archived from the original on 2025-10-07. Retrieved 2025-10-05.
  12. ↑ 日本馬海外遠征の歴史 [The history of Japanese horse expeditions abroad]. Japan Racing Association (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 2026-02-07. Retrieved 2026-02-07.
  13. 1 2 Kawamura, Kiyoaki (2020-11-19). 第一章:焦燥[Chapter 1: Impatience]. 【増補版】ミスター・ジャパンカップと呼ばれた男 競馬国際化の礎を作り上げた「異端」の挑戦 [The Man Called Mr. Japan Cup: The "Heretical" Challenge that Built the Foundation for International Horseracing (Extended Edition)] (in Japanese). CLAP. ASIN   B00HV8LL0C. [ISBN unspecified]
  14. ↑ Helm, Leslie (1992-06-16). "Market Focus : Japan Keeps Eye on Horse Racing Prize : With big money at stake, a very tight rein is held on foreign-born horses. U.S. breeders want that changed". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on 2025-10-07. Retrieved 2025-10-05.
  15. ↑ 今週の注目レース（レースについて：ジャパンカップ） [This week's featured races (Race information: Japan Cup)]. Japan Racing Association (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 2015-11-17. Retrieved 2016-11-21.
  16. ↑ Buckley, Roger (2010). "'Competitors with the English sporting men'. Civilization, Enlightenment and Horse Racing: Anglo-Japanese Relations, 1860–2010". In Cortazzi, Hugh (ed.). Britain and Japan: Biographical Portraits. Vol. VII. Global Oriental. p. 561. ISBN   978-1-906876-26-5.
  17. 1 2 Donegan, Peter (narrator); Glanville, Jon (writer); Court, John (editor) (2017-04-28). Global Impact: The Rise Of The Japanese Thoroughbred (documentary). Sky Racing.
  18. 1 2 Kawamura, Kiyoaki (2020-11-19). 第三章 震撼[Chapter 3: Shock]. 【増補版】ミスター・ジャパンカップと呼ばれた男 競馬国際化の礎を作り上げた「異端」の挑戦 [The Man Called Mr. Japan Cup: The "Heretical" Challenge that Built the Foundation for International Horseracing (Extended Edition)] (in Japanese). CLAP. ASIN   B00HV8LL0C. [ISBN unspecified]
  19. 1 2 3 歴史・沿革 [History of Tokyo Racecourse]. 一般社団法人 東京馬主協会[Tokyo Horse Owners Association] (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 2025-10-07. Retrieved 2025-10-05.
  20. ↑ 競走成績 - 第84回 天皇賞 [Race Results - The 84th Tennō Shō]. Japan Racing Association (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 2023-10-29. Retrieved 2025-10-03.
  21. 1 2 "1st Running of the Japan Cup, November, 22 1981" (PDF). Horse Racing in Japan. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2025-10-09. Retrieved 2025-09-20.
  22. ↑ "Asmussen cashes in Japan Cup". Syracuse Herald Journal . 1981-11-23. p. 26. Mairsy Doates... earned $282,600 Sunday by winning the $537,000 Japan Cup, the first international horse race in Tokyo
  23. ↑ Yamamoto, Tomoyuki (2018-11-25). 韓国馬が地元G1で日本馬にボロ負けする理由 [Why Korean horses lose to Japanese horses in local G1s]. 東洋経済オンライン[ Weekly Toyo Keizai ] (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 2025-10-09. Retrieved 2025-10-05.
  24. ↑ Fukushima, Hiroshi. 【ジャパンC】第1回は日本のトップホースらがGI未勝利馬の外国馬に完敗 武豊騎手「衝撃を受けた。外国馬が強かったので」 [[Japan Cup] In the first race, top Japanese horses were completely defeated by foreign horses that had not yet won a GI race. Jockey Yutaka Take said, "I was shocked. The foreign horses were so strong."] (in Japanese). TV Tokyo Sports. Archived from the original on 2024-11-22. Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  25. ↑ Motomura, Ryōji (2016). 競馬の世界史:サラブレッド誕生から21世紀の凱旋門賞まで[World history of horse racing: From the birth of the thoroughbred to the 21st century Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe] (in Japanese). Chuokoron-Shinsha. ISBN   978-4-12-102391-9. 「あのレースを観戦したものは、日本馬がジャパンカップを勝つまであと20年はかかる、21世紀の出来事だろうと心底ため息がもれたはずだ[Those who watched that race must have sighed in deep regret, thinking that it would be another 20 years before a Japanese horse won the Japan Cup, something that would happen in the 21st century."] quoted in 第3章: ジャパンカップ、その多難な船 [Chapter 3: The Japan Cup's rocky start]. netkaiba (in Japanese). 2017-12-20. Archived from the original on 2023-06-06. Retrieved 2025-10-11.
  26. ↑ "Japan Cup Date". Liverpool Daily Post . 1982-11-10. p. 21. Half Iced is the 11th and final foreign entry to be announced for the 580,000 dollar race against entries from France, Canada, West Germany, Italy, Ireland, New Zealand and Japan.
  27. ↑ "2nd Running of the Japan Cup, November 28 1982" (PDF). Horse Racing in Japan. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2025-10-09. Retrieved 2025-09-20.
  28. ↑ "An Introduction: The History of the Pattern". International Federation of Horseracing Authorities. 2023-12-31. Archived from the original on 2025-02-01. Retrieved 2025-10-13.
  29. ↑ "3rd Running of the Japan Cup, November, 27 1983" (PDF). Horse Racing in Japan. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2025-10-09. Retrieved 2025-09-20.
  30. ↑ David, Roy (1984-10-04). "Les girls give the boys a run for their money". Liverpool Daily Post. p. 27.
  31. ↑ "The Thoroughbred Connection: Ireland & Japan's Racing Legacy". Ireland.ie. Government of Ireland. 2025-09-16. Archived from the original on 2025-10-09. Retrieved 2025-10-04.
  32. ↑ "Horse Racing in Japan 2020" (PDF). Together for Racing International (Press release). Japan Racing Association. p. 3. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2024-06-30. Retrieved 2025-10-05.
  33. ↑ カツラギエース [Katsuragi Ace]. Japan Racing Association (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 2025-05-12. Retrieved 2025-11-14.
  34. ↑ "4th Running of the Japan Cup, November, 25 1984" (PDF). Horse Racing in Japan. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2025-10-09. Retrieved 2025-09-13.
  35. ↑ "Katsuragi Ace, a 40-to-1 shot, surged past favorites from..." United Press International . 1984-11-26. Archived from the original on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2025-11-14.
  36. ↑ "5th Running of the Japan Cup, November, 24 1985" (PDF). Horse Racing in Japan. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2025-10-09. Retrieved 2025-09-13.
  37. ↑ "6th Running of the Japan Cup, November 23 1986" (PDF). Horse Racing in Japan. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2025-10-09. Retrieved 2025-09-20.
  38. ↑ Hillier, Keith (24 November 1986). "Starkey angry at Japan Cup defeat". Sydney Morning Herald . Archived from the original on 2025-10-09. Retrieved 2025-09-28.
  39. 1 2 Newton, J. D., ed. (1987). "Jupiter Island". Racehorses of 1986. Portway Press Ltd. pp. 433–435. ISBN   978-0-900599-44-6.
  40. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "The 45th Running of the Japan Cup in association with Longines" (PDF) (Press release). Japan Racing Association. pp. 80–88. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2025-11-28. Retrieved 2025-11-30.
  41. ↑ "7th Running of the Japan Cup, November, 29 1987" (PDF). Horse Racing in Japan. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2025-10-09. Retrieved 2025-09-20.
  42. ↑ "8th Running of the Japan Cup, November, 27 1988" (PDF). Horse Racing in Japan. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2025-10-09. Retrieved 2025-09-13.
  43. ↑ Christine, Bill (1988-12-03). "Weekend Racing at Hollywood Park : McCarron Has an Edge for Eclipse". Los Angeles Times . p. 20. Archived from the original on 2025-10-09. Retrieved 2025-09-30. This weekend, for example, McCarron is riding only 1 day at Hollywood Park, having remained in Tokyo after his upset win aboard Pay the Butler in last Sunday's $2-million Japan Cup.
  44. ↑ McCarron, Chris (1988-11-28). "Pay the Butler did it in Tokyo". Toronto Star . p. 10. ProQuest   435802554.
  45. ↑ "Pay the Butler stuns Tamamo Cross". Arab Times . 1988-11-28. p. 15.
  46. 1 2 "Horse Racing Roundup : Horlicks Breaks Hawkster Mark in Japan". Los Angeles Times . 27 November 1989. Archived from the original on 2025-10-09. Retrieved 2025-09-28.
  47. ↑ "Japan Cup, Sunday, Nov 26,1989, 5th TOKYO 8-day". JBIS Search. Archived from the original on 2025-10-09. Retrieved 2025-09-20.
  48. ↑ "Horlicks gallops into history". The Canberra Times . 1989-11-28. p. 25. Archived from the original on 2025-10-09. Retrieved 2025-09-28.
  49. ↑ Bishop, Brad (2015-11-25). "25 years on, Better still one of the best". RACING.COM . Archived from the original on 2025-10-30. Retrieved 2025-10-30.
  50. 1 2 Hovdey, Jay (2023-11-24). "Golden Pheasant: 'Entering the Japan Cup walking ring was like walking into a football stadium'". Thoroughbred Racing Commentary. Archived from the original on 2025-10-09. Retrieved 2025-09-20.
  51. ↑ Ishida, Toshinori (2023-11-05). 「世界中のトップホースが集結」トウカイテイオーが"歴史"を変えた史上最強のジャパンカップ前夜...元番記者が振り返る31年前の記憶（石田敏徳） ["Top horses gathered from around the world." Tokai Teio changed history on the eve of the strongest Japan Cup ever... A former reporter looks back on memories from 31 years ago] (in Japanese). Sports Graphic Number. Archived from the original on 2025-09-30. Retrieved 2025-11-14.
  52. ↑ "Legacy World wins Japan Cup". United Press International . 1993-11-28. Archived from the original on 2025-02-22. Retrieved 2025-11-14.
  53. ↑ "Marvelous Crown Wins the Japan Cup, Beating Paradise Creek Before 165,930". Los Angeles Times . 1994-11-28. Archived from the original on 2025-11-14. Retrieved 2025-11-14.
  54. 1 2 "Jockey's error costly in Japan Cup". The Joplin Globe . Associated Press. 1993-11-29. p. 9.
  55. ↑ "Jockey fined as Japan keeps Cup". Liverpool Daily Post . 1993-11-29. p. 27.
  56. ↑ Taylor, Matt (1995-11-25). "Japan Cup favours tradition". The Canberra Times . p. 59. Archived from the original on 2025-10-09. Retrieved 2025-09-28. Bookmakers have Japanese galloper Hishi Amazon favourite to take out the SA5 million weight-for-age Japan Cup (2400m) in Tokyo tomorrow despite drawing wide.
  57. ↑ "Lando lands Japan Cup". Shropshire Star . 1995-11-27. p. 34.
  58. ↑ "A Son Of Africa". Sporting Post. 2021-01-18. Archived from the original on 2024-11-14. Retrieved 2025-10-27. That was the sight of 200 000 people cheering when I turned to canter back after winning the Japan Cup on Lando in 1995. What a memory!
  59. ↑ "15th Running of the Japan Cup, November, 26 1995" (PDF). Horse Racing in Japan. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2025-10-06. Retrieved 2025-09-13.
  60. ↑ McGrath, J. A. (1996-11-25). "Dettori strength lifts Japan Cup". Irish Independent . p. 32.
  61. 1 2 Ingles, John (2021-11-25). "Japan Cup preview: Europe's record in the great race's history". Sporting Life . Archived from the original on 2025-10-11. Retrieved 2025-10-01.
  62. ↑ McElroy, Damien (1997-11-24). "Kinane steers Pilsukdski to Japan Cup". Irish Independent . p. 27.
  63. 1 2 "Offence No. 6 costs Dettori Japan Cup try". Aberdeen Press and Journal . 1997-11-14. p. 37. I didn't know what to expect. I knew it would be around 21 days and 21 days we got.... But I am a little bit disappointed because I thought it was going to cover only English racing days, therefore I am missing the Japan Cup... It's not a one day ban when you are missing a race like the Japan Cup.
  64. ↑ "El Condor Pasa Leads Clean Sweep by Japan Horses". Tehran Times . 1998-11-30. Archived from the original on 2025-10-30. Retrieved 2025-10-30.
  65. ↑ "Dettori misses out on Japan Cup". BBC News . 1999-11-28. Archived from the original on 2025-10-10. Retrieved 2025-10-08.
  66. ↑ "Special Week takes prize". The Irish Times . 1999-11-29. Archived from the original on 2025-10-10. Retrieved 2025-10-08.
  67. ↑ Paulick, Ray (2000-11-26). "Local Favorite Becomes Richest Horse With Japan Cup Win". BloodHorse . Archived from the original on 2025-10-10. Retrieved 2025-09-20.
  68. 1 2 Shimada, Akihiro (2023-10-27). ＜過去に三冠は2頭だけ＞秋競馬の「古馬三冠」が難しいのはなぜか？《理由のひとつは日本競馬の「レベル上昇」も》 [Only two horses have ever won the Triple Crown. Why is it so difficult to win the Autumn Triple Crown for older horses? One reason is the rising level of Japanese horse racing.] (in Japanese). Sports Graphic Number. Archived from the original on 2025-10-07. Retrieved 2025-09-29.
  69. 1 2 同一年度に本会が定める競走に優勝した馬に対する褒賞金交付基準 [Prize money award criteria for horses that win races designated by the Society in the same year](PDF) (in Japanese). Japan Racing Association. 2025-01-01. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2025-09-18. Retrieved 2025-10-05.
  70. ↑ "Jungle Pocket denies T M Opera O victory". ESPN . Archived from the original on 2023-04-05. Retrieved 2025-10-13.
  71. ↑ "Nakayama Racecourse, Course Introduction" (in Japanese). Japan Racing Association. Archived from the original on 2026-02-07. Retrieved 2026-02-07.
  72. ↑ Privman, Jay (2002-11-12). "Drysdale sees Japan as right idea for Sarafan". Daily Racing Form . Archived from the original on 2025-10-25. Retrieved 2025-10-25.
  73. ↑ "Dettori survives objection to win Japan Cup for Italy". ESPN . 2001-11-24. Archived from the original on 2025-10-10. Retrieved 2025-10-02.
  74. ↑ Paulick, Ray (2003-11-30). "Tap Dance City's Japan Cup Romp Gives Lane's End Sires Weekend Sweep". BloodHorse . Archived from the original on 2025-10-10. Retrieved 2025-09-29.
  75. 1 2 Shuback, Alan (2004-11-28). "Zenno Rob Roy triumphs in Japan Cup". ESPN . Archived from the original on 2025-09-19. Retrieved 2025-09-29.
  76. ↑ "Alkaased takes Japan Cup in record time". Colorado Springs Gazette . 2005-11-28. p. 22.
  77. ↑ Hamer, Keith (2005-11-28). "Detorri delight". Irish Independent . p. 50.
  78. 1 2 Stevens, James (2025-11-30). "Calandagan wins close to £5 million with history-making Japan Cup success in course-record time". Racing Post . Archived from the original on 2025-11-30. Retrieved 2025-11-30.
  79. ↑ "Deep Impact disqualified from Arc". BBC Sport. 16 November 2006. Archived from the original on 2025-10-10. Retrieved 2025-09-30.
  80. ↑ Sexton, John (2006-11-27). "Deep Impact rewards loyalty of Japan's fans". The Independent . Archived from the original on 2025-10-10. Retrieved 2025-09-30.
  81. ↑ Paulick, Ray (2006-11-26). "Deep Impact Charges to Japan Cup Victory; Ouija Board Third". BloodHorse . Archived from the original on 2025-10-10. Retrieved 2025-09-30.
  82. ↑ "Deep Impact Repeats as Japan's Horse of Year". BloodHorse . 2007-01-22. Archived from the original on 2025-10-10. Retrieved 2025-09-30.
  83. ↑ "Admire Moon wins Japan Cup". The Irish Times . 2007-11-25. Archived from the original on 2025-10-10. Retrieved 2025-10-10.
  84. ↑ "JRA Award Winners Named". BloodHorse . 2008-01-30. Archived from the original on 2025-10-10. Retrieved 2025-09-28.
  85. ↑ Australia Associated Press (2007-11-26). "Racing: Sheik's $43m buy ends career in glory". The New Zealand Herald . Archived from the original on 2025-10-10. Retrieved 2025-10-10.
  86. ↑ "Screen Hero Posts Japan Cup Upset". BloodHorse . 2008-11-30. Archived from the original on 2025-10-10. Retrieved 2025-09-13.
  87. ↑ Tregoning, Sarah (2010-04-04). "Vodka, the horse with a sweet taste for success" . The National . Archived from the original on 2025-10-10. Retrieved 2025-09-20.
  88. ↑ "Vodka raises toast after Japan Cup victory" . The National . 2009-11-30. Archived from the original on 2025-10-10. Retrieved 2025-09-20.
  89. 1 2 3 "Racing: Buena Vista keeps the trophy this time". The New Zealand Herald . 2011-11-28. Archived from the original on 2025-10-10. Retrieved 2025-09-20.
  90. 1 2 "Buena Vista Earns Japan Cup Redemption". BloodHorse . 2011-11-27. Archived from the original on 2025-10-10. Retrieved 2025-09-20.
  91. ↑ "Japan Cup Goes to Rose Kingdom Via DQ". BloodHorse . 2010-11-28. Archived from the original on 2025-10-10. Retrieved 2025-09-20.
  92. 1 2 Heller, Bill (2019-07-12). "Is a foul a foul?". Trainer Magazine. Archived from the original on 2025-10-10. Retrieved 2025-09-20.
  93. 1 2 Aitken, Alan (2012-11-28). "Another Japan Cup, another crazy call". South China Morning Post . Archived from the original on 2025-10-10. Retrieved 2025-09-20.
  94. ↑ Gantz, Tracy (2012-11-25). "Gentildonna Noses Out Orfevre in Japan Cup". BloodHorse. Archived from the original on 2025-10-10. Retrieved 2025-09-21.
  95. ↑ "Gentildonna Posts Repeat Victory in Japan Cup". BloodHorse . 2013-11-24. Archived from the original on 2025-02-15. Retrieved 2019-01-11.
  96. ↑ "Epiphaneia Takes Japan Cup; Gentildonna Fourth". Paulick Report. 2014-11-30. Archived from the original on 2025-10-07. Retrieved 2019-01-11.
  97. ↑ Master, Web (2014-11-11). "Longines adds Japan Cup to horse racing portfolio". SportBusiness Sponsorship. Archived from the original on 2025-10-25. Retrieved 2025-10-25.
  98. ↑ Godfrey, Mark (2013). "Racing in Asia". In Cassidy, Rebecca (ed.). The Cambridge Companion to Horseracing. Cambridge University Press. p. 164. ISBN   978-1-107-01385-8.
  99. ↑ "Top 100 G1 Races of 2024 Announced". International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (Press release). 2025-01-21. Archived from the original on 2025-08-27. Retrieved 2025-10-11.
  100. ↑ "The World's Top 100 Group 1 Races for 3yo's and upwards - 2014" (PDF). International Federation of Horseracing Authorities. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2025-08-10. Retrieved 2025-10-26.
  101. ↑ "The LONGINES World's Top 100 Group/Grade 1 Races for 3yos and upwards - 2018". International Federation of Horseracing Authorities. Archived from the original on 2025-08-20. Retrieved 2025-10-11.
  102. ↑ "The LONGINES World's Top 100 Group/Grade 1 Races for 3yos and upwards - 2023". International Federation of Horseracing Authorities. Archived from the original on 2025-08-20.
  103. ↑ Biddington, Tom (2015-11-29). "Outsider Shonan Pandora wins Japan Cup". RACING.COM . Archived from the original on 2025-10-10. Retrieved 2025-09-13.
  104. ↑ "Kitasan Black romps to victory in Japan Cup". The Japan Times . 2016-11-27. ISSN   0447-5763. Archived from the original on 2018-11-07. Retrieved 2019-01-11.
  105. ↑ Sheehan, Luke. "Bowman wins Japan Cup on Cheval Grand". RACING.COM . Archived from the original on 2019-01-11. Retrieved 2019-01-11.
  106. ↑ Paulick, Ray (2018-11-25). "Filly Superstar Almond Eye Takes Japan Cup In Record Time". Paulick Report. Archived from the original on 2025-10-10. Retrieved 2019-01-11.
  107. ↑ Kieckhefer, Robert (2018-11-25). "UPI Horse Racing Roundup: Almond Eye wins Japan Cup". United Press International . Archived from the original on 2019-06-22. Retrieved 2025-10-25.
  108. ↑ Tzaferis, James (2018-11-25). "Almond Eye wins Japan Cup". RACING.COM . Archived from the original on 2023-01-07. Retrieved 2025-10-25.
  109. ↑ Reilly, Kellie (22 November 2019). "Four by Deep Impact Seek Poignant Victory in 2019 Japan Cup". BRISnet. Archived from the original on 2025-10-27. Retrieved 2025-09-13.
  110. ↑ "3rd-pick Suave Richard wins 39th running of Japan Cup". Kyodo News . 24 November 2019. Archived from the original on 2025-10-27. Retrieved 2025-09-13.
  111. ↑ "Murphy and Richard Combine for Japan Cup Triumph". Thoroughbred Daily News. 24 November 2019. Archived from the original on 2025-10-27. Retrieved 2025-09-13.
  112. ↑ Takahashi, Masakazu (2020-11-28). "Almond Eye ready for 'sayonara race' in a Japan Cup for the ages". Racing Post . Archived from the original on 2025-10-25. Retrieved 2025-09-20.
  113. ↑ Burton, Scott (2020-11-06). "Triple treat! Crown winners Contrail and Daring Tact set for Japan Cup face-off". Racing Post . Archived from the original on 2025-10-27. Retrieved 2025-09-14.
  114. ↑ Anderson, Heather (2020-11-29). "Almond Eye Claims Second Japan Cup in Triple Crown Trifecta". Thoroughbred Daily News. Archived from the original on 2025-10-27. Retrieved 2025-09-13.
  115. ↑ "Japan Cup Results; Sunday, Nov 29,2020, 5th TOKYO 9-day". JBIS Search. Archived from the original on 2023-04-11. Retrieved 2025-09-20.
  116. ↑ Goda, Naohiro (2020-12-28). "Handle Sees Significant Increase at JRA Tracks in 2020". BloodHorse . Archived from the original on 2024-12-13. Retrieved 2025-12-08.
  117. ↑ Takahashi, Masakazu (2021-11-28). "Contrail finishes racing career with breathtaking Japan Cup success". Racing Post . Archived from the original on 2025-10-27. Retrieved 2025-09-14.
  118. ↑ "No joy for Aidan O'Brien as Contrail wins Japan Cup". Sky Sports . 2021-11-28. Archived from the original on 2025-10-27. Retrieved 2025-09-14.
  119. ↑ "2021 JRA Awards". Horse Racing in Japan. 2021-12-31. Archived from the original on 2022-05-01. Retrieved 2025-09-14.
  120. ↑ "Japan Cup: Ryan Moore at his very best to steer Vela Azul to victory in Tokyo Grade One". Sky Sports . 2022-11-27. Archived from the original on 2022-12-01. Retrieved 2025-09-20.
  121. ↑ Ishida, Toshinori. 第42回ジャパンカップ ヴェラアズール[42nd Japan Cup - Vera Azul]. 優駿[Yushun] (in Japanese). Vol. Jan. 2023. Chūō Keiba PR Center. pp. 34–39.
  122. ↑ "Japan Cup 2022". Horse Racing In Japan. 2022-11-22. Archived from the original on 2025-10-06. Retrieved 2025-09-20.
  123. ↑ Butler, James (2022-12-02). "A Moore masterclass lands Vela the Japan Cup". The Irish Field . Archived from the original on 2025-10-27. Retrieved 2025-09-20.
  124. ↑ "Equinox Wins Japan Cup: Racing Fans Saw Something Special". US Racing. 2023-11-27. Archived from the original on 2025-07-13. Retrieved 2025-10-11.
  125. ↑ "2023 Longines World's Best Racehorse Rankings Summary". International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (Press release). 2024-01-18. Archived from the original on 2025-01-21. Retrieved 2025-10-11.
  126. ↑ Murray Johnson(Commentator) (2023-11-26). 2023 JAPAN CUP (G1) (Television broadcast; Race commentary). Japan Racing Association. Event occurs at 2:22. Archived from the original on 2023-12-15. Retrieved 2025-10-12. Equinox is in the clear! It's going to such an easy win...
  127. ↑ "Japan Cup: Equinox wins as Christophe Lemaire rides world's top-rated horse to victory". BBC Sport . 2023-11-26. Archived from the original on 2023-12-21. Retrieved 2025-10-11.
  128. ↑ Carasso, Alan (2023-11-26). "'Something Very Special': Equinox Rolls In the Japan Cup". Thoroughbred Daily News. Archived from the original on 2025-05-15. Retrieved 2025-10-11.
  129. ↑ Release, Press (2024-01-23). "Equinox Honored As World's Best Racehorse In 2023; Japan Cup Named World's Best Horse Race". Paulick Report. Archived from the original on 2025-10-27. Retrieved 2025-10-12.
  130. 1 2 Angst, Frank (2024-11-24). "Do Deuce Shows Top Form in Rallying to Japan Cup Win". BloodHorse . Archived from the original on 2024-12-04. Retrieved 2025-10-12.
  131. ↑ Odeven, Ed (2025-01-11). "Do Deuce Named the JRA's 2024 Horse of the Year". JAPAN Forward. Archived from the original on 2025-08-07. Retrieved 2025-10-12.
  132. ↑ Stevens, James (2024-11-24). "'There was no way he was going to lose' - local heroes Yutaka Take and Do Deuce strike in Japan Cup with Auguste Rodin eighth". Racing Post . Archived from the original on 2025-08-18. Retrieved 2025-10-12.
  133. ↑ Burton, Scott (2025-11-29). "Can Calandagan bridge a 20-year gap to the last European winner of the Japan Cup?". Racing Post . Archived from the original on 2025-11-30. Retrieved 2025-11-30.
  134. ↑ Kieckhefer, Robert (2025-11-28). "Calandagan, world's top-rated horse, takes on 3 Japanese Derby winners". United Press International . Archived from the original on 2025-11-30. Retrieved 2025-11-30.
  135. ↑ 【ジャパンC結果】欧州最強馬カランダガンが2分20秒3のレコードで日本勢を撃破！ 20年ぶりの外国馬V！ [[Japan Cup Results] Europe's Strongest Horse, Calandagan, Beats the Japanese in a Record Time of 2 Minutes 20.3 Seconds! First Foreign Horse to Win in 20 Years!]. netkeiba (in Japanese). 2025-11-30. Archived from the original on 2025-11-30. Retrieved 2025-11-30.
  136. 1 2 Kieckhefer, Bob (2025-11-30). "Calandagan Edges Masquerade Ball by a Head in Japan Cup". BloodHorse . Archived from the original on 2025-11-30. Retrieved 2025-11-30.
  137. ↑ Berry, Emma (2025-11-30). "'A Real Champion': Calandagan Wows Japan With Record-Breaking Cup Victory". Throughbred Daily News. Archived from the original on 2025-11-30. Retrieved 2025-11-30.
  138. ↑ Carasso, Alan (2023-11-02). "Sottsass Full-Brother, Arqana Topper Shin Emperor Unveiled at Tokyo". Thoroughbred Daily News. Archived from the original on 2024-11-13. Retrieved 2025-11-29.
  139. ↑ "Subject: Result of the 44th Japan Cup (G1)" (PDF) (Press release). Japan Racing Association. 2024-11-24. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2025-06-18. Retrieved 2025-10-01.
  140. 1 2 Morgan, David (2024-11-27). "European Stars Revive Japan Cup's True Purpose". Idol Horse. Archived from the original on 2025-09-09. Retrieved 2025-10-12.
  141. 1 2 Shimada, Akihiro (2019-11-14). 外国馬ゼロのジャパンカップについて [About the Japan Cup with zero foreign horses]. netkeiba (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 2025-10-08. Retrieved 2025-10-20.
  142. ↑ McConville, Chris (2013). "Horseracing: Local Traditions and Global Connections". In Cassidy, Rebecca (ed.). The Cambridge Companion to Horseracing. Cambridge University Press. p. 198. ISBN   978-1-107-01385-8.
  143. ↑ Caulfield, Andrew (2020-01-01). "Japan at turning point". The Owner Breeder. Archived from the original on 2025-08-07. Retrieved 2025-11-09.
  144. ↑ "Handicapper's Report on the Japanese Contenders". Horse Racing in Japan. 2019-11-18. Archived from the original on 2020-02-08. Retrieved 2025-10-12.
  145. ↑ Sexton, Nancy (2022-08-02). "Japanese revolution". The Owner Breeder. Archived from the original on 2025-10-11. Retrieved 2025-10-01.
  146. ↑ "Japanese Stallion Northern Taste Dead". BloodHorse . 2004-12-13. Archived from the original on 2025-10-11. Retrieved 2025-10-01.
  147. ↑ Paulick, Ray (2018-12-03). "View From The Eighth Pole: Japan Racing And Breeding A Global Force For Years To Come". Paulick Report. Archived from the original on 2025-10-11. Retrieved 2025-10-01.
  148. ↑ McNeill, David (2016-08-20). "Inside Japan's racehorse breeding empire" . The Japan Times . Archived from the original on 2025-01-15. Retrieved 2025-10-01.
  149. ↑ Angst, Frank (2024-01-28). "Japan's Love of the Horse Yields Racing Success". BloodHorse . Archived from the original on 2025-10-11. Retrieved 2025-10-01.
  150. ↑ 「常連」も絶賛 国際厩舎新設で示したジャパンC復活への確かな一歩 [Regulars praise the new international stables, marking a definite step towards the revival of the Japan Cup]. UmaToku (Sports Hochi) (in Japanese). 2022-11-29. Archived from the original on 2025-10-08. Retrieved 2025-10-21.
  151. ↑ Matsuda, Naoki (2022-11-25). "Quarantine stable helps lure foreign horses" . The Japan Times . Archived from the original on 2025-10-11. Retrieved 2025-10-01.
  152. ↑ 凱旋門賞馬アルピニスタ"ジャパンカップ参戦"の追い風に！？ 東京競馬場馬場内に新国際検疫厩舎が誕生 [Could this be a boost for Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner Alpinista's Japan Cup entry? New international quarantine stables opened within Tokyo Racecourse]. 東スポ競馬[Tospo Keiba] (in Japanese). 2022-10-03. Archived from the original on 2025-10-08. Retrieved 2025-10-20.
  153. ↑ 「常連」も絶賛 国際厩舎新設で示したジャパンC復活への確かな一歩 [Regulars praise the new international stables, marking a definite step towards the revival of the Japan Cup]. UmaToku (Sports Hochi) (in Japanese). 2022-11-29. Archived from the original on 2025-10-08. Retrieved 2025-10-21.
  154. ↑ "Five Moyglare Greats". Racing Post. 2010-09-13. Archived from the original on 2016-03-05 – via The Free Library.
  155. ↑ Rolfe, Costa (2022-11-25). "How a second-hand dressing mirror helped Horlicks win the world's second-richest horse race". Asian Racing Report. Archived from the original on 2025-10-11. Retrieved 2025-10-11.
  156. ↑ "Japan Cup entrants". The Canberra Times. Australian Community Media. Trove. 1990-11-11. p. 15. Archived from the original on 2025-11-09. Retrieved 2025-09-28. The winner of the [1990] 2400m turf race will take out the world's second-highest prize money — $1.1 million from a total purse of $2,564,000.
  157. ↑ "All Attention on Japan Cup". New Sunday Times. 1994-11-03. p. 25. Archived from the original on 2025-10-07. Retrieved 2025-09-28. ... the world's horse racing fans are turning their attention to the US$4.03 million (RM 10.27 million) Japan Cup, the richest in the world.
  158. ↑ Willoughby, James (2021-11-26). "Japan Cup: Contrail looks easily the best, but there are many unanswered questions". Thoroughbred Racing Commentary. Archived from the original on 2025-10-27. Retrieved 2025-09-28. A total of 18 candidates are due to line up for the 2021 Japan Cup at Tokyo, the joint richest race in Japan (alongside next month's Arima Kinen) and as such one of the richest contests in the world.
  159. ↑ "12th Running of the Japan Cup, November, 29 1992" (PDF). Horse Racing in Japan. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2025-10-06. Retrieved 2025-09-13.
  160. ↑ "Japan Cup 2023". The Japan Association for International Horse Racing. 2023-12-11. Archived from the original on 2023-12-11.
  161. ↑ "Prize Money & Bonuses – Japan Cup – Racing Information". Horse Racing in Japan. Archived from the original on 2009-01-24. Retrieved 2008-10-26.
  162. ↑ GIレースの出走馬決定方法 [How horses are selected to run in G1 races](PDF). Japan Racing Association (in Japanese). Archived (PDF) from the original on 2025-04-05. Retrieved 2025-10-26.
  163. ↑ GIレース出走馬決定順一覧（特別登録） [Order of Horse Selection for GI Races (Special Registration)]. Japan Racing Association (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 2025-04-04. Retrieved 2025-10-26.
  164. ↑ Goda, Naohiro (2024-12-09). "Do Deuce Will Aim to Defend Title in Arima Kinen". BloodHorse . Archived from the original on 2025-01-22. Retrieved 2025-09-28.
  165. ↑ "Major changes to JRA racing schedule and graded stakes races for 2025 season". netkeiba. 2025-01-22. Archived from the original on 2025-10-13. Retrieved 2025-09-28.
  166. 1 2 3 4 "The 45th Running of the Japan Cup in association with Longines" (PDF) (Press release). Japan Racing Association. p. 3. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2025-11-28. Retrieved 2025-11-30.
  167. ↑ ジャパンC [Japan Cup]. Netkeiba (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 2023-12-21. Retrieved 2023-12-21.
  168. ↑ "Japan Cup". Netkeiba. Archived from the original on 2023-12-23. Retrieved 2023-12-21.
  169. ↑ 過去GI成績: ジャパンカップ [Past GI Results: Japan Cup] (in Japanese). Japan Racing Association. Archived from the original on 2025-09-04. Retrieved 2025-10-03.

35°39′45″N139°29′6″E / 35.66250°N 139.48500°E / 35.66250; 139.48500

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.