The Japan Cup (ジャパンカップ, Japan
Kappu, JPN G-1) is one of the most prestigious horse races in Japan. It is contested on the last Sunday of November, post time of 15:40 at Tokyo Racecourse in Fuchu, Tokyo at a distance of 2400 meters (about 1 1⁄2 miles)
run under weight for age conditions with a maximum of 18 horses on turf (grass). With a purse of ¥476 million (about US
$5.8 million), the Japan Cup is one of the richest races in the world.[1]
The Japan Cup is an invitational event. During a relatively short
history, the race has established itself as an international contest with winners from Japan, North America, Britain, Australia,
New Zealand, Ireland, France, Germany and Italy.
The Japan Cup has produced
some of the most memorable finishes seen in Japanese racing. Along with the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, Melbourne Cup and the Breeders' Cup, the race ranks as one of the great end-of-year events.
The Japan Racing Association established the Japan Cup as an international invitational race in order for local racehorses
to have the opportunity to compete against horses of an international calibre and to promote goodwill within the racing community
worldwide.
