Japanese Racing Association

A winner over 1400 metres versus newcomers on June 22, Satono Carnaval (Jpn) (Kitasan Black {Jpn}) defended his perfect record with a 1 1/4-length win in the G3 Hakodate Nisai Stakes at Hakodate on Saturday. Sporting lather along his neck in the preliminaries, the bay sat in fourth position early in this cut back in trip. The 12-5 favourite, who moved fluidly throughout, took dead aim on long-time leader Nishino Lavanda (Jpn) (Satono Aladdin {Jpn}) at the furlong pole and easily edged ahead of the filly by the line. Endless...

The International Thoroughbred Breeders' Federation (ITBF) biennial Conference will begin next weekend in Tokyo, Japan, the ITBF announced on Friday. Lasting from May 18-23 and hosted by the Japan Bloodhorse Breeders' Association (JBBA), the Conference will welcome roughly 70 delegates from 20 countries, plus organisations EFTBA and OSAF, as well as representatives from the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA). Significant breeding and racing industry issues will be raised during the general meeting, and reports given on ITBF's proactivity within both breeding and the wider Thoroughbred industries. There is also...

The government of Japan conferred The Order of the Rising Sun, gold rays with neck ribbon, on the Hong Kong Jockey Club's CEO Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges on Apr. 29, the HKJC announced on Tuesday. He received the award in recognition for his contributions in promoting the international development of Japanese horse racing and thoroughbred breeding. The Order of the Rising Sun dates back to 1875 and is awarded to people who have rendered meritorious service to Japan. Engelbrecht-Bresges said, "I would like to dedicate this decoration to the International Federation of...

The seventh edition of the International Forum for the Aftercare of Racehorses (IFAR) will be held alongside the 39th Asian Racing Conference (ARC) in Melbourne, Australia from Feb. 14-19, 2023. IFAR and ARC will be hosted by the Asian Racing Federation (ARF) and Racing Victoria. Besides an aftercare facility visit, IFAR will also host panels with speakers from around the world on such topics as new models for industry cooperation; training for success on and off the track; practical tools to screen for temperament and the importance of transition training;...

The speakers and agenda were announced for the sixth annual International Forum for the Aftercare of Racehorses (IFAR) on Thursday. "Many Paths-One Goal" is the conference theme and IFAR will be divided into two virtual webinars on Apr. 5 and 19. Each webinar will begin at 12 p.m. BST (11 a.m. GMT), and lasting for approximately two hours. IFAR is partnering with the Japan Racing Association (Japanese Consultative Committee on Aftercare of Racehorses) to host this year's event. IFAR is free to view, but registration is required. Please click here...

Japan's Champion 2-Year-Old Filly and G1 Japanese 1000 Guineas heroine Sodashi (Jpn) (Kurofune) returned to the winner's circle with a game victory in the G2 Sapporo Kinen on Sunday. Second choice behind favoured 4-5 pick and 2019 Apr. 25 G1 Queen Elizabeth II Cup victress Loves Only You (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) at 5-2, Sodashi broke widest of all in the 13-horse field and stalked the pacesetter Taurus Gemini (Jpn) (King's Best) from second through splits of :23.40 for the quarter and :47.40 for the half. Despite the drizzle, the...

Japanese Champion Juvenile Filly Lucky Lilac (Orfevre {Jpn}) became just the fourth filly or mare to win consecutive G1 Queen Elizabeth II Cups with a neck victory at Hanshin on Sunday. Favoured at 2-1, the 5-year-old was a tad sweated up over her withers before loading in the 18 post, but was able to secure a good position tucked back in 12th in the two path into the first turn. The grey Normcore (Jpn) (Harbinger {GB}), second choice in the wagering at 5-2, led the charge through splits of :23.70...

In this continuing series, we take a look ahead at US-bred and/or conceived runners entered for the upcoming weekend at the tracks on the Japan Racing Association circuit, with a focus on pedigree and/or performance in the sales ring. Here are the horses of interest for this coming Sunday and Monday running at Nakayama and Kyoto Racecourses: Sunday, January 12, 2020 1st-NKY, ¥9,680,000 ($88k), Maiden, 3yo, 1200m DETROIT TESORO (f, 3, Speightstown--Bella Traviata, by Indian Charlie) ran with credit to be third, each time at less than 4-1, in seven-furlong...

Lys Gracieux (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}), who wrapped 2019 with a trio of Group 1 wins-the June 23 Takarazuka Kinen, Oct. 26 Cox Plate in Australia and Arima Kinen on Dec. 22 back in Japan, was named Japan's Horse of the Year, as the 2019 champions were announced early Tuesday morning, Nikkan Sports reported. The U Carrot Farm runner also earned the Japanese Champion Older Mare award and beat out 2018 Horse of the Year Almond Eye (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}) in both categories. Lys Gracieux will be honored at...

The popular Shergar Cup jockeys' competition is staged at Ascot on Saturday, and Hayley Turner, captain of the Girls Team, is looking forward to defending her Silver Saddle crown for leading rider at the fixture as well as the team title. "I love it, it's like waiting for Christmas," Turner told Sky Sports News. "I just enjoy it so much and I don't know why, it's just something a bit different and it's good fun. I had a good year last year and having the team event, while we ride...