Yasuda Kinen Horse Race
The horse racing community in Japan has swung into high gear, as one of the most prestigious racing events looms in front of them. The Yasuda Kinen Horse Race was inaugurated in the year 1951 and is run annually at the Tokyo Racecourse in Fuchu, Tokyo. This year, the best of the best will be gracing the racecourse in another Yasuda Kinen Horse Race spectacular. The 7th of June 2009, the grandstand will be filled with rowdy and excited spectators, while the starting gates are lined with international field of competitors.
The Yasuda Kinen Horse Race is a Grade One event in Japan, and is also the final leg of the Asian Mile Challenge. This magnificent racing event was originally known as the Yasuda Sho, named after the Japan Racing Associations’ founding chairman, Izaemon Yasuda. The event’s name was later changed to the Yasuda Kinen Horse Race in 1985. The race grew in popularity and strength, being awarded Grade One status in 1984, followed by International Grade One in 1993. Also, being associated with the Asian Mile Challenge added to the glamour of the event and contenders have a lot to look forward to in regard to prize money.
This horse racing event is for three year old thoroughbred horses and older and carries a purse of US$1 million, with an additional US$1 million for any horse that is able to win two of the Asian Mile Challenge legs, of which there are four. Previous winners of the Yasuda Kinen Horse Race include Heart Lake, Taiki Shuttle, Fairy King Prawn, Bullish Luck and Oguri Cap. International competitors have made their mark on this event and three horses from New Zealand have already been selected for this years’ event, namely Egyptian Ra, Sight Winner and Armada.
First time spectators to the Yasuda Kinen Horse Race might find the experience a little overwhelming, as thousands of fans attend on race day and are known to be extremely noisy and vocal when cheering for their favorite horse. This excitement creates an electric atmosphere that ensures that a day at the races at the Tokyo Racecourse is a memorable and thrilling adventure.
