Horse racing is one of the most popular spectator sports in Asia, with millions in the region engrossed by the action taking place on track throughout the year. It has been a business that Japanese owners and trainers have been taking more seriously in recent years, but the wait for a first win in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe has continued.
Still, Japanese runners have been prominent in some of the biggest races on the schedule throughout recent years, and that will be the case once again at the Breeders’ Cup in early November.
Forever Young will have a leading chance for Japan in the Classic, as the nation looks to win the big race of the meeting for the first time. You find more information about horse racing tournaments in TwinSpires website.
So, what are some of the most lucrative races to be held annually across Asia?
Arima Kinen
The biggest betting race of the season in Asia comes in the form of the Arima Kinen. A huge purse of more than ¥1,000,000,000 is up for grabs in the Grade One, which is contested over 2,500 metres on the turf.
It is also considered to be one of the most prestigious races on the calendar, with the majority of the field made up via selection from a vote from racing fans. The remaining runners are determined based on prize money that has been won. Since 2000, the race has also been contested by international horses, and has been an International Grade One since 2007.
Six horses have won the race on multiple occasions, including Orfevre, who landed a second win in the Arima Kinen in 2013. There have been some legendary winners of the race in recent years, including 2020 champion Chrono Genesis and 2022 victory Equinox.
Saudi Cup
The Saudi Cup has been one of the biggest events added to the horse racing schedule in recent memory, with a staggering purse of $20 million up for grabs at the King Abdulaziz Racetrack in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The Saudi Cup was first staged in 2020, with the race serving as the main event on a star-studded Saudi Cup Night. It attracts a wealth of international raiders, as it is contested four weeks after the Pegasus World Cup at Gulfstream, and four weeks prior to the Dubai World Cup. It was upgraded to be a Group One contest before the 2022 edition, and it serves as an excellent tourist attraction for visitors with the event being a perfect advertisement for the local region.
International winners have been evident throughout history, with a second U.S.-trained winner claiming victory in 2024 in the form of Senor Buscador. Japan won the race in 2023 with Panthalassa, while Saudi Arabia celebrated a home winner in 2022 with Emblem Road.
Dubai World Cup
The Dubai World Cup has been one of the most exciting races to be staged in Asia since its formation in 1996. It is staged annually at Meydan Racecourse, with the field completing a total of 2,000 metres on the dirt.
A staggering purse of $12 million was up for grabs in the 2024 edition, and it forms the feature race of Dubai World Cup Night in late March. Since 2015, the Dubai World Cup has been held on the dirt surface after previously being contested on a tapeta surface. The race gained immediate esteem when Hall of Famer Cigar claimed victory in the first edition.
Legendary horses have won the race throughout recent history, including Arrogate in 2017 and Thunder Snow in successive years in 2018 and 2019.
There has been Asian success in the race across recent seasons, with Ushba Tesoro winning for Japan in 2023, before Laurel River was the most recent champion for Bhupat Seemar in 2024.
Japan Cup
The feature race for many later in the season comes in the form of the Japan Cup, which boasts a purse of more than $8.3 million. This race has been contested since 1981, with the field completing a total distance of 2400 metres on the turf.
It quickly gained a reputation for being one of the standout international races of the season, with many raiders from overseas targeting success in the Grade One. Bonuses are also on offer for horses that can claim victory in the race following a victory in another esteemed race such as the Arima Kinen or Tennos Sho.
The 2020 renewal remains one of the most famous renewals, with all three of the Japan Triple Crown winners involved. Almond Eye ultimately claimed victory, as the Fillies Triple Crown winner pulled clear of Daring Tacts and Contrail. Another star-studded renewal is expected in 2024, with Aidan O’Brien sending last year’s Breeders’ Cup Turf winner Auguste Rodin for a clash with King George victory Goliath. All eyes will be on Japan at the end of November.
