Homan Ho

JRA Blackbook: big tracks, bigger future for Lebensstil

Some of the early form around Sol Oriens was franked as a son of Real Steel made a mess of his opposition at Tokyo, while a daughter of Arrogate belied her breeding to continue her new-found fondness for turf.

David Morgan

Songline steals Sodashi’s thunder

Sodashi held the crowd in awe from the moment she stepped into the Tokyo parade ring, but ultimately it was to be Songline’s day.

Tenno Sho (Spring) G1 Guide

The 3200 metre Tenno Sho (Spring), or ‘Emperor’s Prize’, is the JRA's longest Group 1 event and has been won by some of Japan's biggest equine stars, including Mayano Top Gun, T M Opera O (twice), Kitasan Black (twice) and the great Deep Impact.

David Morgan

Sol Oriens is another feather in Kitasan Black’s cap

The brilliant Satsuki Sho winner is by the impressive young sire Kitasan Black out of a mare that has surprised her former trainer in establishing her place as a proven producer of quality racehorses in Japan.

Satsuki Sho G1 Guide

The first leg of the Triple Crown was first run in 1939, and presents a serious test of character as Japan's best three-year-old colts negotiate the searching Nakayama 2,000 metres.

Osaka Hai G1 Guide

First run in 1957, the Osaka Hai was only upgraded to Grade 1 status in 2017 but has already established itself as one of Japan's most anticipated contests.

David Morgan

Equinox exemplifies the sense in letting the sport’s stars race on

It is normal for Japanese horses, including champions, to race for multiple seasons and the rest of the world would do well to follow suit to improve competition and build fan connections.

David Morgan

Top 5: most memorable Dubai World Cups

This weekend’s Dubai World Cup will be compelling viewing with renowned tearaway Panthalassa leading an eight-strong Japanese challenge at Meydan. But which previous runnings of the prestigious 2000-metre feature live longest in the memory of global horse racing fans?

David Morgan

Lord Kanaloa has the edge as the old sires give way to the new

Japan’s greatest sprinter might not be its greatest sire, but as his son Panthalassa is emphasising, he can produce versatile, top-class types, and for now he is the front-runner in the post-Deep Impact stallion rankings.

Adrian Webber

Keiba Diary: Japan’s stars are all set for Dubai and the Takamatsunomiya Kinen

This week we have crash helmets and flying taxis as Adrian Webber rounds up what’s been happening in Japan and looks ahead to the JRA’s first Group 1 of the year.

Adrian Webber

Keiba Diary: Deep Bond’s hat-trick bid and goodbye Heart’s Cry

As Yuga Kawada and Christophe Lemaire continue their early season tussle in the jockey standings, JRA broadcaster Adrian Webber flags up the weekend’s Hanshin Daishoten fixture and looks at the comings and goings on the JRA scene.

David Morgan

EXCLUSIVE: Sodashi has a new rider as Damian Lane booked to partner ‘White Wonder’

The star mare’s trainer Naosuke Sugai has turned to the Australian as he seeks to unlock Sodashi’s full ability this year.

Asian Racehorse Rankings

2023 Tokyo Yushun rankings: unbeaten colt rules Derby hierarchy

Our expert panel has voted to bring you the top 18 Tokyo Yushun prospects for 2023 as Japan's best three-year-olds chase Derby glory.