Michael Cox

Children’s fan mail, expectations and Equinox

A dominant win in the G1 Sheema Classic has built on the already substantial hype around Equinox as Japan’s Arc drought again pulls into sharp focus.

Andrew Le Jeune

LJ Confidential: A classic Sheema the real star on Dubai World Cup night

Saturday at Meydan is “Dubai World Cup night” in name, but the jewel in the crown is the star-studded Group 1 Sheema Classic. As has been the case in previous years, the warm-up act could overshadow the main event.

Takamatsunomiya Kinen G1 Guide

The Takamatsunomiya Kinen at Chukyo is one of only two Grade 1 sprint races in Japan, and is the only JRA Grade 1 not held at one of the 'big four' tracks Tokyo, Nakayama, Kyoto or Hanshin.

David Morgan

Fan power drives Japan’s Racing Club phenomenon

Japan’s racing clubs are synonymous with some of the JRA’s most famous horses, and club silks will be prominent again at the Dubai World Cup fixture, driving fan engagement at home and abroad.

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.

David Morgan

Nakauchida believes Dubai Turf is right fit for Serifos

Trainer Mitsumasa Nakauchida also outlines Group 1 plans for star filly Liberty Island and the talented Prognosis, while Grenadier Guards stays home for Sunday’s G1 Takamatsunomiya Kinen.

Homan

JRA Blackbook: turf convert builds on near-perfect record at Hanshin

One-time NAR galloper Danon Timpani made light work of his Hanshin opposition to make it five career wins from six starts on Sunday, while a daughter of Henny Hughes registered an even more dominant victory at the same track a day earlier.

David Morgan

EXCLUSIVE: Joao Moreira to ride Danon Beluga in Dubai

The Brazilian champion will connect with his old ally Noriyuki Hori to ride the high-class four-year-old Danon Beluga in the Dubai Turf, and says he intends to apply for a JRA short-term licence later in the year.

David Morgan

Joao Moreira hopes to carry hot Rio form into Dubai and Sydney

The Magic Man is buoyant after his recent Group 1 win in Brazil and is looking forward to his travels as he continues to manage the hip problem that led to his Hong Kong departure last year.

Asian Racehorse Rankings

2023 Tokyo Yushun Rankings: Yayoi Sho winner enters top 18

The latest round of rankings for the 2023 Tokyo Yushun, as our expert panel continue to rate Japan's best three-year-olds in their pursuit of Derby glory.

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

Deep Impact’s boys secure stud berths

Future opportunities to stand a son of the late Deep Impact could well be limited so securing a classy stallion by the great Japanese champion looks sound business for Haras Vacación, and Windsor Park and Mapperley Studs.