Tokyo Daishōten

History

The race was first held in 1955. At first it was named Aki-no-Kura (秋の鞍), meaning 'The Race of Autumn race meeting', and raced over a distance of 2,600 meters. Along with the Spring Kura (later the Tokyo Derby), the Spring Special (later the Arab Derby), and the Autumn Special (later the All-Japan Arab Grand Prix), it was positioned as one of the four major races at Oi Racecourse. The first race was run over 2600 meters on dirt, with a first-place prize of 1 million yen.

In 1966, its name was changed to the Tokyo Daishōten.

Since 2011, It has been held as an international Grade 1 race, and is the only international race in Japan not organized by the Japan Racing Association. As of 2011 regulations, foreign-trained horses that preregister for the Japan Cup Dirt (now the Champions Cup) are automatically preregistered for the Tokyo Daishoten as well, with transportation costs and travel expenses for returning home the responsibility of the foreign horse's connections. However, if a horse participates in both the Champions Cup and Tokyo Daishōten consecutively, the Special Ward Horse Racing Association covers transportation and travel expenses.

The race provides an alternative to the February Stakes and to the Dubai World Cup Night's meetings for Japanese horses.

Its distance has been changed three times. From 1962 to 1988, it was 3,000 meters long. From 1989 to 1997, it was 2,800 meters. In 1998, the race had been changed to its present distance of 2,000 meters.

Gold Allure, Vermilion, Kane Hekili, Hokko Tarumae, and Copano Rickey have all won the race on the way to winning the JRA Award for Best Dirt Horse.

Records

Speed record (since 1998 distance change)

• 2:00.4 – Smart Falcon (2010)

Most successful horse (4 wins):

• Omega Perfume – 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 - the first in Japan to win the same international Grade I race fourth times in a row.

Other multiple winners (2 wins):

• Adjudi Mitsuo – 2004, 2005
• Smart Falcon – 2010, 2011
• Hokko Tarumae – 2013, 2014
• Ushba Tesoro – 2022, 2023

Winners since 1990

The 56th Tokyo Daishoten 20101229.jpg Tokyo Daishoten 20141229 lei.JPG

Previous Winners

• 1955 - Miss Asahiro
• 1956 - Kenchikara
• 1957 - Ichikanto (Seizan)
• 1958 - Daiko Tobuki
• 1959 - Dancer
• 1960 - Onslaught
• 1961 - Saki Midori
• 1962 - Daisan Kotobuki
• 1963 - Shinnitsukei
• 1964 - Orion Horse
• 1965 - Oshachi
• 1966 - Gokaioh
• 1967 - Higashijio
• 1968 - Ashiyafuji
• 1969 - Yashima National
• 1970 - Daini Health O
• 1971 - Fuji Prince
• 1972 - Friyufast
• 1973 - Hidemusashi
• 1974 - Todoroki Mushi
• 1975 - Speed Persia
• 1976 - Fairport
• 1977 - Todoroki Hiryu
• 1978 - Hatsushiba O
• 1979 - Ebi Chikara
• 1980 - Tokei Hope
• 1981 - Azuma King
• 1982 - Trust Hawk
• 1983 - San-Oi
• 1984 - Tetsuno Kachidoki
• 1985 - Suzuyu
• 1986 - Countess Up
• 1987 - Tetsuno Kachidoki
• 1988 - Inari One
• 1989 - Rosita

References

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• Racing Post:

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References

1. Keishusha 'Weekly Local Horse Racing' March 1955 Issue
2. "地方競馬初の国際交流競走 サンタアニタトロフィー". keiba.go.jp.
3. (29 December 2021). "2021 Tokyo Daishōten Grade 1 - (race 9)". JBIS.
4. "東京大賞典".