Admire Moon Wins Japan Cup

Admire Moon won the $4.4 million Japan Cup, giving the crowd at Tokyo Racecourse a home winner for the second year in a row after holding off a strong challenge from Pop Rock and favorite Meisho Samson in a photo finish.

Chosan held the lead before tiring with just over 200 yards remaining, with Admire Moon taking charge and finishing a head in front of Pop Rock, who was a neck ahead of Meisho Samson. Vodka was fourth in the 18-horse field.

A total of 18 horses were in the lineup today. Foreign horses have won the event 14 times to Japan's 12, with local thoroughbreds the champion in seven of the past 10 years.
Technorati tag(s): The Japan Cup, Tokyo Racecourse

The Japan Cup - Japan's premier horse racing event

The Japan Cup is Japan's premier horse racing event of the year. As part of the World Racing Series, the Japan Cup showcases a wide array of international entries every year.

The Japan Cup is a 2,400 meter left-handed race on turf at the prestigious Tokyo Racecourse in Tokyo for 3-year-olds and above thoroughbreds.

With prize money for the Japan Cup racing almost $4,000,000 US, this race always attracts top class horses, riders and trainers from all around the world.

Dylan Thomas, who ran so ineffectively on the soggy Monmouth Park turf course in the $2 million Breeders' Cup Turf on October 27th, is heading for the $4.8 million Japan Cup (G1) for his final career start.

Three other European horses have accepted invitations, with Halicarnassus and Papal Bull -- first and third in the Arc Trial at Newbury last time -- also possibilities along with German ace Saddex.

As part of the World Racing Series, the Japan Cup is formally recognized as one of the world's premier racing events.

Technorati tag(s): The Japan Cup