Metropolis Japan

October 10, 2011

In Celebration of Autumn Racing

This fall, enjoy the most esteemed races of the JRA racing calendar

By Metropolis

Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on October 2011

“THE DAY AT THE RACES”

Date: Sun Oct 23
Venue: JRA Tokyo Racecourse
Note: No minors allowed
Dress code: Suit and tie for gents, suitable dress for ladies
Listen to InterFM’s JRA Sound of Thoroughbred for info about Nov 13’s event
More info

Tokyo Racecourse Schedule

Oct 9 Mainichi Okan (G2)
Oct 10 Mile Championship Nambu Hai
Oct 15 Tokyo High-Jump (J-G2)
Oct 16 Fuchu Himba Stakes (G2)
Oct 22 Saudi Arabia Royal Cup Fuji Stakes (G3)
Oct 23 Kikuka Sho (Japanese St. Leger) (G1), simulcast from Kyoto
Oct 30 Tenno Sho (Autumn) (G1)

Thoroughbred racing returns to Tokyo for the Emperor’s Cup and InterFM wil be there broadcasting exclusive coverage of the events live from the racecourse to help you get the most enjoyment out of these prestigious and historical races. JRA Sound of Thoroughbred is an all-English show hosted by Tokyo-expat-scene guru Guy Perryman. Enjoy some foreigner-centric info about the race, a guide for beginners, and of course, all of the up-to-date breaking news. The second show of the series promises to bring the excitement and electric atmosphere of the Tenno Sho (Autumn Emperor’s Cup) to life as fans cheer on their favorites!

Last year’s Emperor’s Cup winner was Buena Vista—who will take her place in the winner’s circle this year? Don’t miss any of the action with InterFM’s JRA Sound of Thoroughbred live coverage, on-air from 3pm on October 30. InterFM will follow up these broadcasts with two others this year: the International Invitational Japan Cup race on November 27, and the Grand Prix Arima Kinen on Christmas Day.

An entry fee of just ¥200 gets you through the door and gives you access to almost all the facilities and activities the racecourse has to offer. Whether you’re there for business (that is, betting) or leisure, stop by the information desk first thing and pick up all the English goodies that the JRA has on offer, including maps, guides and betting-card overlays. Betting is as easy for the beginner as it is for the expert, and many have been known to experience a bit of “beginner’s luck” on their first visit. Betting can be made easily at several machines around the ground, with step-by-step help from your pamphlet.

With betting card in hand, it’s time to head for the stands. The main Fujiview Grandstand, combined with the connected Memorial 60 Grandstand, is an enormous ten-story complex that’s like a cross between a gleaming airport terminal and a Las Vegas shopping mall. Stretching for what seems like miles, this coliseum-like hub offers race-goers a number of venues to chow down, shop or just lounge around. It also has what may be the largest public seating area in Greater Tokyo, with benches, chairs and tables filling open spaces and lining hallways. This is the perfect place to kick back and relax, or take a hint from the locals and give some intense study to that betting guide and event info.

Either way, you’re off to the races at the Autumn Emperor’s Cup, an enjoyable and exciting event for the whole family—and the most anticipated day of racing on the calendar!

AUTUMN PRESTIGE

“Whereas the spring showcases the youngsters, the fall season’s drop in temperatures brings high points of racing for the older horses, and with them, three of the Japan Racing Association’s (JRA) most prestigious events—the Tenno Sho, the Japan Cup, and the Arima Kinen. On Sunday, October 30, Tokyo hosts the autumn version of the Tenno Sho, or Emperor’s Cup, considered by many of Japan’s horsemen to be racing’s most coveted prize. It is also considered one of the most difficult races due to its starting point just before the turn into the backstretch. Tenno Sho, while the very name stirs feelings of national pride, it is its roll call of champions that stirs the hearts of racing fans, for they remember not only the giants that made it to the winner’s circle but also the giants who raced alongside them. It’s history—and history in the making.”