Japan Racing Daily

Date: January 17, 2026 Event: The 73rd Nikkei Shinshun Hai (G2) Course: Kyoto Racecourse, Turf 2400m (Outer) Author: Dr. Toku (DVM & Racing Analyst) Introduction: The Winter Test Hello to our global community of Japanese racing enthu...

https://youtu.be/ayq_6Y-4wT0?si=mQTdX3hN_c8j-XK8 The 60th Shinzan Kinen (G3) is traditionally the first major stepping stone for three-year-olds aiming for the Spring Classics. As I sat down to write my preview article earlier this week,...

Hello, racing fans and trainers from around the world! I am Dr. Toku, a veterinarian here to guide you through the anatomy and psychology of Japan’s most legendary thoroughbreds. Today, we are dissecting the "Golden Tyrant." If you know ...

By Dr. Toku (Veterinarian & Racing Analyst) Date: January 11, 2026 | Location: Nakayama Racecourse The "Fairy Stakes Curse" remains a formidable legend for betting favorites, but for astute followers of biomechanics and veterinary da...

By Dr. Toku Veterinarian & Analyst, Japan Racing Daily Welcome back, global racing fans. It is a privilege to guide you through the Shinzan Kinen (G3), a race that serves as one of the first true litmus tests for the three-year-old c...

By Dr. Toku (DVM) Hello to horse racing fans around the world. I am Dr. Toku, a Japanese veterinarian and racing analyst. While most handicappers look at speed figures and pedigrees, I analyze racing from a different perspective: Biomech...

Date: January 4, 2026 Venue: Nakayama Racecourse Distance: 2,000m (Turf) The Japanese racing calendar for 2026 kicked off in dramatic fashion at Nakayama Racecourse on Sunday. The 75th running of the Nakayama Kimpai (G3) delivered a fini...

January 4, 2026 | Kyoto Racecourse In Japanese horse racing culture, there is an old saying: "Ichinen no kei wa Kimpai ni ari"—"The plan for the year lies in the Gold Cup." It suggests that the results of the first racing day set the ton...

The unbelievable true story behind Umamusume’s most chaotic character. If you have spent even five minutes diving into the vibrant, colorful world of Umamusume: Pretty Derby, you have undoubtedly encountered her. She is the one selling y...

The New Year celebrations have concluded, the decorations are up, and the gates are set to crash open at Nakayama Racecourse. The 2026 JRA season officially begins with the traditional "Gold Cup" double-header, and for those of us on the...