Course Description

The Japan Cup Dirt is run over 1800m on dirt on a right-handed track. The race starts from the homestretch, about 280m from the winning post. Traveling flat for 80m, there is a 1.2m (0.9%) rise for 130m. It is flat leading into the first turn, and although there are slight ups and downs of 30 cm, it is generally flat up to the middle of the backstretch. Then, there is a 1.2m (0.2%) gradual slope going down for 600m and after traveling flat for 140m, there is a slight slope of 20cm (0.2%) for 100m leading into the homestretch. The homestretch is 353m long, the first 200m being flat, followed by a rise of 1.2m (0.92%) for 130m and the final 70m flat to the winning post.

JRA's dirt courses are based on designs used in the United States, but uniquely fine-tuned to handle Japan's high precipitation. Tracks are packed firmly with a layer of mountain sand to support the horses' hooves and then covered with loose sand to absorb impact and ease leg stress. The horses must exert slightly greater effort when the track is dry, but speed is increased as the track absorbs more water.

Watch last year's race 500k