Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing (Japan)
Japanese three-race Thoroughbred series
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
In Japan, the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing (also, the Triple Crown), can refer to one of five titles, each a series of three races ran over one year at the highest level of Japanese horseracing.
Saint Lite, the first Triple Crown winner
Mejiro Ramonu, the first Triple Tiara winner.
T. M. Opera O, the first Autumn Triple Crown winner.
Orion the Thanks, the first horse to win all three Dirt Triple Crown legs (pre-establishment; not officially recognised as a Triple Crown winner).
The Japan Racing Association recognises the Classic Triple Crown (comprising the Satsuki Shō, Tōkyō Yūshun and Kikuka-shō),[1] and the Triple Tiara (comprising the Oka Shō, Yushun Himba, and Shūka Shō).[2] Since 2024, the National Association of Racing recognises the Dirt Triple Crown (comprising the Haneda Hai, Tokyo Derby, and Japan Dirt Classic).[3]
All three sets are composed of Group 1 races that are limited to three year old horses. The JRA also offers large prize bonuses to any horse that can win the trifecta of the Osaka Hai, Tennō Shō (Spring) and Takarazuka Kinen, or the trifecta of the Tennō Shō (Autumn), Japan Cup and Arima Kinen in a single season. While the JRA does not refer to these series by a specific name, they are commonly referred to by media as the Spring and Autumn Triple Crowns.[4][5][6]
As with all of the major international Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing races, winning any of these Japanese racing series is considered an incredible achievement for a horse, and comes with both prestige and a large bonus prize.
Classic Triple Crown
Japanese colts who have obtained the Triple Crown title by winning the Satsuki Shō, Tōkyō Yūshun and Kikuka-shō.[1] All horses that have currently achived the Triple Crown have been inducted into the JRA's Hall of Fame.[7]
Triple Crown Races
| Satsuki Shō[8][9] | Tōkyō Yūshun[10][11] | Kikuka-shō[12][13] | |
|---|---|---|---|
| British Equivalent | 2000 Guineas Stakes | The Derby | St Leger Stakes |
| Month | April | May | October |
| Distance | 2,000m | 2,400m | 3,000m |
| Track | Nakayama Racecourse | Tokyo Racecourse | Kyoto Racecourse |
| Qualification | 3yo, colts and fillies, no geldings | ||
| Inauguration | 29 April, 1939 | 24 April, 1932 | 11 December, 1938 |
Winners
| Year | Portrait | Winner | Jockey | Trainer | Owner | Breeder | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1941 |  |
Saint Lite | Kizo Konishi | Waichiro Tanaka | Yusaku Kato | Koiwai Farm | [14] |
| 1964 |  |
Shinzan | Masaru Kurita | Bungo Takeda | Kokichi Hashimoto | Yoshimatsu Matsuhashi | [15] |
| 1983 |  |
Mr. C. B. | Masato Yoshinaga | Yasuhisa Matsuyama | Chigira Farm | Chigira Farm | [16] |
| 1984 |  |
Symboli Rudolf | Yukio Okabe | Yuji Nohira | Symboli Stud | Symboli Stud | [17] |
| 1994 |  |
Narita Brian | Katsumi Minai | Masaaki Okubo | Hidenori Yamaji | Hayata Bokujo | [18] |
| 2005 |  |
Deep Impact | Yutaka Take | Yasuo Ikee | Makoto Kaneko | Northern Farm | [19] |
| 2011 |  |
Orfevre | Kenichi Ikezoe | Yasutoshi Ikee | Sunday Racing | Shadai Stallion Station | [20] |
| 2020 |  |
Contrail | Yuichi Fukunaga | Yoshito Yahagi | Shinji Maeda | North Hills | [21] |
Classic Triple Crown Individual Race Winners
| † | Denotes winners of the Japanese Triple Crown |
| * | Denotes winners of the Satsuki Sho and the Tokyo Yushun but not the Kikuka Sho |
| # | Denotes other winners of any other combination of 2 out of the 3 Japanese Triple Crown races |
| ♥ | Denotes filly or mare |
| Year | Satsuki Sho[22] | Tokyo Yushun[23] | Kikuka-shō[24] |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1932 | Wakataka | ||
| 1933 | Kabutoyama | ||
| 1934 | Flame Mor | ||
| 1935 | Governor | ||
| 1936 | Tokumasa | ||
| 1937 | Hisatomo ♥ | ||
| 1938 | Sugenuma | Tetsumon | |
| 1939 | Rock Park | Kumohata | Marutake |
| 1940 | World Mine | Ieryu | Tetsuzakura |
| 1941 | † Saint Lite | ||
| 1942 | Arbeit | Minami Homare | Hayatake |
| 1943 | Dielec | # Kurifuji ♥ | |
| 1944 | Kuri Yamato | Kaiso | Anulled[a] |
| 1945 | Race Not Run[b] | ||
| 1946 | Race Not Run[b] | Azumarai | |
| 1947 | Tokitsukaze ♥ | Matsu Midori | Browny ♥ |
| 1948 | Hide Hikari ♥ | Miharu O | Newford |
| 1949 | # Tosa Midori | Tachikaze | # Tosa Midori |
| 1950 | * Kumono Hana | High Record | |
| 1951 | * Tokino Minoru | Track O | |
| 1952 | * Kurino Hana | Saint O | |
| 1953 | * Bostonian | Hakuryo | |
| 1954 | # Dainana Hoshu | Golden Wave | # Dainana Hoshu |
| 1955 | Kegon | Otokitsu | Meiji Hikari |
| 1956 | Hekiraku | Hakuchikara | Kitano O |
| 1957 | Kazuyoshi | Hikaru Meiji | Rhapsody |
| 1958 | Taisei Hope | Daigo Homare | Koma Hikari |
| 1959 | Wildeal | Komatsu Hikari | Hakukurama |
| 1960 | * Kodama | Kitano Oza | |
| 1961 | Shin Tsubame | Hakusho | Azuma Tenran |
| 1962 | Yamano O | Fair Win | Hirokimi |
| 1963 | * Meizui | Great Yoruka | |
| 1964 | † Shinzan | ||
| 1965 | Chitose O | Keystone | Dai Koter |
| 1966 | Nihon Pillow Ace | Teito O | Nasuno Kotobuki |
| 1967 | Ryuzuki | Asa Denko | Knit Eight |
| 1968 | Martis | Tanino Harromore | Asaka O |
| 1969 | Wild More | Daishin Volgard | Akane Tenryu |
| 1970 | * Tanino Moutiers | Date Tenryu | |
| 1971 | * Hikaru Imai | Nihon Pillow Moutiers | |
| 1972 | Land Prince | Long Ace | Ishino Hikaru |
| 1973 | Haiseiko | # Take Hope | |
| 1974 | # Kitano Kachidoki | Colonel Lancer | # Kitano Kachidoki |
| 1975 | * Kaburaya O | Kokusai Prince | |
| 1976 | Tosho Boy | Climb Kaiser | Green Grass |
| 1977 | Hard Berge | Lucky Ruler | Press Toko |
| 1978 | Fantast | Sakura Shouri | Inter Gushiken |
| 1979 | Bingo Garoo | Katsurano Haiseiko | Hashi Hermit |
| 1980 | Hawaiian Image | Opec Horse | North Gust |
| 1981 | * Katsu Top Ace | Minagawa Manna | |
| 1982 | Azuma Hunter | Bamboo Atlas | Horisky |
| 1983 | † Mr. C. B. | ||
| 1984 | † Symboli Rudolf | ||
| 1985 | # Miho Shinzan | Sirius Symboli | # Miho Shinzan |
| 1986 | Dyna Cosmos | Dyna Gulliver | Mejiro Durren |
| 1987 | # Sakura Star O | Merry Nice | # Sakura Star O |
| 1988 | Yaeno Muteki | Sakura Chiyono O | Super Creek |
| 1989 | Doctor Spurt | Winner's Circle | Bamboo Begin |
| 1990 | Haku Taisei | Ines Fujin | Mejiro McQueen |
| 1991 | * Tokai Teio | Leo Durban | |
| 1992 | * Mihono Bourbon | Rice Shower | |
| 1993 | Narita Taishin | Winning Ticket | Biwa Hayahide |
| 1994 | † Narita Brian | ||
| 1995 | Genuine | Tayasu Tsuyoshi | Mayano Top Gun |
| 1996 | Ishino Sunday | Fusaichi Concorde | Dance in the Dark |
| 1997 | * Sunny Brian | Matikanefukukitaru | |
| 1998 | # Seiun Sky | Special Week | # Seiun Sky |
| 1999 | T M Opera O | Admire Vega | Narita Top Road |
| 2000 | # Air Shakur | Agnes Flight | # Air Shakur |
| 2001 | Agnes Tachyon | Jungle Pocket | Manhattan Cafe |
| 2002 | No Reason | Tanino Gimlet | Hishi Miracle |
| 2003 | * Neo Universe | That's the Plenty | |
| 2004 | Daiwa Major | King Kamehameha | Delta Blues |
| 2005 | † Deep Impact | ||
| 2006 | * Meisho Samson | Song of Wind | |
| 2007 | Victory | Vodka ♥ | Asakusa Kings |
| 2008 | Captain Thule | Deep Sky | Oken Bruce Lee |
| 2009 | Unrivaled | Logi Universe | Three Rolls |
| 2010 | Victoire Pisa | Eishin Flash | Big Week |
| 2011 | † Orfevre | ||
| 2012 | # Gold Ship | Deep Brillante | # Gold Ship |
| 2013 | Logotype | Kizuna | Epiphaneia |
| 2014 | Isla Bonita | One and Only | Toho Jackal |
| 2015 | * Duramente | Kitasan Black | |
| 2016 | Dee Majesty | Makahiki | Satono Diamond |
| 2017 | Al Ain | Rey de Oro | Kiseki |
| 2018 | Epoca d'Oro | Wagnerian | Fierement |
| 2019 | Saturnalia | Roger Barows | World Premiere |
| 2020 | † Contrail | ||
| 2021 | Efforia | Shahryar | Titleholder |
| 2022 | Geoglyph | Do Deuce | Ask Victor More |
| 2023 | Sol Oriens | Tastiera | Durezza |
| 2024 | Justin Milano | Danon Decile | Urban Chic |
| 2025 | Museum Mile | Croix du Nord | Energico |
| 2026 | Lovcen | ||
Triple Tiara
The Fillies Triple Crown, commonly referred to as the Triple Tiara, is the fillies equivalent of the Classic Triple Crown, consisting of the Oka Shō, Yūshun Himba and Shūka Shō.[28] Since 2022, any filly that wins all three races receives a prize of ¥100,000,000.[29]
In contrast to the Classic Triple Crown, the final leg of the Triple Tiara was not firmly established until the latter half of the 21st century. Before 1970, there was no official Triple Tiara, although fillies that won the Oka Sho and Yūshun Himba would often chose to run the Kikuka-shō, mirroring the English Triple Tiara equivalent of the 1000 Guineas Stakes, Epsom Oaks and St. Leger Stakes.[30][31] In 1970, the Victoria Cup was inaugurated and chosen to be an official third race, but was discontinued and reorganised into the Queen Elizabeth II Cup in 1976.[32] This new Cup served as the Tiara's last leg until 1996, whereupon it was replaced by the new Shūka Shō after the Cup eased entry restrictions to allow mares older than three to enter.[33][30] Of the six races that comprise the JRA's official Triple Crowns, the Shūka Shō is the only one not considered part of the Classic races.[28]
Kurifuji, an undefeated Thoroughbred racemare in the mid-1940s, is occasionally referred to an unofficial Triple Crown winner, as she won the Tōkyō Yūshun, Yūshun Himba and Kikuka-shō in 1943.[34]
Triple Crown Races
| Oka Shō[35][36] | Yūshun Himba[37][38] | Shūka Shō[39][40] (Current third leg) |
Victoria Cup[32][41] (Former third leg, 1970 – 1975) |
Queen Elizabeth II Cup[42][43] (Former third leg, 1976 – 1995) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| British Equivalent | 1000 Guineas Stakes | The Oaks | None | ||
| Month | April | May | October | Discontinued | November |
| Distance | 1,600m | 2,400m | 2,000m | 2,400m | 2,200m |
| Track | Hanshin Racecourse | Tokyo Racecourse | Kyoto Racecourse | ||
| Qualification | 3yo fillies and mares | 3yo and up, fillies and mares[c] | |||
| Inauguration | 29 April, 1939 | 23 November, 1938 | 20 October, 1996 | 22 November, 1970 | 21 November, 1976 |
Winners
| Year | Portrait | Winner | Jockey | Trainer | Owner | Breeder |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 |  |
Mejiro Ramonu | Hiroshi Kawachi | Shinji Okuhira | Mejiro Bokujo | Mejiro Bokujo |
| 2003 |  |
Still in Love | Hideaki Miyuki | Shoichi Matsumoto | North Hills | Shimokobe Farm |
| 2010 | 20101017(2).jpg) |
Apapane | Masayoshi Ebina | Sakae Kunieda | Makoto Kaneko | Northern Farm |
| 2012 |  |
Gentildonna | Yasunari Iwata/Yuga Kawada | Sei Ishizaka | Sunday Racing | Northern Farm |
| 2018 | .jpg) |
Almond Eye | Christophe Lemaire | Sakae Kunieda | Silk Racing | Northern Farm |
| 2020 |  |
Daring Tact | Kohei Matsuyama | Haruki Sugiyama | Normandy Thoroughbred Racing | Hasegawa Bokujo |
| 2023 | .jpg) |
Liberty Island | Yuga Kawada | Mitsumasa Nakauchida | Sunday Racing | Northern Farm |
Triple Tiara Individual Race Winners
| † | Denotes winners of the Japanese Filly Triple Crown |
| * | Denotes winners of the Oka Sho and the Yushun Himba but not the third leg of the Tiara in that year |
| # | Denotes other winners of any other combination of 2 out of the 3 Japanese Filly Triple Crown races |
| Triple Tiara † | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Oka Sho[44] | Yushun Himba[45] | Victoria Cup (1970–1975) Queen Elizabeth II Cup (1976–1995) Shūka Shō (1996–present)[d] |
| 1938 | Asteri Mor | ||
| 1939 | Soul Lady | Hoshi Homare | |
| 1940 | Tairei | Rounella | |
| 1941 | Brand Sol | Tetsu Banzai | |
| 1942 | Banner Goal | Rock States | |
| 1943 | Miss Theft | Kurifuji | |
| 1944 | Yamaiwai | Race Not Run[b] | |
| 1945 | Race Not Run[b] | ||
| 1946 | Race Not Run[b] | Mitsumasa | |
| 1947 | Browny | Tokitsukaze | |
| 1948 | Hamakaze | Yashima Hime | |
| 1949 | Yashima Daughter | King Night | |
| 1950 | Tosa Mitsuru | Koma Minoru | |
| 1951 | Tsuki Kawa | Kiyo Fuji | |
| 1952 | * Swee Sue | ||
| 1953 | Kansei | Jitsu Homare | |
| 1954 | * Yamaichi | ||
| 1955 | Yashima Belle | Hiroichi | |
| 1956 | Miss Lilas | Fair Manna | |
| 1957 | * Miss Onward | ||
| 1958 | Hoshu Queen | Miss Marusa | |
| 1959 | Kiyo Take | Okan | |
| 1960 | Tokino Kiroku | Star Roch | |
| 1961 | Sugi Hime | Chitose Hope | |
| 1962 | Kenho | O Hayabusa | |
| 1963 | Miss Masako | I.T.O. | |
| 1964 | * Kane Keyaki | ||
| 1965 | Hatsuyuki | Verona | |
| 1966 | Wakakumo | Hiro Yoshi | |
| 1967 | Sea Ace | Yama Pit | |
| 1968 | Koyu | Lupinus | |
| 1969 | Hide Kotobuki | Shadai Tarquin | |
| 1970 | Tamami | Jupique | Kuni no Hana |
| 1971 | Nasuno Kaori | Kane Himuro | Taiyo Kotobuki |
| 1972 | # Achieve Star | Take Fubuki | # Achieve Star |
| 1973 | # Nitto Chodori | Nasuno Chigusa | # Nitto Chidori |
| 1974 | Takaeno Kaori | # Toko Elsa | |
| 1975 | * Tesco Gaby | Hida Roman | |
| 1976 | * Titania | Diamante | |
| 1977 | # Inter Gloria | Linear Queen | # Inter Gloria |
| 1978 | Oyama Tesco | Five Hope | Lead Swallow |
| 1979 | Horsemen Tesco | Agnes Lady | Miss Kaburaya |
| 1980 | # Hagino Top Lady | Kei Kiroku | # Hagino Top Lady |
| 1981 | Brocade | Temmon | Agnes Tesco |
| 1982 | Riesengross | Shadai Ivor | Victoria Crown |
| 1983 | Shadai Sophia | Dyna Carle | Long Grace |
| 1984 | Diana Tholon | Tokai Roman | Kyowa Thunder |
| 1985 | Erebus | Noah no Hakobune | Reward Wing |
| 1986 | † Mejiro Ramonu | ||
| 1987 | * Max Beauty | Talented Girl | |
| 1988 | Ara Hotoku | Cosmo Dream | Miyama Poppy |
| 1989 | Shadai Kagura | Light Color | Sand Peeress |
| 1990 | Agnes Flora | Eishin Sunny | Kyoei Tap |
| 1991 | Sister Tosho | Isono Roubles | Rinden Lilly |
| 1992 | Nishino Flower | Adorable | Takeno Velvet |
| 1993 | * Vega | Hokuto Vega | |
| 1994 | Oguri Roman | Chokai Carol | Hishi Amazon |
| 1995 | Wonder Perfume | Dance Partner | Sakura Candle |
| 1996 | Fight Gulliver | Air Groove | Fabulous la Fouine |
| 1997 | Kyoei March | # Mejiro Dober | |
| 1998 | # Phalaenopsis | Erimo Excel | # Phalaenopsis |
| 1999 | Primo Ordine | Umeno Fiber | Buzen Candle |
| 2000 | Cheers Grace | Silk Prima Donna | Tico Tico Tac |
| 2001 | # T M Ocean | Lady Pastel | # T M Ocean |
| 2002 | Arrow Carry | Smile Tomorrow | Fine Motion |
| 2003 | † Still in Love | ||
| 2004 | Dance in the Mood | Daiwa El Cielo | Sweep Tosho |
| 2005 | Rhein Kraft | Cesario | Air Messiah |
| 2006 | Kiss to Heaven | # Kawakami Princess | |
| 2007 | # Daiwa Scarlet | Robe Decollette | # Daiwa Scarlet |
| 2008 | Reginetta | Tall Poppy | Black Emblem |
| 2009 | * Buena Vista | Red Desire | |
| 2010[55] | † Apapane | † Apapane (DH) | † Apapane |
| Saint Emilion (DH) | |||
| 2011 | Marcellina | Erin Court | Aventura |
| 2012 | † Gentildonna | ||
| 2013 | Ayusan | # Meisho Mambo | |
| 2014 | Harp Star | Nuovo Record | Shonan Pandora |
| 2015 | Let's Go Donki | # Mikki Queen | |
| 2016 | Jeweler | Sinhalite | Vivlos |
| 2017 | Reine Minoru | Soul Stirring | Deirdre |
| 2018 | † Almond Eye | ||
| 2019 | Gran Alegria | Loves Only You | Chrono Genesis |
| 2020 | † Daring Tact | ||
| 2021 | Sodashi | Uberleben | Akaitorino Musume |
| 2022 | * Stars on Earth | Stunning Rose | |
| 2023 | † Liberty Island | ||
| 2024 | Stellenbosch | # Cervinia | |
| 2025 | # Embroidery | Kamunyak | # Embroidery |
| 2026 | Star Anise | ||
Dirt Triple Crown
First announced in 2022 and formally established beginning with the 2024 season, the races for this circuit are the Haneda Hai, the Tokyo Derby, and the Japan Dirt Classic.[56] [57] Prior to its introduction, three horses had won all three legs of the Crown; the most recent of these, Mick Fire, doing so in 2023.[58] However, they are not formally recognised as winners of the Crown, and no horse has yet won the Crown since its creation.[59]
Triple Crown Races
| Haneda Hai[56][60][61] | Tokyo Derby[56][62][63] | Japan Dirt Classic[56][64][65] | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Month | April | June | October |
| Distance | 1,800m | 2,000m | 2,000m |
| Track | Oi Racecourse | ||
| Qualification | 3yo, no geldings | ||
| Inauguration | 18 April, 1956 | 15 May, 1955 | 8 July, 1999 |
Dirt Triple Crown Individual Race Winners
| † | Denotes winners of the Dirt Triple Crown |
| ⁂ | Denotes winners of the all three legs of the Dirt Triple Crown before the Crown was formally established. |
| * | Denotes winners of the Haneda Hai and Tokyo Derby but not Japan Dirt Classic |
| # | Denotes other winners of any other combination of 2 out of the 3 Dirt Triple Crown races |
| ♥ | Denotes filly or mare |
| Dirt Triple Crown | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Haneda Hai[60] | Tokyo Derby[62] | Japan Dirt Classic[64] |
| 1955 | Royal Leather ♥ | ||
| 1956 | * Otone | ||
| 1957 | * Hatsuyuki | ||
| 1958 | * Daini Kotobuki | ||
| 1959 | Haru Sekito ♥ | Seisho | |
| 1960 | * Daisan Kotobuki | ||
| 1961 | * Yaguchi Hope | ||
| 1962 | Bold Pride | Selcall | |
| 1963 | Kokuyu | Shinnitsukei | |
| 1964 | Kotobuki Nino | Pearl Mountain | |
| 1965 | Masahou | Higashi Yuri ♥ | |
| 1966 | Ichishiden | Shin O | |
| 1967 | * Hikaru Takai | ||
| 1968 | China Cap | Wealth Diver | |
| 1969 | * Yamano Taiyo | ||
| 1970 | Daini Health O | Ryu Tokitsu | |
| 1971 | * Fuji Prince | ||
| 1972 | * Tokiwa Taiyo | ||
| 1973 | * Yogozan | ||
| 1974 | Mitsuru Kotobuki | Daiei Monde | |
| 1975 | * Golden Ribbon | ||
| 1976 | Diehard Kotobuki | Rocky Line | |
| 1977 | Takeno Okan | Sango Monde | |
| 1978 | * Hatsushiba O | ||
| 1979 | * Soul Shadow | ||
| 1980 | * Takafuji Minoru | ||
| 1981 | Conan Ruby ♥ | Suzuyu | |
| 1982 | Hospitality | Daishin Shirayuki | |
| 1983 | * Sun Oi | ||
| 1984 | * King Haiseikoh | ||
| 1985 | Maruzen Adiyar | Mirukoji | |
| 1986 | * Hanaki O | ||
| 1987 | Shinano Davis | George Rex | |
| 1988 | Ryuko King | Windmill | |
| 1989 | * Rosita ♥ | ||
| 1990 | * Outrun Seiko | ||
| 1991 | Urban Top | Apollo Pink ♥ | |
| 1992 | Kashiwazu Princess ♥ | Grade Shori | |
| 1993 | Blue Family | Present | |
| 1994 | Spectacle | Kanesho Gold | |
| 1995 | Hikari Rufus | Shoji Taisei | |
| 1996 | Nike Jaguar | Centric | |
| 1997 | Canyon Roman | Surprise Power | |
| 1998 | Gold Head | Atomic Thunder | |
| 1999 | ⁂ Orion the Thanks | ||
| 2000 | Yellow Power | Hinode Luster | Meiner Combat |
| 2001 | ⁂ Toshin Blizzard | ||
| 2002 | Principal River | King Saviour | Gold Allure |
| 2003 | * Nike a Delight | Big Wolf | |
| 2004 | Tokino Kojiro | Adjudi Mitsuo | Cafe Olympus |
| 2005 | * Sea Chariot | Kane Hekili | |
| 2006 | Thank You Win | B B Tornado | Friendship |
| 2007 | Top Sabaton | Ampersand | Furioso |
| 2008 | Nick Bunyan | Dream Sky | Success Brocken |
| 2009 | Nike High Grade | Silent Sutamen | Testa Matta |
| 2010 | Seize the Gold | Makani Bisty | Magnifica |
| 2011 | * Clave Secreta ♥ | Grape Brandy | |
| 2012 | Art Sahara | Pretiolas | Hatano Vainqueur |
| 2013 | Outgeneral | Inside the Park | Chrysolite |
| 2014 | * Happy Sprint | Kazenoko | |
| 2015 | Studium | Lucky Prince | Nonkono Yume |
| 2016 | Turbulence | Baldassare | Kyoei Gere |
| 2017 | Captain King | # Higashi Will Win | |
| 2018 | Yamano Fight | Haseno Pyro | Le Vent Se Leve |
| 2019 | Mutually | Hikari Oso | Chrysoberyl |
| 2020 | Gold Heuer | Aime Limite | Danon Pharaoh |
| 2021 | Transcendence | Alain Barows | Castle Top |
| 2022 | Miyagi Zao | Kile | Notturno |
| 2023 | ⁂ Mick Fire | ||
| 2024 | Amante Bianco | Ramjet | Forever Young |
| 2025 | * Natural Rise | Narukami | |
| 2026 | Finger | ||
Autumn Triple Crown
In 2000, the JRA established a bonus prize for any horse that won the Tennō Shō (Autumn), Japan Cup and Arima Kinen in the same year.[6] While the bonus has no official name or trophy associated with it,[66] reporters have referred to completing this act as both the "Autumn Triple Crown"[67][68] and "Senior Autumn Triple Crown",[6] the later in reference to the three races being open to any horse three years old and older.[69][70][71] Although there have been several "Double Crown" winners in the trifecta, only two horses have achieved the Autumn Triple Crown since its inception, T. M. Opera O and Zenno Rob Roy. This has been attributed to the short turnabout between races, with less than a month between each race.[6]
Triple Crown Races
| Tennō Shō (Autumn)[72][73] | Japan Cup[74][75] | Arima Kinen[76][77] | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Early November | Late November | December |
| Distance | 2,400m | 2,400m | 2,500m |
| Track | Tokyo Racecourse | Tokyo Racecourse | Nakayama Racecourse |
| Qualification | 3yo and older | ||
| Inauguration | 3 December, 1937 | 22 November, 1981 | 23 December, 1956 |
Winners
| Year | Identifier | Winner | Jockey | Trainer | Owner | Breeder | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | .jpg) |
T. M. Opera O | Ryuji Wada | Ichizo Iwamoto | Masatsugu Takezono | Kineusu Bokujo | [78][79][80] |
| 2004 |  |
Zenno Rob Roy | Olivier Peslier | Kazuo Fujisawa | Shinobu Osako | Shiraoi Farm | [81][82] |
Autumn Triple Crown Individual Race Winners
| † | Denotes winners of the Autumn Triple Crown |
| * | Denotes winners of the Tennō Shō (Autumn) and Japan Cup but not the Arima Kinen |
| # | Denotes other winners of any other combination of 2 out of the 3 Autumn Triple Crown races |
| ♥ | Denotes filly or mare |
| Autumn Triple Crown | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Tennō Shō (Autumn)[83] | Japan Cup[84] | Arima Kinen[85] |
| 1937 | Happy Might | ||
| 1938 | Hisatomo ♥ | ||
| 1939 | Tetsumon | ||
| 1940 | Rocky Mor | ||
| 1941 | Estates | ||
| 1942 | Nipatois ♥ | ||
| 1943 | Kuri Hikari | ||
| 1944 | Race Not Run[b] | ||
| 1945 | |||
| 1946 | |||
| 1947 | Toyo Ume | ||
| 1948 | Katsu Fuji | ||
| 1949 | Newford | ||
| 1950 | Yashima Daughter ♥ | ||
| 1951 | Hatakaze | ||
| 1952 | Track O | ||
| 1953 | Queen Narubi ♥ | ||
| 1954 | Opal Orchid ♥ | ||
| 1955 | Dainana Hoshu | ||
| 1956 | Midfarm | Meiji Hikari | |
| 1957 | # Hakuchikara | # Hakuchikara | |
| 1958 | Cellulose ♥ | Onward There | |
| 1959 | # Garnet ♥ | # Garnet ♥ | |
| 1960 | Ote Mon | Star Roch ♥ | |
| 1961 | Takamagahara | Homareboshi | |
| 1962 | Kurihide ♥ | Onslaught | |
| 1963 | # Ryu Forel | # Ryu Forel | |
| 1964 | # Yamato Kyodai | # Yamato Kyodai | |
| 1965 | # Shinzan | # Shinzan | |
| 1966 | # Korehide | # Korehide | |
| 1967 | # Kabuto Ciro | # Kabuto Ciro | |
| 1968 | Knit Eight | Ryuzuki | |
| 1969 | Mejiro Taiyo | Speed Symboli | |
| 1970 | Mejiro Asama | Speed Symboli | |
| 1971 | # Tomei ♥ | # Tomei ♥ | |
| 1972 | Yamanin Wave | Ishino Hikaru | |
| 1973 | Tani no Chikara | Strong Eight | |
| 1974 | Kami no Tesio | Tanino Chikara | |
| 1975 | Fujino Parthia | Ishino Arashi | |
| 1976 | Eyeful | Tosho Boy | |
| 1977 | Hokuto Boy | Ten Point | |
| 1978 | Tenmei | Kane Minobu | |
| 1979 | Three Giants | Green Grass | |
| 1980 | Pretty Cast ♥ | Hoyo Boy | |
| 1981 | Hoyo Boy | Mairzy Doates ♥ | Amber Shadai |
| 1982 | Mejiro Titan | Half Iced | Hikari Duel |
| 1983 | Kyoei Promise | Stanerra ♥ | Lead Hoyu |
| 1984 | Mr. C. B. | Katsuragi Ace | Symboli Rudolf |
| 1985 | Gallop Dyna | # Symboli Rudolf | |
| 1986 | Sakura Yutaka O | Jupiter Island | Dyna Gulliver |
| 1987 | Nippo Teio | Le Glorieux | Mejiro Durren |
| 1988 | Tamamo Cross | Pay the Butler | Oguri Cap |
| 1989 | Super Creek | Horlicks ♥ | Inari One |
| 1990 | Yaeno Muteki | Better Loosen Up | Oguri Cap |
| 1991 | Prekrasnie | Golden Pheasant | Daiyusaku |
| 1992 | Let's Go Tarquin | Tokai Teio | Mejiro Palmer |
| 1993 | Yamanin Zephyr | Legacy World | Tokai Teio |
| 1994 | Nehai Caesar | Marvelous Crown | Narita Brian |
| 1995 | Sakura Chitose O | Lando | Mayano Top Gun |
| 1996 | Bubble Gum Fellow | Singspiel | Sakura Laurel |
| 1997 | Air Groove ♥ | Pilsudski | Silk Justice |
| 1998 | Offside Trap | El Condor Pasa | Grass Wonder |
| 1999 | * Special Week | Grass Wonder | |
| 2000 | † T. M. Opera O | ||
| 2001 | Agnes Digital | Jungle Pocket | Manhattan Cafe |
| 2002 | # Symboli Kris S | Falbrav | # Symboli Kris S |
| 2003 | # Symboli Kris S | Tap Dance City | # Symboli Kris S |
| 2004 | † Zenno Rob Roy | ||
| 2005 | Heavenly Romance ♥ | Alkaased | Heart's Cry |
| 2006 | Daiwa Major | # Deep Impact | |
| 2007 | Meisho Samson | Admire Moon | Matsurida Gogh |
| 2008 | Vodka ♥ | Screen Hero | Daiwa Scarlet ♥ |
| 2009 | Company | Vodka ♥ | Dream Journey |
| 2010 | Buena Vista ♥ | Rose Kingdom | Victoire Pisa |
| 2011 | Tosen Jordan | Buena Vista ♥ | Orfevre |
| 2012 | Eishin Flash | Gentildonna ♥ | Gold Ship |
| 2013 | Just A Way | Gentildonna ♥ | Orfevre |
| 2014 | Spielberg | Epiphaneia | Gentildonna ♥ |
| 2015 | Lovely Day | Shonan Pandora ♥ | Gold Actor |
| 2016 | Maurice | Kitasan Black | Satono Diamond |
| 2017 | # Kitasan Black | Cheval Grand | # Kitasan Black |
| 2018 | Rey de Oro | Almond Eye ♥ | Blast Onepiece |
| 2019 | Almond Eye ♥ | Suave Richard | Lys Gracieux ♥ |
| 2020 | * Almond Eye ♥ | Chrono Genesis ♥ | |
| 2021 | # Efforia | Contrail | # Efforia |
| 2022 | # Equinox | Vela Azul | # Equinox |
| 2023 | * Equinox | Do Deuce | |
| 2024 | * Do Deuce | Regaleira ♥ | |
| 2025 | Masquerade Ball | Calandagan | Museum Mile |
Notes
- While originally run on 8 December with Kaiso winning, the race's results were declared void in January 1945 after officials discovered all entrants had run the wrong course, running two laps of Kyoto Racecourse's outer course instead of two laps of the inner course.[25][26][27]
- Cancelled due to World War 2.[53][54]