Breeders' Cup adds race in Japan to Win and You're in series

In a further expansion of its international reach, the Breeders’ Cup announced on Sunday night that a major Japanese race will be part of this year’s Win and You’re In program for the Breeders’ Cup.

The winner of the Takarazuka Kinen, a Grade 1 grass race over 1 3/8 miles at Hanshin Racecourse on June 26, will automatically gain entry into the $3 million Breeders’ Cup Turf, to be run this year at Churchill Downs on Nov. 5.

As part of the enhanced benefits of Breeders’ Cup Challenge races this year, the winner of the Takarazuka Kinen will have his entry fees of $90,000 covered, and an additional allowance of $20,000 will be provided for transportation. To receive those benefits, the winner must be nominated to the Breeders’ Cup by the pre-entry deadline of Oct. 24.

This is the first Japanese race to be included in the Win and You’re In program, and is part of the Breeders’ Cup’s continuing desire to expand its presence in the Far East, where racing is wildly popular, and the potential of co-mingled pools significant.

As part of a reciprocal agreement with the Japan Racing Association, the winner of this year’s Breeders’ Cup Turf will get an automatic entry into the Japan Cup on Nov. 27. A bonus also will be paid for a top-three finish in the Japan Cup by the BC Turf winner.

In addition to the United States and Japan, Win and You’re In races will be held this year in Argentina, Australia, Canada, England, France, Hong Kong, and Ireland.