PRIME POSITION
Members of The Racing Club were at the heart of the action on a thrilling day of horse racing at the Japan Cup, held at the Tokyo Racecourse
Picture the scene: it is just minutes before the start of one of the most eagerly anticipated horse races of the year. You are surrounded by a buzzing crowd of 120,000 people, all looking on as the jockeys steer their magnificent mounts towards the starting gate, each one ready to give everything to win. Hearts and minds are racing. The crowd’s frenzied cheers suddenly fall silent as the atmosphere reaches fever pitch. And then they are off.
The Japan Cup, in its 38th year, is one of the most prestigious Group 1 horse races in Japan. The 2,400-meter turf course at Tokyo is one of Japan’s most challenging and the invitation-only event attracts top turf horses from around the world. The 2018 edition of this annual event, held on November 25, saw triple crown winner Almond Eye become only the second threeyear-old filly, after Gentildonna in 2012, to dominate the Japan Cup.
It was with a sense of heightened anticipation that the Racing Club members joined a tour to Japan in November 2018 for this Group 1 race. Fans cheered, chanted and clapped in unison, bonded by the power and passion of an up-close racing experience, where members enjoy unobstructed views of the race, along with a gourmet meal, from an exclusive box at Tokyo Racecourse. Of course, racing fans could view the race via the Japan Cup simulcast in the comfort of their homes, but nothing beats actually being there to experience the action.
In addition, members enjoyed a host of perks in Japan, including an exclusive tour to Northern Farm and Shadai Stallion Station in snowy Hokkaido, which is a leading thoroughbred racehorse breeding and training farm in Japan and home to a number of former Japan Cup champion horses. The itinerary included a tour of Tokyo’s Racing Museum and Northern Horse Park.
Apart from the racing, the group enjoyed some quality leisure time. They took in the charms of the hot springs in Noboribetsu, framed by the beautiful scenery of Hell Valley, Usuzan; Lake Tōya and Otaru Canal in Hokkaido; and dined on gourmet cuisine at Michelin-starred restaurants.
The Racing Club brings unique international equestrian experiences to its members. It has hosted many overseas racing tours that offer more than just fantastic views of the race—members also have the opportunity to expand their racing knowledge and be part of a community of like-minded racing enthusiasts, with friendships that go well beyond the racetrack, and with many members meeting up for social gatherings after the tour.