Japanese horse racing features major summer stakes and international jockey competition

Major horse racing events are underway across several Japanese tracks, including Kawasaki, Sapporo, Niigata, and Chukyo.

At Kawasaki, the Sparking Summer Cup is scheduled, featuring notable contenders such as Bearbacoon and the former JpnI winner Alanbarrows.

In the JRA circuit, Sapporo will host the 2026 World All-Star Jockeys competition, bringing together 14 international and local riders. Other key races include the Keeneland Cup at Sapporo and the Niigata Nisai Stakes at Niigata, a significant GIII race for two-year-olds. Due to high temperatures, Niigata and Chukyo have implemented expanded racing schedules with extended breaks between races to ensure heat safety.