# Japanese Triple Crown horse racing competition

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/japanese-triple-crown-horse-racing-competition
> Updated: 2026-10-18T21:00:00.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

The Japanese horse racing season has centered on the pursuit of the Triple Crown, specifically through the Kikuka Sho. In late September, the horse Locven secured a narrow victory in the 74th Kobe Shimbun Hai at Hanshin Racecourse. Ridden by Kohei Matsuyama, Locven won by a nose, positioning himself as a top contender for the upcoming classic series.

As the focus shifts to the Kikuka Sho, attention is on whether Robchen can complete the Triple Crown. The race features a notable tactical matchup between jockeys: Kohei Matsuyama, who has seen high win volumes this year but lacks long-distance graded victories, and Christophe Lemaire, who holds a recent streak of three consecutive Kikuka Sho wins. Lemaire is set to ride Danon History, the expected second favorite behind Robchen.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-18: Robchen targets Triple Crown at Kikuka Sho

Robchen aims for the Triple Crown at the Kikuka Sho, facing scrutiny over jockey Kohei Matsuyama's long-distance record against rival Christophe Lemaire.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/robchen-targets-triple-crown-at-kikuka-sho

### 2026-09-20: Locven wins Kobe Shimbun Hai to advance toward Triple Crown

Locven won the Grade 2 Kobe Shimbun Hai by a nose at Hanshin Racecourse, securing a key trial spot for the Kikuka Sho and strengthening his position as a Triple Crown contender.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/meisho-gekirin-wins-all-comer-g2-at-nakayama-racecourse

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Cite as: Japanese Triple Crown horse racing competition. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/japanese-triple-crown-horse-racing-competition