Grade 1 Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks) added to "Destination France" series

The Japan Racing Association (JRA), together with France Galop and the French Racing and Breeding Committee, announced the 2018 “Destination France” challenge series. This challenge will feature two of the best French races from top racetracks.

“Destination France” is now in its second year, and the first three finishers of the following three races in Japan will automatically qualify for a spot in France, plus a travelling incentive (EUR20,000) and a free entry.

* Japanese race leading to the Qatar Prix Vermeille held at Longchamp Racecourse on September 16:

- Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks) (May 20)

* Japanese races leading to the Prix du Haras de Fresnay le Buffard-Jacques Le Marois held at Deauville Racecourse on August 12:

- Yasuda Kinen (June 3)
- Victoria Mile (May 13)

Further, the winner of the Jacques Le Marois and Qatar Prix Vermeille will qualify for the JRA bonus system for the Japan Autumn International. The winner of the Jacques Le Marois will be awarded an extra bonus of USD700,000 in addition to the 1st place prize money (JPY110,000,000) by winning the Mile Championship (G1) to be held at Kyoto Racecourse on November 18, and similarly, the winner of the Qatar Prix Vermeille will be entitled the bonus of USD700,000 by winning the Queen Elizabeth II Cup (G1) (1st place prize money JPY105,000,000), also held at Kyoto Racecourse on November 11.

After two years of work, the new Longchamp Racecourse in Paris was revealed this month, featuring a deep new infrastructure from the Grandstand to the stables. The total prize money for the Jacques Le Marois and Qatar Prix Vermeille will see a significant rise, with the Jacques Le Marois up 43% from EUR700,000 to EUR1,000,000 and the Qatar Prix Vermeille up by more than 70% from EUR350,000 to EUR600,000.