Champions Cup

The 27th running of Champions Cup (G1)

Sunday, December 6, 2026

Distance (surface):
1,800 meters, Dirt (about 9 furlongs)
Age:
3yo & up
Racecourse:
Chukyo Racecourse (Left-handed)
Maximum Number of Horses:
16
Nomination Close:
Tuesday, October 6, 2026
Nomination Fee:
Free of Charge
Deadline for arriving in Japan:
Thursday, November 26, 2026
Declaration:
Thursday, December 3, 2026
Declaration Fee:
¥300,000

* Nominated foreign horses of the Champions Cup (G1) will be automatically nominated for the Tokyo Daishoten (G1), scheduled to be held at NAR's Oi Racecourse in December 2026.

Nomination Close (Free): Tuesday, October 6, 2026 by noon local time

Chukyo Racecourse

Tokyo Racecourse

Course Description

The Champions Cup is run over 1800m on dirt on a left-handed Chukyo track.

JRA's dirt courses are based on designs used in the United States, but uniquely fine-tuned to handle Japan's high precipitation. Tracks are packed firmly with a layer of mountain sand to support the horses' hooves and then covered with loose sand to absorb impact and ease leg stress. The horses must exert slightly greater effort when the track is dry, but speed is increased as the track absorbs more water.

Circumference 1,530m
Width 25m
Homestretch (final turn to finish) 410m
1,800m (D) Record Time as of January 2026 Sumahama (14 July 2019) 1.47.6
Turf Course Undulation

Watch 2025 race video