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Adrian Webber
For Adrian Webber's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
Japan Times
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May 26, 2023
Horses and jockeys gear up for Tokyo Yushun’s 90th run
Modeled on the famous race founded in England in 1780 by the 12th Earl of Derby Edward Smith-Stanley, the Japanese Derby, or Tokyo Yushun by its Japanese name, might not be able to boast such a long history. However, as is often the case with many things in Japan, it’s been able to grow in prestige over the years, and comes with its own fair share of pride and panache, things that Japan does well when given the chance. The earl would be proud that the race named after him has endured in so many different countries.
Japan Times
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Nov 25, 2022
With Derby winners out, 42nd Cup is anyone’s to win
It was back in 1981 when the Japan Cup was first run at Tokyo racecourse in a bid to see how Japanese horses would fare against challengers from other countries. That first race went the way of a 5-year-old mare from America, Mairzy Doates, ridden by Cash Asmussen.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Nov 11, 2022
Strong field competes in honor of race namesake
With the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Sept. 8, the horse race in Japan that bears her name will take on a deeper meaning this year. Different countries stage their own Queen Elizabeth II Cup races at different times of year, but in Japan the race is traditionally held in November. Although the name of the race was to contain the words “Platinum Jubilee,” out of respect for the late monarch this will no longer be a part of the title.
Japan Times
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May 27, 2022
Fans’ return eyed as riders gather for 89th Tokyo Yushun
The Japanese Derby, or Tokyo Yushun, will be held at Tokyo Racecourse in Fuchu on May 29, and there’s every chance there will be a full field of 18 again as this year’s top 3-year-old colts do battle for the second leg of the Japanese Triple Crown.
Japan Times
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Nov 26, 2021
International horses set to challenge Japan’s best
The Group 1 Japan Cup enters its fifth decade this year, and the autumn showpiece will once again be run Sunday at Tokyo Racecourse in Fuchu, the home of many of Japan’s top-flight horse races, including the Oaks and the Japanese Derby, also run over 2,400 meters.
Japan Times
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May 28, 2021
Strong field promises an exciting, dramatic race
As the month of May leads us toward the hotter days just around the corner, it’s once again time for one of Japan’s great horse races, the Japanese Derby, or Tokyo Yushun, as it is sometimes called here in Japan. This Sunday sees the race run at its traditional home, Tokyo Racecourse in Fuchu, just a short journey west from the center of the capital.
Japan Times
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Nov 27, 2020
Thrills in store as two unbeaten horses lead loaded
It’s once again the time of year for the Japan Cup, one of the most prestigious horse races in the world, and certainly the race on the horse racing calendar here in Japan that jumps off the page as one of the year’s biggest events.
Japan Times
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May 29, 2020
Show will go on at Japanese Derby despite coronavirus
The countdown is on for one of the most prestigious horse races in Japan, as the clock ticks down to 3:40 p.m. on Sunday, when the Japanese Derby will be run. This year, with things as they are in the world of sport, the race will be held behind closed doors, taking away its colorful atmosphere and vibrancy. But nevertheless, the horse-racing fraternity will breathe a sigh of relief about the fact the race can go ahead, albeit not quite in its usual guise.
Japan Times
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Nov 22, 2019
Japan Cup provides annual celebration of horse racing
When the entrance gates open at Tokyo Racecourse on Sunday, another chapter in the history of one of the world's most prestigious horse races will also open, and those passing through the gates on Sunday will experience the unique atmosphere that accompanies the running of the Japan Cup.
Japan Times
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May 24, 2019
Japanese Derby stands out as one of racing's big events
It's the 86th running of the Japanese Derby (or the Tokyo Yushun as it's known in Japan) this coming Sunday, and the race will be run at Tokyo Racecourse in Fuchu, just a short distance away from the hustle and bustle of the city center, although that hustle and bustle will be shifting to Fuchu, and taking on a different look.
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May 4, 2009
Meiner Kitz springs Tennosho surprise
Kyoto Pref. — Six-year-old Meiner Kitz pulled off one of the biggest shocks of the racing year so far, when landing the spoils in the 139th Tennosho (Emperor's Cup) at Kyoto Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.
Japan Times
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Dec 8, 2008
Lemaire guides Kane Hekili to Japan Cup Dirt triumph
TAKARAZUKA, Hyogo Pref. — Kane Hekili and French jockey Christophe Lemaire won a thrilling battle in the final 100 meters of the ninth Japan Cup Dirt, when they held off the late challenges of Meisho Tokon and the race favorite, Vermilion, to land the first-prize purse of ¥130 million.
Japan Times
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Oct 20, 2008
Black Emblem takes honors at Shuka-sho
KYOTO — Black Emblem took full honors when powering up the home straight on the inside to win the 13th Shuka-sho, the final leg of the three Group 1 races in the year for 3-year-old fillies.
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Jun 30, 2008
Eishin Deputy scores Takarazuka Kinen win
HYOGO PREF. — Eishin Deputy knocked off some of the more fancied runners with an all-the-way win in the 49th Takarazuka Kinen at Hanshin racecourse on Sunday afternoon.
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May 5, 2008
Admire Jupiter takes Tenno-sho victory
KYOTO — On a scorching hot day, and in front of a crowd of 78,000 at Kyoto racecourse, jockey Yasunari Iwata drove home Admire Jupiter in the dying moments of the race to deny Meisho Samson back to back victories in the spring Tenno-sho (Emperor's Cup). With owner Riichi Kondo entering four horses in the race, he was always going to have the best chance of lifting the ¥132 million winner's prize.
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Nov 19, 2007
Daiwa Major triumphs in Mile
KYOTO — Jockey Katsumi Ando made winning Group 1 races look like shelling peas on Sunday at Kyoto Racecourse, where he won his sixth of the year on 6-year-old Daiwa Major.
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Oct 22, 2007
Asakusa Kings finishes strong en route to Kikka-sho victory
KYOTO — Asakusa Kings made amends for his Derby second, finishing strongly in the final 100 meters to win the 68th Kikka-sho at Kyoto Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.
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Apr 30, 2007
Meisho Samson's strength lifts Tennosho
KYOTO -- Meisho Samson, last year's 2000 Guineas and Derby winner, dug deep into his reserves at Kyoto racecourse on Sunday to lift the 135th Tennosho (Emperor's Cup) and prove to his doubters that he really is top class and can race 3,200 meters.
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Apr 9, 2007
Daiwa Scarlet blossoms in Oka-sho
TAKARAZUKA, Hyogo Pref. -- On a day when the cherry blossoms were at their peak, jockey Katsumi Ando made sure the colors changed when he drove Daiwa Scarlet home to make it two consecutive Oka-sho victories, and in so doing, notched up his 700th win under JRA rules. The daughter of Agnes Tachyon fairly flew home, leaving supporters of the heavy odds-on-favorite, Vodka, needing a couple of shots of the spirit of the same name on Sunday.

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