A sense of occasion will settle over Kyoto Racecourse as one of Japan’s most compelling middle-distance prizes commands the spotlight. Across twelve races from 09:55am to 4:10pm, the programme will rise in intensity and stature, culminating in the 3:30pm showpiece — THE KYOTO KINEN (G2), a 2200-metre Open Class contest carrying a commanding 119,740,000 Yen purse. Precision, patience, and class will define the afternoon, and the path to the feature will be carefully paved from the very first stride of the day.
The curtain will lift at 09:55am with Race 1, a 3-Year-Olds Maiden over 1800 metres. Ten runners will chase 11,280,000 Yen, each seeking a breakthrough that could shape their season. Race 2 at 10:25am will inject fresh intrigue as twelve newcomers sprint 1200 metres for 12,330,000 Yen, raw talent stepping into competition for the first time.
Race 3 at 10:55am will intensify the tempo. Sixteen three-year-olds will line up for a 1400-metre maiden worth 11,280,000 Yen, where positioning and split-second decisions will prove decisive. The momentum will continue at 11:25am with Race 4, a 1900-metre allowance for three-year-olds. Nine runners will compete for 15,620,000 Yen in a contest that will reward tactical maturity.
Stamina will come into sharper focus at 12:15pm in Race 5. Fifteen maidens will stretch out over 2000 metres for 11,280,000 Yen, a searching examination of balance and resolve. At 12:45pm, Race 6 will present one of the most competitive fields of the afternoon — eighteen three-year-olds over 1600 metres, again for 11,280,000 Yen, promising pace and pressure throughout.
From 1:15pm onward, seasoned campaigners will assume control of the narrative. Race 7 will see thirteen older runners tackle 1800 metres for 15,620,000 Yen. Race 8 at 1:45pm will extend to 2000 metres with twelve lining up for the same purse, contests that will test rhythm and racecraft in equal measure.
The card will deepen further at 2:15pm with the Kasuga Tokubetsu. Eleven runners will contest 1800 metres for a substantial 30,450,000 Yen, elevating the afternoon’s competitive edge. At 2:50pm, the Kitayama Stakes will raise the stakes again — ten runners, 1800 metres, and 35,900,000 Yen on offer — sharpening the atmosphere ahead of the main event.
Then the stage will belong to THE KYOTO KINEN (G2). Twelve Open Class contenders will assemble over 2200 metres, each aiming to capture 119,740,000 Yen and secure a defining triumph.
Redentor will arrive under the accomplished guidance of Christophe Lemaire for trainer Tetsuya Kimura, bringing proven poise to the field. Yoho Lake will be partnered by Thore Hammer Hansen for Yasuo Tomomichi, while Safira will unite Atsuya Nishimura with Manabu Ikezoe’s preparation.
Ecoro Dinos will see Kenichi Ikezoe ride for Ryuji Okubo. Babbitt will represent Tamio Hamada with Riki Takasugi aboard. Eri King, entrusted to Yuga Kawada for Mitsumasa Nakauchida, will command serious respect. Meisho Breguet will team with Keisuke Dazai for Masaru Honda, and Shake Your Heart will be guided by Yoshihiro Furukawa for Toru Miya.
Doctor Dolittle will combine Taisei Danno with Teiichi Konno. Libyan Glass will carry the Yoshito Yahagi banner under Kanta Taguchi. Meiner Chrysola will link with Hideaki Miyuki for Takahisa Tezuka, while June Take will complete the line-up with Yusuke Fujioka riding for Hidenori Take.
The 2200 metres will demand more than speed. The early fractions will shape the complexion of the race, the sweeping turn will test balance, and the long Kyoto straight will expose any hesitation. Only those with composure under pressure will prevail.
The finale at 4:10pm will ensure the card concludes at full throttle. Race 12 will send sixteen older runners over 1200 metres for 22,690,000 Yen, a sharp, decisive sprint to close a programme built on progression and prestige.
From emerging three-year-olds seeking first success to established Open Class performers contesting one of the season’s key middle-distance prizes, Kyoto Racecards 15 February will deliver a day that builds relentlessly toward its centrepiece.
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