Racing at Sapporo Racecourse – A Day of Twelve Exciting Contests
There is something about Sapporo Racecourse that makes a summer’s card feel different — the northern light, the crisp Hokkaido air, and the quiet hum of anticipation as fans drift through the gates. On Friday, 30 August, the track will host twelve contests that promise not just winners, but moments — the kiss of a trainer on a young colt’s nose, the flash of a jockey’s smile, the ripple of applause as the crowd senses something special.
The day’s line-up
The opening race at 9:50am over 1500 metres introduces 2-year-old maidens such as Liberty, Benten Kagura, Lasting Snow, Claris Hime, Ascot Dance, Erika Biarritz, Komachichan and Noir Venus. It is worth ¥10,600,000 and sets the tone for the afternoon, a fresh beginning for runners still learning their trade.
At 10:25am, the second contest stretches to 1800 metres, another maiden for 2-year-olds where Shonan Bourbon, Royal Time, Noche Cerrada, Bright Run, Cinderella Girl, Akkan and Chaser will test their stamina. This too carries ¥10,600,000, and it should lift the rhythm of the card.
The third at 10:55am goes over 1700 metres, where 3-year-old maidens including L’Oiseaubleu Chinu, Triplete, Dolce Return, Olopatadine, Badarzewska, Ho O Samret and Selene Aster are entered. The value again is ¥10,600,000, a prize to tempt connections chasing that breakthrough.
By 11:25am, the fourth race brings 3-year-olds like Billionaire Boy, Mozu Grand Prix, Hakusan Miracle, Double Silver, Amelita, Dia No Gotoku, Meiner Recuerdo and Akshardham into the fray across 1500 metres, another ¥10,600,000 test.
After a short pause, the fifth contest comes at 12:15pm, a 1700-metre newcomers’ race for 2-year-olds. Among those stepping forward are World Brave, Shen Hu, Sestina, Taisei Monolith, Seiun Bushido, Warabigami and Coco Lassi. With ¥14,250,000 at stake, it is one of the more appealing mid-card events.
The sixth at 12:45pm returns to the maidens, this time for 3-year-olds over 2000 metres, worth ¥10,600,000. Entries include Butlers Wharf, Nothing Better, Shonan Tahti, Reward Pasion, Yamano Impact, High Upgrade and Mother’s Will.
As the clock strikes 1:15pm, the seventh contest, a 1000-metre dash for 3-year-olds and upwards, sharpens the pace. Pirie, Meisho Hubble, Carry Grace, Inoki, Peregrine, Sparkle Joy and Meisho Habomai will bring speed to the turf, chasing ¥15,200,000.
The eighth, at 1:45pm over 1700 metres, is another ¥15,200,000 clash with Southern Black, Crown Uluru, Maverick City, Le Grand Chariot, Suzuno Soleil, Fire Whip and Glorious Hero among the field.
At 2:15pm, the Suzuran Sho, a ¥30,820,000 1200-metre highlight for 2-year-olds, features Trips, Miraieno Hero, Life of Raccoon, Mr Bad Guy, Escalate and Shonan Charis. This is where the stakes rise, where talent and temperament collide under pressure.
The Chitose Tokubetsu at 2:50pm follows, a ¥29,930,000 1700-metre feature where For Oneself, Sommelier, Thunder Bass, Porpora Ziel, Narita Hikari, Fine Topaz and Sand Blast line up.
The penultimate race, the Sapporo Nikkan Sports Hai, comes at 3:25pm across 2000 metres. Worth ¥29,910,000, it boasts names like Cosmo Express, Derma Gremlin, Lei Pikake, Vanishing Point, Alberic and Wazamono. The atmosphere by then will be taut, every eye fixed on the stretch.
Finally, at 4:05pm, the curtain falls with the twelfth — a 1200-metre sprint where Maranges, Perfezione, Spring Day, Muchas Gracias, Shines On You, Tamakazura and Illusion vie for ¥15,200,000. It is a fitting end, leaving the crowd with one last flash of speed before the northern evening settles.
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