The Japanese Derby (G1), officially known as the Tokyo Yushun, was staged at Tokyo Racecourse on 31 May 2026 over a distance of 2400 metres and for a prize fund of 608,720,000 yen. Recognised as one of the most important races in Japanese horse racing, the Classic contest attracted a highly competitive field of three-year-olds and produced a closely fought finish between the leading contenders.
In a race that remained competitive throughout the final stages, Lovcen emerged victorious under Kohei Matsuyama to provide trainer Haruki Sugiyama and owner Forest Racing with one of the biggest successes of their careers. The winner completed the 2400-metre journey in 2 minutes 22.7 seconds and held off a determined challenge close home.
Peintre Naif finished second after matching the winner’s time of 2 minutes 22.7 seconds. Ridden by Christophe Lemaire and prepared by Tetsuya Kimura, the colt delivered a strong late run but was denied by a head at the finish.
Just behind the leading pair came Basse Terre, who produced another commendable performance to secure third place. Partnered by Yuga Kawada for trainer Takashi Saito, the colt stopped the clock in 2 minutes 22.8 seconds and finished three-quarters of a length behind the runner-up.
The narrow margins separating the first three finishers reflected the quality of the contest and underlined the strength of this year’s Japanese Derby field. Lovcen’s victory added his name to the distinguished roll of honour of Japan’s premier Classic race and represented a landmark achievement for his connections
Tokyo Race Results 31 May Summary
Tokyo Race Results 31 May were highlighted by Lovcen’s narrow victory in the Japanese Derby (G1) at Tokyo Racecourse. The Haruki Sugiyama-trained colt defeated Peintre Naif by a head after covering 2400 metres in 2:22.7, while Basse Terre completed the top three in a high-quality renewal of Japan’s most prestigious Classic.
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