The Takarazuka Kinen (宝塚記念) is a Grade I flat horse race in Japan for three-year-old and above thoroughbreds where they run over a distance of 2,200 metres (approximately miles) at Hanshin Racecourse (阪神競馬場) in late June. It is one of the two "All-Star" races in Japanese horse racing; the other is the Arima Kinen (the Grand Prix) in late December.
It was first run in 1960 with a distance of 1,800 metres. From 1961 to 1965 the race was run over 2,000 metres and since 1966 it has been run over its present distance.
The race is run on the turf and is named after the city of Takarazuka, Hyōgo, the location of Hanshin Racecourse, which is the venue of the race.
As with the Arima Kinen, the majority of the runners in the field are selected by a vote from racing fans, while the remainder are determined by the amount of prizemoney won.
Winners since 1984
* The 1991, 1995 and 2006 races took place at Kyoto Racecourse.
Earlier winners
1960 - Homare Hiro
1961 - Caesar
1962 - Kodama
1963 - Ryu Forel
1964 - Hikaru Pola
1965 - Shinzan
1966 - Eight Crown
1967 - Taiyo
1968 - Hikaru Takai
1969 - Date Horai
1970 - Speed Symboli
1971 - Mejiro Musashi
1972 - Shofu Midori
1973 - Hamano Parade
1974 - Haiseiko
1975 - Naoki
1976 - Fujino Parthia
1977 - Tosho Boy
1978 - Erimo George
1979 - Sakura Shori
1980 - Teru Tenryu
1981 - Katsu R
1982 - Monte Prince
1983 - Hagino Kamui O
See also
Horse racing in Japan
List of Japanese flat horse races
References
Racing Post: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,