The Victoria Mile is a prestigious Grade 1 horse race in Japan, exclusively for four-year-old and above thoroughbred fillies and mares. The race is run over a distance of 1,600 metres (approximately 1 mile) on the turf at Tokyo Racecourse in May. The Victoria Mile is a Set Weight race, which means that all horses carry the same weight, regardless of their age or sex.
The Victoria Mile is a relatively new race, having been first run in 2006 and won by Dance In The Mood. Since then, the race has grown in popularity and is now a highly anticipated event in the Japanese horse racing calendar. The Victoria Mile is the mares’ chance in Japan to get a G1, making it a highly sought-after prize for trainers, jockeys, and owners alike.
Over the years, the Victoria Mile has seen some exceptional performances from both horses and jockeys. The race has produced some of the best fillies and mares in Japan, with names like Gran Alegria, Sound Chiara, and Lys Gracieux among the winners. With its rich history and exciting atmosphere, the Victoria Mile is a must-see event for anyone interested in horse racing.
History of the Victoria Mile
The Victoria Mile is a prestigious Grade 1 race held annually at the Tokyo Racecourse in Japan. The race is exclusively for four-year-old and above thoroughbred fillies and mares, and it is run over a distance of 1,600 metres (approximately 1 mile) on the turf. The Victoria Mile is one of the most lucrative races for fillies and mares in Japan, with a total purse of JPY281,800,000 in 2022.
The Early Years
The Victoria Mile was first run in 2006 and was won by Dance In The Mood. Since then, the race has become a staple on the Japanese racing calendar, attracting some of the best fillies and mares in the country. The race was named after Queen Victoria, who was the longest-reigning monarch in British history.
The majority of winners since the race began are four-year-olds, with only a few exceptions. In 1971, the Pacific Coast was the first mare to win the race, which was then known as the Victoria Cup. The Pacific Coast won the race in a time of 1:35.6.
Recent Years
In recent years, the Victoria Mile has seen some of the best fillies and mares in Japan compete for the coveted title. The race has been won by some of the biggest names in Japanese horse racing, including Vodka, Buena Vista, Almond Eye, and Gran Alegria.
In 2021, Christophe Lemaire rode Gran Alegria to victory in the Victoria Mile. The mare won the race in a time of 1:32.0, beating out the likes of Daring Tact and Resistencia. Damian Lane rode Straight Girl to victory in 2022, winning the race in a time of 1:32.5.
Over the years, the Victoria Mile has become a showcase for some of the best fillies and mares in Japan. The race has also seen some of the best jockeys in the world compete, including Christophe Lemaire, Ryan Moore, and Damian Lane.
Some of the most memorable moments in the history of the Victoria Mile include Verxina’s victory in 2011, Apapane’s win in 2010, and Buena Vista’s triumph in 2011. These races showcased the talent and skill of some of the best fillies and mares in Japan, and they will always be remembered as some of the greatest moments in the history of the Victoria Mile.
The Course
Location and Description
The Victoria Mile is a Grade 1 flat horse race in Japan for four-year-old and above thoroughbred fillies and mares. The race is run over a distance of 1,600 metres (approximately 1 mile) on the turf at Tokyo Racecourse. Tokyo Racecourse is located in Fuchu, Tokyo, Japan. The course is situated in the western suburbs of Tokyo and is approximately 30 minutes by train from central Tokyo.
The course has a total length of 2,083 metres, and it has a maximum width of 75 metres. The turf track is gently undulating, and it has a long home straight of 527 metres. The course has a left-handed configuration, and it is known for its sweeping turns and long straightaways.
Mile 0 and Trans-Canada Highway
The starting point for the Victoria Mile is at Mile 0, which is located near the entrance to the track. The horses then race down the home straight and make a left-hand turn onto the first turn. The first turn is a sweeping turn, and it leads onto the back straight.
The back straight is approximately 800 metres long, and it leads to the second turn. The second turn is another sweeping turn, and it leads onto the home straight. The home straight is approximately 527 metres long, and it leads to the finish line.
The Victoria Mile is run on the turf course at Tokyo Racecourse, which is considered one of the best turf courses in the world. The turf is made up of a mixture of sand, soil, and grass, and it is carefully maintained to ensure that it provides a consistent and safe surface for the horses to run on.
Surrounding Area
Tokyo Racecourse is located in Fuchu, which is a suburb of Tokyo. The area surrounding the racecourse is relatively quiet, and it is home to a number of parks and gardens. Some of the notable parks and gardens in the area include the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, the Butchart Gardens, and the Beacon Hill Park.
The area surrounding Tokyo is also home to a number of natural landmarks, including the Rocky Mountains and the Prairies. Vancouver is located on the west coast of Canada, and it is known for its scenic beauty and vibrant culture.
Trainers and Jockeys
When it comes to the Victoria Mile, trainers and jockeys play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the race. Here are some of the notable trainers and jockeys to keep an eye on:
Hideaki Fujiwara
Hideaki Fujiwara is a well-known trainer in Japan who has had great success in the Victoria Mile. He has three wins under his belt, including a victory with the talented mare Straight Girl in 2015 and 2016. His other win came in 2010 with Buena Vista. Fujiwara’s horses are always well-prepared and have a good record in big races.
Yasuo Tomomichi
Yasuo Tomomichi is another trainer to watch out for in the Victoria Mile. He has trained some of the best horses in Japan, including Sodashi, who won the race in 2021. Tomomichi is known for his attention to detail and his ability to get the best out of his horses. He has a good record in big races and is always a threat to win.
Naosuke Sugai
Naosuke Sugai is a rising star in the world of horse racing and has quickly established himself as one of the top trainers in Japan. He has had some success in the Victoria Mile, including a third-place finish with Sound Chiara in 2021. Sugai’s horses are always well-prepared and have a good record in big races.
In addition to these trainers, there are also several jockeys who have had success in the Victoria Mile. Christophe Lemaire, Norihiro Yokoyama, Hiroyuki Uchida, and Keita Tosaki are among the most successful jockeys in recent years, with two wins each. These jockeys are known for their skill and experience and are always in demand for big races like the Victoria Mile.
Overall, trainers and jockeys play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the Victoria Mile. With so many talented individuals involved, it is always an exciting race to watch.
Where to Watch
If you’re looking to catch the Victoria Mile in action, there are plenty of options to choose from. Whether you prefer to watch the race from a restaurant or pub, or you’re looking for information on the cost of tickets, this section has got you covered.
Restaurants and Pubs
There are many restaurants and pubs in the Tokyo area that offer great views of the Victoria Mile. Some popular options include:
- The Tokyo Racecourse Restaurant: Located right at the racecourse, this restaurant offers a great view of the track and is perfect for those who want to enjoy a meal while watching the race.
- The Horse’s Mouth: This pub is located in the Shibuya area and is known for its great atmosphere and wide selection of drinks. It’s a popular spot for those who want to watch the race in a more relaxed setting.
- The Windsor Castle: This pub is located in the Roppongi area and is known for its great food and lively atmosphere. It’s a popular spot for those who want to watch the race with friends.
Cost and Tickets
The cost of tickets for the Victoria Mile can vary depending on where you want to sit and what type of ticket you’re looking for. Some popular options include:
- General Admission: This is the most affordable option and allows you to watch the race from the general viewing area.
- Grandstand Seating: This option offers a better view of the track and is perfect for those who want to get a closer look at the action.
- VIP Seating: This option offers the best view of the track and comes with additional perks like access to a VIP lounge and complimentary food and drinks.
Tickets can be purchased online or at the racecourse on the day of the event. It’s important to book early as tickets can sell out quickly.
Happy Hour and Brunch
If you’re looking to make a day of it, many restaurants and pubs in the Tokyo area offer happy hour and brunch specials on race day. Some popular options include:
- The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo: This hotel offers a special brunch menu on race day that includes a variety of dishes and drinks.
- The Peninsula Tokyo: This hotel offers a happy hour special on race day that includes discounted drinks and appetizers.
- The Oak Door: This restaurant offers a special brunch menu on race day that includes a variety of dishes and drinks.
Overall, there are plenty of options for those looking to watch the Victoria Mile in Tokyo. Whether you prefer to watch from a restaurant or pub, or you’re looking for information on the cost of tickets, there’s something for everyone.
Conclusion
The Victoria Mile is a prestigious horse racing event that takes place annually in May at Tokyo Racecourse in Japan. The race is exclusively for four-year-old and above thoroughbred fillies and mares, and it covers a distance of 1,600 metres (approximately one mile) on the turf.
Over the years, the Victoria Mile has become a significant event in the Japanese horse racing calendar, attracting some of the best horses and jockeys in the country. The race offers a lucrative purse, making it a highly competitive event that is eagerly anticipated by horse racing enthusiasts.
The race has seen some fantastic performances over the years, with notable winners such as Almond Eye, Mikki Queen, and Meisho Mambo. The Victoria Mile presents an excellent opportunity for fillies and mares to earn a Grade 1 title, and it is considered a significant achievement in the Japanese horse racing industry.
In conclusion, the Victoria Mile is a must-watch event for horse racing enthusiasts, offering an exciting and competitive race that showcases some of the best fillies and mares in Japan. With a rich history and notable winners, the Victoria Mile is undoubtedly one of the most prestigious horse racing events in Japan.
