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Categories: 注目ニュース

JRAダートG1増設は？2024年からの路線改革「3歳ダート三冠」創設の経緯と現状を解説

Analysis by AI

November 3, 2025

In recent years, a monumental transformation of the Japanese dirt racing landscape has been underway, spearheaded by a collaborative effort between JRA (Japan Racing Association) and regional racing organizations. This initiative, dubbed the “Comprehensive Reorganization of All-Japan Dirt Racing,” has seen significant route reforms. Most notably, the launch of the “3-Year-Old Dirt Triple Crown” in 2024 marks a pivotal moment, reshaping the future of dirt racing in Japan. This article provides an in-depth look at the reform’s background and objectives, the current state of the 3-Year-Old Dirt Triple Crown, changes to the older horse racing routes, and explores the potential for a “Japan Cup Dirt revival” alongside broader internationalization prospects.

目次

  1. Key Takeaways from This Article

  2. JRA and Regional Racing: A Grand Vision for Dirt Racing Reform

    1. Background and Purpose: “Turf and Dirt – The Two Wheels of Japanese Horse Racing”
    2. Key Elements of the Long-Term Plan

  3. The Inaugural 3-Year-Old Dirt Triple Crown (Launched 2024)

    1. Triple Crown Race Structure and Prize Money
    2. 2024 & 2025 Results and Impact

  4. The Future of JRA Dirt G1s: Changes to the Older Horse Routes

    1. Elevation and Review of Existing Dirt Graded Races
    2. Is a “Japan Cup Dirt” Revival on the Horizon?
    3. Leading JRA Dirt G1s and Increasing International Forays

  5. Internationalization of Dirt Racing and Future Prospects

    1. Revisiting “Jpn” Designations and Aiming for International G-Grade Unification
    2. Comparing with Major International Dirt Races

  6. Frequently Asked Questions About JRA Dirt Racing Reforms

Key Takeaways from This Article

JRA and Regional Racing: A Grand Vision for Dirt Racing Reform

Japanese horse racing is currently undergoing a massive initiative to elevate the stature of dirt racing. JRA (Japan Racing Association) and NAR (National Association of Racing) are at the helm of this long-term strategy, officially announced in November 2022 as the “Comprehensive Reorganization of All-Japan Dirt Racing,” which is being implemented in phases.

Background and Purpose: “Turf and Dirt – The Two Wheels of Japanese Horse Racing”

Historically, Japanese horse racing has predominantly focused on turf races, leading to a lack of a unified, nationwide competition structure for dirt. This disparity often made it challenging for dirt specialists to forge clear career paths and contributed to Japan’s dirt racing lagging behind its turf counterparts in international recognition.

This reform, primarily driven by regional racing organizations in cooperation with JRA, aims for a radical overhaul of the dirt racing system. With the shared goal of “developing turf and dirt as the two fundamental pillars of Japanese horse racing,” the initiative seeks to enhance the quality and value of all dirt graded races by offering more compelling and attractive competitions.

Key Elements of the Long-Term Plan

This ambitious long-term plan commenced with 2-year-old races in 2023, followed by the introduction of new structures for 3-year-olds and older horses in 2024. The main components include:

The Inaugural 3-Year-Old Dirt Triple Crown (Launched 2024)

The most anticipated aspect of these reforms is the establishment of the “3-Year-Old Dirt Triple Crown,” designed to crown the undisputed 3-year-old dirt champion, transcending the traditional boundaries between JRA and regional racing. This creates a clear, compelling series of races from spring to autumn.

Triple Crown Race Structure and Prize Money

The 3-Year-Old Dirt Triple Crown consists of three thrilling JpnI races, all held at Ohi Racecourse. An impressive bonus of 80 million yen is awarded to any horse that achieves the coveted Triple Crown.

Race Name Holding Period Racecourse & Distance 1st Place Prize Money Haneda Hai (JpnI) Late April Ohi · Dirt 1800m 50 million yen Tokyo Derby (JpnI) Early June Ohi · Dirt 2000m 100 million yen Japan Dirt Classic (JpnI) Early October Ohi · Dirt 2000m 70 million yen

※ The Japan Dirt Classic was renamed and rescheduled from the former Japan Dirt Derby.

2024 & 2025 Results and Impact

The inaugural year in 2024 garnered immense attention, particularly with JRA-affiliated horses participating. The first leg, the Haneda Hai, saw betting revenue soar to 145.2% of the previous year, marking a significant commercial success. The Triple Crown itself saw three different winners: Amante Bianco (Haneda Hai), Ramjet (Tokyo Derby), and Forever Young (Japan Dirt Classic).

In 2025, Natural Rise captured both the Haneda Hai and Tokyo Derby, setting the stage for a historic Triple Crown bid. However, the dream was dashed in the Japan Dirt Classic where Narukami emerged victorious, preventing the birth of the first Triple Crown winner. Nonetheless, racing insiders and media have lauded these developments as ushering in “a new era of dirt racing,” delivering fresh and captivating narratives to fans.

The Future of JRA Dirt G1s: Changes to the Older Horse Routes

The current reform extends beyond the 3-year-old circuit, significantly impacting the older horse dirt routes. This involves a comprehensive re-evaluation of the value of dirt graded races across both JRA and regional racing organizations.

Elevation and Review of Existing Dirt Graded Races

For older horses, the “Saitama Hai” (Urawa, 1400m) was elevated to JpnI status in 2024, serving as a key target race for the spring sprint route. This enhancement creates a clearer, more defined race structure for crowning champions across various categories throughout the year. Additionally, adjustments such as the timing change for the Kawasaki Kinen have been implemented to optimize the racing calendar.

Is a “Japan Cup Dirt” Revival on the Horizon?

The “Japan Cup Dirt,” once Japan’s premier dirt championship, was discontinued in 2014, primarily due to declining international participation. It was then rebranded as the “Champions Cup” and moved to Chukyo Racecourse.

Some fans express a desire for the revival of a truly international Japan Cup weekend, advocating for the return of the Japan Cup Dirt. However, as of November 2025, there is no official information from JRA indicating concrete discussions for its direct revival. The Champions Cup currently continues its legacy, firmly established as one of Japan’s top dirt races.

Leading JRA Dirt G1s and Increasing International Forays

The “Februrary Stakes” in the first half of the year and the “Champions Cup” in the latter half stand as the two principal JRA-hosted dirt G1 races. In recent years, Japanese horses achieving success in these races have increasingly ventured into lucrative international competitions such as the Saudi Cup, Dubai World Cup, and Breeders’ Cup Classic, bringing home illustrious victories.

Notably, Ushba Tesoro’s triumph in the Dubai World Cup and Forever Young’s historic first victory for a Japanese horse in the Breeders’ Cup Classic have unequivocally demonstrated Japan’s world-class dirt racing prowess. Such international achievements are creating a virtuous cycle, further enhancing the prestige and value of the domestic dirt racing circuit.

Internationalization of Dirt Racing and Future Prospects

This comprehensive route reorganization is not merely about domestic restructuring but also encompasses a long-term vision to elevate Japanese dirt racing to global standards.

Revisiting “Jpn” Designations and Aiming for International G-Grade Unification

Currently, many dirt graded races held by regional organizations are classified as “Jpn” grades, which are internationally recognized as local grades. As part of these reforms, efforts are underway to increase prize money and improve infrastructure for accommodating international entries. The ambitious goal is to progressively phase out the “Jpn” designation from 2028 onwards, ultimately classifying all dirt graded races under the international “G” grading system.

Comparing with Major International Dirt Races

International dirt races, serving as key targets for Japanese horses, boast staggering prize money. With the continued refinement of Japan’s domestic dirt circuit, an even greater number of Japanese contenders are expected to challenge these global spectacles.

Race Name Host Country Course Total Prize Money (Approx.) Saudi Cup (G1) Saudi Arabia Dirt 1800m $20 million (approx. 3.1 billion JPY) Dubai World Cup (G1) UAE Dirt 2000m $12 million (approx. 1.88 billion JPY) Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) America Dirt 2000m $7 million (approx. 1.05 billion JPY)

※ Prize money values fluctuate with exchange rates.

Frequently Asked Questions About JRA Dirt Racing Reforms

Why are all three 3-Year-Old Dirt Triple Crown races held at Ohi Racecourse?

Historically, regional racing in Southern Kanto has played a central role in dirt racing. The initial strategy is to establish the new Triple Crown system at Ohi Racecourse, which is at the heart of this tradition. While some fans suggest rotating venues like the JRA turf Triple Crown, Ohi currently remains the primary location for these races.

What’s the difference between the Japan Cup Dirt and the Champions Cup?

The main differences lie in their host tracks, names, and whether they are international invitation races. The Japan Cup Dirt was an international invitation race, initially held at Tokyo and later at Hanshin. Due to declining foreign participation, it was re-launched in 2014 as the “Champions Cup” at Chukyo Racecourse, known for its left-handed track favored by foreign horses, and its international invitation status was removed.

Is it possible for JRA to add more dirt G1 races in the future?

Currently, JRA has not officially announced any plans for increasing the number of dirt G1 races. The immediate priority is the comprehensive enhancement and systematic organization of dirt graded races in collaboration with regional racing. However, if these ongoing reforms prove highly successful and the status of dirt racing significantly improves, the creation of new G1 races could certainly become a topic of discussion in the future.

ヤナシ社長(旧：生成系競馬予想)

データ関連企業の社長であり、学生時代にはアルゴリズムコンテストで世界3位に入賞したAI技術者。20年以上にわたり統計解析を競馬予想に応用してきた競馬予測家でもあります。生成系AIを駆使した客観的で革新的な競馬予想を提供し、「生成AI競走馬評価」などのコンテンツを通じて、競馬をより深く楽しめるようサポートしています。

Next Will JRA Add More Dirt G1 Races? Explaining the 2024 Reforms and the New 3-Year-Old Dirt Triple Crown »

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