Japanese Classic Races
In horse racing in Japan, The Classics are a series of flat horse races. All of these races are organized by Japan Racing Association. Each classic is run once each year and is restricted to intact horses that are three years old (i.e., excluding geldings). Only the first five races are considered as classic whilst Shuka Sho were inaugurated in 1996 to replace Queen Elizabeth II Cup as the third leg of triple tiara.
| Race | Date | Distance | Course | First Run | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oka Sho (Japanese 1,000 Guineas) | April | 1,600 meters | Hanshin | 1939 | Three-year-old colts/fillies |
| Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2,000 Guineas) | 2,000 meters | Nakayama | 1939 | ||
| Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks) | May/June | 2,400 meters | Tokyo | 1938 | |
| Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) | 2,400 meters | 1932 | |||
| Kikuka Sho (Japanese St. Leger) | October | 3,000 meters | Kyoto | 1938 | |
| Shūka Sho | 2,000 meters | 1996 |