The winner of Sunday’s Group 1 Takarazauka Kinen (2200m) at Hanshin Racecourse to be offered a subsidised invitation to the 2025 Ladbrokes Cox Plate...

Takarazauka Kinen - Ladbrokes Cox Plate International Qualifier

The Moonee Valley Racing Club (MVRC) continues its association with the JRA (Japanese Racing Association) in 2025, with the winner of Sunday’s Group 1 Takarazauka Kinen (2200m) at Hanshin Racecourse to be offered a subsidised invitation to the 2025 Ladbrokes Cox Plate.The Takarazuka Kinen, boasting prize money of ¥651,000,000 (approx. AUD $7 million) is the first of three international qualifiers for the Ladbrokes Cox Plate, with the Saratoga Derby and the Juddmonte International still to come. The Takarazuka Kinen, Ladbrokes Cox Plate pathway was made famous by 2019 Japanese Horse of the Year Lys Gracieux, who conquered both races before returning home to win the Arima Kinen, all with Australia’s own star jockey Damian Lane in the saddle. By winning the 2019 Ladbrokes Cox Plate, she became the first Japanese-trained horse in history to win the club’s signature race.&nbsp; That same feat was attempted in 2024 by Mitsumasa Nakauchida’s Prognosis, who ran a bold 2nd in the Ladbrokes Cox Plate behind Via Sistina in track record time (2:01.07). Last year the Takarazuka Kinen was taken out by Blow The Horn in wet conditions at Kyoto Racecourse, with Hanshin still undergoing renovations. The year prior it was won by the 2023 World’s Best Racehorse Equinox in stunning fashion. Back at Hanshin in 2025, the Takarazuka Kinen brings together a world-class field that is headed by 2024 third placegetter Bellagio Opera, the current favourite. Joining him as the key fancies are Urban Chic, Lord Del Rey, Regaleira, Durezza, Justin Palace, Yoho Lake and Rousham Park. The 2025 Takarazuka Kinen promises to be another enthralling contest, and we wait in anticipation to invite the next Japanese star to contest the Ladbrokes Cox Plate.

The Valley will once again play host to a leg of the National Pony Racing Series, with the Victorian event set to take place on 3 Point Motors William Reid Stakes Day, Saturday 22 March.A collaboration between Pony Club Australia and Thoroughbred Industry Careers (TIC), the series is designed to educate young riders on careers in the racing and breeding industry, giving them a taste of professional competition on major racedays.The series features six race meetings across Australia, culminating in the national finals in June. Before the Victorian leg, Ballarat hosted a Jumpstart weekend, where participants received riding instruction, horse health education, career insights, and rider fitness training.&nbsp;In preparation for their big moment on 3 Point Motors William Reid Stakes Day, competitors will also take part in a training day at The Valley to familiarise themselves with the track.On Saturday, two pony races will be held for state finalists aged 9 to 15. The first, over 450m at 11:30 am, is for ponies not exceeding 12.2hh, while the second, over 700m, is for ponies not exceeding 14hh. That event will take place following Race 3 on the card at 1:30 pm.&nbsp;Moonee Valley Racing Club has enjoyed its association with TIC and Pony Club Australia, providing young riders with the opportunity to gain experience on a major racing stage. The Valley hosted a leg of the first National Pony Racing Series in 2023, and last year on 3 Point Motors William Reid Stakes Day held a Shetland Pony Race.With the next generation of riders set to take centre stage once again, The Valley looks forward to another thrilling chapter in this growing series.

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