Inaugurated 1957 Surface Turf Purse 120 million JPY (winner) | Distance 2000 metres Track Right-handed | |
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Location Hanshin Racecourse, Takarazuka, Hyogo Race type Thoroughbred Flat racing | ||
The Ōsaka Hai (大阪杯) is a Grade 1 horse race in for Thoroughbred colts and fillies aged four and over run over a distance of 2,000 metres at Hanshin Racecourse. The race is also known as the Sankei Ōsaka Hai (産経大阪杯) (until 2016) and the Ōsaka Cup. The race is run in early April.
It was first run in 1957 over 1800 metres. The distance was increased to 1900 metres in 1966 before the race was run over its current distance for the first time in 1972.
Among the winners of the race have been Katsuragi Ace, Tokai Teio, Mejiro McQueen, Air Groove, Neo Universe, Meisho Samson, Daiwa Scarlet, Orfevre and Kizuna.
The Ōsaka Hai was promoted from Grade 2 status (as it has been since 1984) to Grade 1 in 2017. Prior to 2017, the race was known as the Sankei Ōsaka Hai and served as a trial race for the spring edition of the Tenno Sho. From 2017 the winner will have a guaranteed and complimentary entry to that season's Irish Champion Stakes.
Records
Speed record:
Most successful horse (2 wins):