Sprinters Stakes
The Sprinters Stakes (スプリンターズステークス) is a Grade 1 flat horse race in Japan open to thoroughbreds which are three-years-old or above. It is run over a distance of 1,200 metres (approximately 6 furlongs) at Nakayama Racecourse, and it takes place annually in late September or early October.
| Grade 1 race | |
2022 Sprinters Stakes winner Gendarme | |
| Location | Nakayama Racecourse 2014: Niigata Racecourse |
|---|---|
| Inaugurated | 1967 |
| Race type | Thoroughbred |
| Website | japanracing.jp - Centaur Stakes & Sprinters Stakes |
| Race information | |
| Distance | 1,200 meters (About 6 furlongs) |
| Surface | Turf |
| Track | Right-handed 2014: Left-handed |
| Qualification | 3-y-o+, Thoroughbreds |
| Weight | 3-y-o 56kg / 4-y-o+ 58kg Allowance : Fillies & Mares 2kg |
| Purse | ¥ 368,200,000 (as of 2023) 1st: ¥ 170,000,000 |
| Bonuses | see Global Sprint Challenge |
It was first run in 1967, and was given Domestic Grade 3 status when race grading was introduced to Japan in 1984. This was elevated to Domestic Grade 2 in 1987, Domestic Grade 1 in 1990, and to its present level in 2006. Horses trained outside Japan have been eligible to run in the race since 1994. Prior to 2000 the race was run in December, the week before the Arima Kinen (Grand Prix).
It is now the seventh leg in the nine race Global Sprint Challenge series, preceded by the July Cup and followed by The Age Classic.
The 2014 running of the Sprinters Stakes was held at Niigata Racecourse, since Nakayama Racecourse was closed for renovations to the grandstand. The race was previously held in Niigata in 2002.