Centaur Stakes

Turf race infobox
class = Grade 2
horse race = Centaur Stakes


caption = The Fifth Leg of the Global Sprint Challenge
location = Hanshin Racecourse
inaugurated = 1987
race type = Thoroughbred
website = [http://japanracing.jp/sprinters/index.html japanracing.jp - Centaur Stakes & Sprinters Stakes]
distance = 1200 meters
(About 6 furlongs)
track = Turf, Right-handed (inner course)
qualification = 3-y-o & Up, Thoroughbreds
weight = 3-y-o 55 kg 4-y-o & up 57kg [ [http://japanracing.jp/_races/2007races/0909centaur.html JRA International Races 2007 ] ]
purse = ¥127,800,000 (as of 2007) [ [http://japanracing.jp/_races/2007races/0909centaur.html JRA International Races 2007 ] ]

The Centaur Stakes is a Grade 2 flat horse race in Japan for three-year-old and above thoroughbreds run over a distance of 1,200 metres (approximately 6 furlongs) at Hanshin Racecourse in September.

It was first run in 1987 and takes its name from a statue at the racecourse in the form of the mythological creature Centaur.

Prior to 2000 the race was run over a distance of 1,400 metres (7 furlongs), and having originally been classed as a Domestic Grade 3 race, it was promoted to Domestic Grade 2 status in 2006 and it was promoted to International Grade 2 status in 2007.

It is now the fifth leg in the eight race Global Sprint Challenge series, preceded by the July Cup and followed by the Sprinters Stakes.

Winners since 2000

* The 2006 race took place at Chukyo Racecourse.

Earlier winners

* 1987 Mr. Boy
* 1988 Sankin Hayate
* 1989 Hoei Sovereign
* 1990 Eiko Caesar
* 1991 Nifty Niece

* 1992 My Superman
* 1993 Elizabeth Rose
* 1994 Eishin Washington
* 1995 Biko Pegasus
* 1996 Fujino Makken O

* 1997 Osumi Tycoon
* 1998 Meiner Love
* 1999 Eishin Guymon
* 2000 Behind the Mask

References