Kyoto Racecourse Track Records
Kyoto Racecourse stands as a premier venue for Japanese horse racing, known for its challenging layouts and prestigious events. For enthusiasts and analysts, the track record—the fastest time ever recorded for a specific distance—serves as the gold standard for measuring equine speed and endurance. These records are meticulously categorized by surface type, age group, and specific course configurations.
The course is divided into two primary surfaces: the Turf course, used for high-speed grass racing, and the Dirt course, which provides a more grueling test of strength. Additionally, some distances offer an "Outer" variation, referring to the use of the outer loop of the track, which can alter the timing and strategy of the race.
ไม่มีภาพประกอบKey Facts
- Fastest Turf Sprint (3yo+): Flicker Jab holds the 1200m record at 1:06.4.
- Long-Distance Mastery: Kitasan Black holds the 3200m turf record with a time of 3:12.5.
- Dirt Performance: Mont Perdu holds the 3yo+ 1200m dirt record at 1:09.0.
- Youth Speed: Yamapit set the 2yo 1100m turf record back in 1966 with a time of 1:05.0.
- Recent Updates: Several records were updated as recently as May 2026, including the 2400m turf record by Bay Rum.
Turf Course Performance
The turf records are split between two-year-olds (2yo) and horses aged three and older (3yo+). The 3yo+ category showcases the peak of athletic maturity, with distances ranging from short sprints to grueling stayers' races.
Two-Year-Old Turf Records
Younger horses demonstrate remarkable agility. Notable performances include Mikki Isle's 1600m run (1:32.3) and the recent 2000m record set by Lord Love All in October 2025.
Three-Year-Old and Older Turf Records
The senior category features legendary names. Kitasan Black's performance in the 3200m event is a standout, while Bay Rum recently set a blistering pace in the 2400m event in May 2026.
ไม่มีภาพประกอบDirt Course Performance
Dirt racing requires a different set of physical attributes, emphasizing power over pure agility. The records here are less frequent but equally prestigious.
Two-Year-Old Dirt Records
For the youth, the 1800m distance is dominated by Big Smoky, who clocked 1:51.0 in 2017. It is worth noting that the 1100m record for this group is a Reference Time, meaning it serves as a benchmark rather than a standard official record.
Three-Year-Old and Older Dirt Records
In the adult category, W Heart Bond holds the 1800m record (1:47.5), while the long-distance 2600m record is a historic mark set by Erimo Roller in 1984.
ไม่มีภาพประกอบSummary of Track Records
| Surface | Age Group | Distance | Horse | Time | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turf | 2yo | 1100m | Yamapit | 1:05.0 | 1966-09-04 |
| Turf | 3yo+ | 1200m | Flicker Jab | 1:06.4 | 2026-05-16 |
| Turf | 3yo+ | 3200m | Kitasan Black | 3:12.5 | 2017-04-30 |
| Dirt | 2yo | 1800m | Big Smoky | 1:51.0 | 2017-11-18 |
| Dirt | 3yo+ | 1200m | Mont Perdu | 1:09.0 | 2019-10-19 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a standard and an "Outer" course record?
An "Outer" record refers to a race that utilizes the outer loop of the track, which typically provides a wider turn and a different distance profile compared to the inner course.
Who holds the longest distance record on the turf course?
Kitasan Black holds the record for the 3200m turf distance with a time of 3:12.5, recorded on April 30, 2017.
What does the dagger symbol (†) mean next to some times?
The dagger symbol indicates a Reference Time, which is used as a comparative benchmark rather than a standard official track record.
Which jockey has appeared multiple times in the record books?
Yutaka Take is a prominent figure in the records, having guided horses like Aston Machan (Outer 1400m) and Kitasan Black (3200m) to record-breaking times.
What is the fastest recorded time for a 2yo on the turf?
The fastest time for a two-year-old on the turf is 1:05.0 for the 1100m distance, set by Yamapit on September 4, 1966.