Mile Championship

The Mile Championship is a Grade 1 race run under Set Weight conditions for three year olds and above at Kyoto racecourse conducted by the Japan Racing Association.

The Mile Championship is run over 1600m. It was first run in 1984 and was won by Nihon Pillow Winner.

The Mile Championship was worth JPY388,800,000 in 2023.

Maurice is the best recent winner of the Mile Championship. It was his lead up run to taking the Hong Kong Mile. That was one of the first confirmations of his outstanding ability.

Kyoto racecourse is a right handed course with the start at the top of the back straight.

In the 40 runnings, six horses have won dual editions.

The 3yos won in 2017/2018 and again in 2022 but it was back to 2000 for the previous winner.

International riders have had a great trot with the likes of Christophe Lemaire, Olivier Peslier, Ryan Moore, Mirco Demuro and William Buick all winning it.

Gran Alegria came off winning the Sprinters Stakes to score in 2020. She would win a Victoria Mile the following season and then end her career by winning this race again in 2021.

Notable winners of the Mile Championship include Namur (2023), Serifos (2022), Gran Alegria (2020/2021), Indy Champ (2019), Mikki Isle (2016), Maurice (2015), Daiwa Major (2006/2007), Durandal (2003/2004), Zenno El Cid (2001), Taiki Shuttle (1997/1998), Genuine (1996), Daitaku Helios (1991/1992), Oguri Cap (1989) and Nihon Pillow Winner (1984/1985).

The 2023 Mile Championship was won by Namur from Soul Rush and Justin Café.