The Kobe Shimbun Hai 2026 is one of Japan’s key Grade 2 races for the three-year-old generation. Run over 2,400 metres on turf at Hanshin Racecourse, the race serves as an important trial for the Kikuka Sho (Japanese St. Leger). The first three finishers receive priority entry to the Kikuka Sho. This page provides race details, current entry information, and betting information for international bettors.
Contents
Race Overview
Race
Kobe Shimbun Hai
Grade
G2
Distance
2400m
Surface
Turf
Location
Hanshin Racecourse
Date
September 21, 2026
Local Time
3:45 PM (JST)
Race No.
Race 11
Qualification
3YO Colts & Fillies
Maximum Starters
18
Purse
¥118,080,000
Why International Bettors Follow
Access to Ante-Post betting markets before final declarations
Fixed Odds markets become available as race day approaches
One of Japan’s key Grade 2 races for three-year-olds
An important trial race for the Kikuka Sho (Japanese St. Leger)
The race is contested over Hanshin’s demanding 2,400-metre outer turf course
The 2026 field includes Lovcen, winner of both the Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas) and Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby)
Betting Odds (Race Day)
Unlike major G1 races, odds for most JRA G2 and G3 races are generally released on race day by international bookmakers such as bet365 and 1xBet. These markets are typically offered as fixed odds, while early Ante-Post markets are less commonly available. Betting odds will be added separately as they become available.
Last updated: September 21, 2026(Results)
Horse
Stake
1st:Lovcen
1.30
2nd:Altramuz
13.00
3rd:Sea to Summit
71.00
4th:Go Lucky
12.00
5th:M’s Begin
26.00
6th:Congestus
13.00
7th:A Shin In Out
13.00
8th:Green Energy
7.00
9th:Come Up Roses
51.00
10th:Shonan Hayanami
26.00
11th:Kafuji Emmental
34.00
Entries
Horse🐎
Lovcen
A Shin In Out
Go Lucky
Altramuz
Come Up Roses
M’s Begin
Congestus
Sea to Summit
Green Energy
Kafuji Emmental
Shonan Hayanami
Previous Year Result
Position
Horse
1st
Eri King
2nd
Shohei
3rd
Giovanni
Historical Winners
Year
Horse
2025
Eri King
2024
Meisho Tabaru
2023
Satono Glanz
2022
Justin Palace
2021
Stella Veloce
*The first three finishers of the Kobe Shimbun Hai receive priority entry to the Kikuka Sho (Japanese St. Leger).