The Kikuka Sho 2026 (Japanese St. Leger) will take place at Kyoto Racecourse in Japan on October 25, 2026. Run over 3,000 metres on turf, this prestigious Group 1 race is the final leg of Japan’s Triple Crown for three-year-old horses. The race tests stamina and tactical ability, bringing together leading classic contenders and horses that have developed through the autumn season.
Race Overview
| Race | Kikuka Sho (Japanese St. Leger) |
|---|---|
| Grade | G1 |
| Racecourse | Kyoto Racecourse, Japan |
| Surface | Turf, outer course |
| Distance | 3,000m |
| Eligibility | 3-year-olds, colts and fillies |
| Date | October 25, 2026 (Sunday) |
| Race No. | Race 11 |
| Scheduled Start | 15:40 Japan Standard Time (JST, UTC+9) |
| Maximum Runners | 18 |
| First Prize | ¥200,000,000 |
| Field Status | Final declarations pending |
Why International Bettors Follow the Kikuka Sho
The Kikuka Sho is one of Japan’s most prestigious three-year-old races and completes the country’s Triple Crown series following the Satsuki Sho and Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby). Unlike the earlier classics, the 3,000-metre distance places a particular emphasis on stamina and the ability to maintain form over an extended trip.
The 2026 edition could feature Rob Cheun, who is aiming to complete the Triple Crown, along with Danon History and other promising contenders. The field is not yet final, so the official declarations should be checked before race day.
Early Betting Odds
This section is prepared for tracking betting odds for the Kikuka Sho. The final field and race-day markets are not yet confirmed.
Last updated: October 13, 2026
| Horse | bet365 | 1xbet |
|---|---|---|
| Lovcen | 2.25 | 2.25 |
| Danon History | 4.50 | 4.50 |
| Altramuz | 7.50 | 7.50 |
| Going To Sky | 11.00 | 11.00 |
| Audacia | 17.00 | 17.00 |
| Basse Terre | 17.00 | 17.00 |
| Congestus | 17.00 | 17.00 |
| Ask Edinburgh | 21.00 | 21.00 |
| Justin Chicago | 21.00 | 21.00 |
| Sea To Summit | 26.00 | 26.00 |
| Majorelle Bleu | 34.00 | 34.00 |
| Mikki Falcon | 34.00 | 34.00 |
| Sanono Greater | 41.00 | 41.00 |
| Ibuki | 51.00 | 50.00 |
| King Glory | 51.00 | 50.00 |
| M’s Begin | 51.00 | 50.00 |
| Large Ensemble | 67.00 | 65.00 |
| Charing Cross | 101.00 | 100.00 |
| Narita Esperanza | 101.00 | 100.00 |
| Shonan Gulf | 201.00 | 100.00 |
| Shonan Hayanami | 101.00 | 100.00 |
For available betting markets, visit 1xBet. Availability and market conditions may vary by location.
Previous Year Result (2025)
Winner: Energico
| Position | Horse |
|---|---|
| 1st | Energico |
| 2nd | Erik King |
| 3rd | Excite Bio |
Historical Winners
| Year | Winner |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Energico |
| 2024 | Urban Chic |
| 2023 | Durezza |
| 2022 | Ask Victor More |
| 2021 | Titleholder |
