Japan dominates Top 100

At US$10 million, the Dubai World Cup was once again the world’s richest race in 2010.  It received a $4 million purse increase this year, giving it some breathing room over the Melbourne Cup, which had jumped to $5.9 million in second place.

The Japan Cup remained the world’s third-richest race, at $5.6 million, an increase of about $160,000, thanks entirely to the continued strength of the yen against the U.S. dollar.  

Aiding the Japanese push were increases to several races on the National Association of Racing’s weekday calendar.  The NAR had seven races in the Top 100, including the JBC Classic, its first race to reach the $2 million mark.

The number of Japanese races on the Top 100 list climbed from 51 to 60.  It’s way out in front of Hong Kong (10), USA (9) and Europe (7) which showed a marked decline from 13 last year.  

Prize money at the top level in Australia remains robust.  The Golden Slipper Stakes, which was the world’s richest 2YO contest, jumped from 18th to 9th place and was worth $700,000 more this year than it was in 2009.

Of the Top 100, a total of 84 were run on turf.