Tokyo City Keiba (TCK) announced the opening of the 2026 dirt triple crown series for three-year-olds, with the羽田盃（JpnI） set for April 29 and the 東京プリンセス賞（SⅠ） on April 30 at Oi Racecourse. The events mark the beginning of the砂上の三冠 (Sand Triple Crown) campaign, a historic series rooted in Tokyo’s earliest racing traditions dating back to 1927.
According to official TCK releases and verified press materials, the羽田盃（JpnI） will be run on April 29, a national holiday in Japan, while the 東京プリンセス賞（SⅠ） follows on April 30. Both races are part of TCK’s second meeting of the season, scheduled from April 27 to May 1 at the Oi Racecourse in Shinagawa, Tokyo.
The羽田盃（JpnI） commemorates the first horse race ever held in Tokyo, which took place in 1927 at the former Haneda racetrack. TCK describes it as a traditional event that draws top three-year-old dirt competitors from across Japan, all vying for the inaugural leg of the dirt triple crown.
The 東京プリンセス賞（SⅠ） is positioned as the second leg of the 南関東3歳牝馬クラシック (South Kanto Three-Year-Old Filly Classics), specifically for fillies affiliated with the South Kanto region. TCK notes that this race highlights the rising talent among young female horses aiming for the title of “young queen” in regional racing.
Accompanying the races, TCK’s official YouTube live program「ウマきゅん」will feature special guests for the first time, including former JRA trainer 国枝栄 and Olympic judo medalist 角田夏実. The demonstrate will provide race predictions, analysis, and entertainment throughout the meeting, continuing its role as a key fan engagement platform for TCK.
TCK also confirmed a range of on-site activities during the event period, including a redesigned羽田盃レーシングプログラム for attendees, a lottery for 2026羽田盃 caps, and traditional festival games at the パカパカ広場 (Paka Paka Plaza). These initiatives aim to enhance the race-day experience for visitors to the Oi Racecourse.
The announcement emphasizes the 40th anniversary of the トゥインクルレース (Twinkle Race), a long-standing TCK tradition that adds historical significance to this year’s triple crown opener. TCK positions the羽田盃 as both a celebration of heritage and a launchpad for the next generation of dirt racing stars.
As of the announcement date — April 23, 2026 — no entries, jockeys, or trainers have been officially confirmed for either race. TCK directs interested parties to its official website for future updates on entries, race conditions, and streaming information for「ウマきゅん」.
The dirt triple crown series in Japan typically consists of the羽田盃（JpnI）, 東京ダービー（JpnI）, and 日本ダービー（JpnI）, though the exact composition may vary by year and organizing body. For three-year-olds, TCK’s series focuses on dirt specialists aiming to establish early dominance in the season.
Internationally, the event draws attention from breeding and racing communities interested in Japan’s unique dirt racing development pathway. The inclusion of figures like 国枝栄 — a former JRA trainer with graded stakes experience — and 角田夏実 — a judo Olympian representing Japan’s broader sporting excellence — underscores TCK’s effort to connect horse racing with wider athletic narratives.
Looking ahead, the next official checkpoint from TCK will be the release of the entry lists for both the羽田盃（JpnI） and 東京プリンセス賞（SⅠ）, expected in the days leading up to April 29. Fans and connections are advised to monitor the Tokyo City Keiba website and official social channels for confirmed starters, post positions, and预想 (yosou) updates from the「ウマきゅん」team.
For global readers seeking to follow the action, TCK provides live video streaming of its races through its official YouTube platform, with commentary available in Japanese. International audiences can access replays and highlights via the same channel, typically uploaded shortly after each race concludes.
As the 2026 dirt triple crown begins its journey at Oi Racecourse, the stage is set for emerging talent to develop their mark on a series steeped in history. With cultural festivities, celebrity engagement, and competitive racing converging over two spring nights, TCK aims to deliver a spectacle that honors the past while spotlighting the future of Japanese dirt racing.
Stay tuned to Archysport for verified updates on entries, results, and analysis as the砂上の三冠 unfolds in the coming weeks.
