In the week leading up to Japan’s Select Yearling and Foal Sale in Hokkaido, the JRA has announced Japan is now equine influenza-free.  Japan has been free of equine influenza for one complete year.

“We are very happy to see the Japanese government has officially declared us free of equine influenza,” Dr. Koji Sato, JRA Counsel for Foreign Affairs said.  “We hope this declaration will help promote further international movement of horses.”

Unfortunately, quarantine protocols for Japanese horses won’t be finalised until after the Melbourne Cup is run in November.   Japanese horses have not contested the Cup since 2006 when stablemates Delta Blues and Pop Rock blitzed our local stayers.

The delays will also affect Australian horses trying to re-enter the country after international campaigns.  If Scenic Blast travels to Japan for the Sprinters Stakes, he has to go via a third country for 60 days before he can re-enter Australia.  Trainer Dan Morton has already indicated the son of Scenic won’t be in action during Melbourne’s spring carnival.

JAPAN’S most important bloodstock auction, the Japan Racing Horse Association Select Sale, at Northern Horse Park in Hokkaido begins today (Monday) and will continue for three days.  The opening session is for yearlings followed by two sessions for foals.

The JRHA has confirmed that no Australian buyers are expected.  Nathan Tinkler attended the 2008 auction and purchased five yearlings.  Also missing is Hong Kong Jockey Club buyer Mark Player.

A relaxation of rules preventing foreigners from holding a racing licence in Japan should entice off-shore investment.  But the sale’s strength still lies in domestic demand.

Katsumi Yoshida (Northern Farm) leads the vendors with 126 lots while his brother Terry Yoshida (Shadai Farm) is next with 88 lots.
“Japanese prizemoney has not been affected by the economic downturn,” Terry Yoshida said.  “I’m not sure about the market but I don’t expect too much.”