Track Notes
Course Summary
Legendary left-handed mile course using Niigata’s outer loop and Japan’s longest final straight. The 548m opening straight allows clean positioning, while the huge 659m homestretch gives Betwixt and Closer runners a massive runway to chase down leaders.
Fun Facts
• Originally run over 1200m, the Niigata Nisai Stakes was increased to 1400m in 1997 and to its current 1600m distance in 2002.
• The name "Sekiya" in Sekiya Kinen comes from the district where the old Niigata Racecourse was located before being relocated to its current site in 1965.
• Niigata's outer course is famous for its very long final straight, making late acceleration especially important.
• The name "Sekiya" in Sekiya Kinen comes from the district where the old Niigata Racecourse was located before being relocated to its current site in 1965.
• Niigata's outer course is famous for its very long final straight, making late acceleration especially important.
