Christophe Lemaire
The 2018 running of the Japan was won in a record time of 2:20:60 by the filly Almond Eye on firm turf. Ridden by jockey Christophe Lemaire Almind Eye bested the previous track record set in 2005 by Alkaased of 2:22:10 by more than 1 1/2 seconds. Rounding out the top three finishers Pacesetter Kiseki placed second 1 3/4 lengths in back of the champion filly and Suave Richard finished third another 3 1/2 lengths in back of Pacesetter.