When the entrance gates open at Tokyo Racecourse on Sunday, another chapter in the history of one of the world's most prestigious horse races will also open, and those passing through the gates on Sunday will experience the unique atmosphere that accompanies the running of the Japan Cup.

There may not be much space to move around in the crowd of around 100,000 that attends the event, but to be a part of it is what racing enthusiasts long for, and any temporary feeling of being inconvenienced by the crowds will most probably be cast aside as the excitement starts to mount in the build up to the big race.

The inaugural Japan Cup was run in 1981 and won by the 5-year-old American bred mare Mairzy Doates, ridden by American jockey Cash Asmussen. There was more success the following year for the United States, when 3-year-old Half Iced carried off the honors. Japan's first victory in the race came in 1984 when Katsuragi Ace was a surprise winner, beating two Triple Crown winners in Japan — Mr. C.B and Symboli Rudolf. Over the years, the spoils have gone to different countries: France won the race in 1987 with Le Glorieux, and New Zealand and Australia supplied the winners in 1989 and 1990 with Horlicks and Better Loosen Up winning for their respective countries. Germany was a winner in 1995 with the 5-year-old Lando.