Horse racing in Japan the post Second World War economic boom. The Japan Racing Association was formally established in 1954. The Japan Cup, one of the richest horse races in the world, was inaugurated in 1981. Run at Tokyo's Fuchu Racecourse on the last Sunday in November, it continues to attract thoroughbreds from all over the world. The JRA manages the ten main tracks in Japan. Races at these tracks are called "Chuo Keiba" (meaning "central horse racing"). It provides some of the richest racing in the world. , a typical JRA maiden race for three-year-olds carried a purse of ¥9.55 million (about US$112,000),
Melbourne Cup inaugural Melbourne Cup of 1861 was an eventful affair when one horse bolted before the start, and three of the seventeen starters fell during the race, two of which died. Archer, a Sydney "outsider" who drew scant favour in the betting, spread-eagled the field and defeated the favourite, and Victorian champion, Mormon by six lengths. Dismissed by the bookies, Archer took a lot of money away from Melbourne, 'refuelling interstate rivalry' and adding to the excitement of the Cup. The next day, Archer was raced in and won another 2 mile long distance race, the Melbourne Town Plate. It has