by Jeff Lowe

The Japan Racing Association will begin accepting license applications from foreign owners in 2009, a major step toward integration in the country with the largest handle in the world.

JRA owner licenses have been restricted to permanent residents of Japan with the exception of the lucrative international stakes schedule, which has grown from 24 races in 2004 to more than 110 slated for ’09.

Japanese racing leaders began expanding the international calendar in 2005 with the goal of gaining Part I nation status under International Cataloging Standards Committee rules, allowing Japanese group stakes to be recognized around the world.

As a Part II nation, Japan has had international recognition for only a few races, most notably the Japan Cup (Jpn-G1) and Japan Cup Dirt (Jpn-G1).

The open door for foreign licenses is another step to try to curb declines in handle, attendance, and owners.

Nobutoshi Mochizuki, senior manager for the JRA’s New York office, said the association will begin accepting applications from foreign owners in the spring, with registrations to follow in the fall. An English guidebook will be published in early 2009.

The expansion will have some restrictions, according to Bloomberg, with overseas license holders limited to one foreign-born horse, who has not competed elsewhere, for every five they purchase in Japan.

Jeff Lowe is a Thoroughbred Times staff writer