Japan Racing Association donates to Covid-19 efforts

The JRA has donated funds to support the Osaka prefecture’s efforts to contain the spread of Covid-19.

Japan.- The Japan Racing Association (JRA) has donated JPY200 million (US$1.9 million) to support medical and related personnel in Osaka’s fight against Covid-19.

The JRA said it would donate JPY5 billion (US$47.4 million) from Takarazuka Kinen Race (GI) sales on June 28 to support for measures to contain the spread of the Covid-19. The association also donated JPY500 million (US$4.7 million) to the Japan Student Services Organisation.

Osaka governor Hirofumi Yoshimura welcomed the donation. He said in a statement: “Thank you very much for such a generous donation. This was possible thanks to the many fans of horse races run by Japan Racing Association”.

He added: “We must defeat COVID-19 and continue with social activities. I hope to take positive action and get back to the normal, lively Osaka.”

JRA Director Sadao Yokota expressed the association’s commitment to wider society. He said: “The JRA’s fundamental policy is to exist ‘with society’ and part of that is to contribute to society through holding horse races. We hope the donation will be useful.”