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A champion won the Mile Championship run at Kyoto on Sunday a few years back.

Maurice won the race before his first overseas venture to win in Hong Kong. Does the 2019 Mile Championship (1600m) at Kyoto on Sunday unearth more class?

2019 MILE CHAMPIONSHIP - RACE HISTORY AND BACKGROUND

The Mile Championship is a Grade 1 race run under Set Weight conditions for three year olds and above at Kyoto racecourse conducted by the Japan Racing Association.

The Mile Championship is run over 1600m. It was first run in 1984 and was won by Nihon Pillow Winner.

The Mile Championship is worth JPY238,600,000 in 2019 (approx. AUD3million).

Maurice is the best recent winner of the Mile Championship. It was his lead up run to taking the Hong Kong Mile. That was one of the first confirmations of his outstanding ability.

Kyoto racecourse is a right handed course with the start at the top of the back straight.

In the 35 runnings, five horses have won dual editions.

The 3yos have won the last two but it was back to 2000 for the previous winner.

International riders have had a great trot with the likes of Olivier Peslier, Ryan Moore, Mirco Demuro and William Buick all winning it.

Notable winners of the Mile Championship include Mikki Isle (2016), Maurice (2015), Daiwa Major (2006/2007), Durandal (2003/2004), Zenno El Cid (2001), Taiki Shuttle (1997/1998), Genuine (1996), Daitaku Helios (1991/1992), Oguri Cap (1989) and Nihon Pillow Winner (1984/1985).

The 2018 Mile Championship was won by Stelvio from Persian Knight and Al Ain.