Japan Racing Association announced on Wednesday that the first ownership registration process for the individuals residing outside of Japan was completed effective 25th November, 2009. H. H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was named as the fist registrant followed by H. R. H. Princess Haya bint Al Hussein, H. H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohd Al Maktoum and Mr. Masatsugu Otani from Singapore.

Dr. Koji Sato, Presidential Counselor for Foreign Affairs of the Japan Racing Association and also the Chairman of the Asian Racing Federation commented, "Japan was promoted as the sixteenth country of the ICS Part I category in 2007. Since then, we have made progressive steps to internationalize Japanese racing. We began new ownership registration system for non-Japanese residents this year; and in 2010, all of Japanese black-type races will be open to international competition. We are very glad to see the first application process for the ownership registration for the individuals residing outside of Japan completed safely. We are very happy and honored to welcome Sheikh Mohammed and other important dignitaries join Japanese racing."

Dr. Sato also said, "Our aspiration is that thoroughbred racing in Japan to grow, together with the support of the racing fans, as a sports entertainment at international level. This is a monumental step for the Japanese racing circle and it shows our commitment to develop racing in Asia and globally."