This race was run as the John Letts Cup for the first time in 2020 as it was previously called the Tokyo City Cup. It was first held as a Group 3 race over 1600m at Morphettville in 1995 when it was won by Springfield Lad ridden by Brian York and trained by John Meagher. In 2002 it was held over 1463m at Cheltenham. It was downgraded to its current Listed status in 2005,  and in 2011 the distance was increased to 1800m.

In July 2020, Thoroughbred Racing South Australia (TRSA) and the South Australian Jockey Club (SAJC) unveiled the new race names of six black-type South Australian races following a joint decision to honour some of South Australian racings greatest icons. The change of race name requests were voted on by the pattern committee and presented to Racing Australia for approval. Former jockeys John Letts and Clare Lindop, trainer Leon Macdonald, industry figure the late David Coles, galloper Tobin Bronze and stallion Without Fear now all have races named in their honour.

In 2020 the race was also moved from its traditional mid-to-late September date to the Saturday before the Melbourne Cup. It was previously programmed just three days after the Balaklava Cup, which is a 1600m race, while the new date put it two weeks after the Murray Bridge Cup, which is also a mile race, and gives a proper gap and progression for South Australian horses.

In 2019 Single Handed won for trainer Nick Smart which gave him his second winner of this race. It was more satisfying than his first win with Back On Target in 2015 as Amralah, trained by Robert Hickmott, was first past the post in 2015 but was later disqualified after returned a positive sample which contained the presence of dexamethasone, a substance prohibited under the Rules of Racing.

John Letts was one of South Australia’s favourite and most successful jockeys. His career spanned almost 30 years and comprised over 2300 winners, including a slew of feature races wins. He  won two Melbourne Cups (Piping Lane in 1972 and Beldale Ball in 1980), but also won many other top races, including three Adelaide Cups. In 1988 he retired as a jockey and became a prominent interviewer and media figure.

2023 John Letts Cup Preview and results.

2022 John Letts Cup Preview and results.

Last mare to win: Quayside (2014)

Multiple winners: Regalo Di Gaetano (2020 & 2021), Dynamic Hero (2009 & 2010)

Fastest time (1800m): Regalo Di Gaetano (2021) 1:46:84

Leading jockeys: Paul Gatt with 5 wins (Single Handed 2019; Brown Ben 2017; Sure Bet 2004; Border Time 2001; Graceful Encounter 1999).

Interesting trivia: Not run in 2007 due to equine influenza.

Winners of past John Letts Cup include middle-distance and staying types.