Japanese thoroughbred racing has been steadily increasing its presence on the global racing stage, accompanied by a growing international following for Japanese racing. Japanese racing has reached an exceptionally high standard in recent years, producing world-class champions such as Forever Young, Equinox, Liberty Island, Loves Only You, Lys Gracieux, and Deep Impact.
These racehorses are bred and raised in Hokkaido, the heartland of Japan’s thoroughbred breeding industry, before being trained at the JRA training centres in the eastern region (Miho) and western region (Ritto).
The JRA (Japan Racing Association) operates Japan’s central horse racing circuit and is renowned not only for the quality of its racing but also for the world-class quality and elegance of its racecourse facilities. The JRA operates ten racecourses across Japan, including venues in Tokyo, Hokkaido, Kyoto, and Osaka, with racing held every weekend.
In addition, NAR (National Association of Racing), which oversees local horse racing, hosts night racing at racecourses across Japan. These meetings offer a lively yet more casual atmosphere, providing a different experience from JRA racing.
Hokkaido is also home to a unique form of Japanese horse racing known as Ban’ei Racing, held in Obihiro. Unlike conventional racing, where thoroughbreds compete for speed on turf or dirt tracks, Ban’ei Racing features powerful draft horses pulling heavy iron sleds weighing several hundred kilograms along a straight course of approximately 200 metres, including two large uphill obstacles. One of the most dramatic moments comes as the horses pause to gather their strength before making a powerful ascent up the second obstacle, with jockeys carefully judging their breathing, strength, and pace. The experience is entirely different from conventional horse racing and offers a remarkable display of strength and endurance.
