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Horse Racing in Japan – Massively Popular And Well Paid /

Horse Racing in Japan – Massively Popular And Well Paid

Since its inception one hundred and fifty years ago, horse racing in Japan has grown into a massive industry as well as becoming part of Japanese culture in the process. Today, many Japanese people know the names of the most famous races on the Japanese racing calendar, as well as being familiar with the Japanese horses running. Japanese people can legally bet on horse racing, as opposed to other forms of gambling. As a direct result, the betting numbers on horse racing are truly bonkers.

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Horse Racing In Japan

Thanks to its language, culture and distance away from us Europeans, we know very little about such activities as horse racing in Japan. In Europe when we talk of gambling, we are generally speaking of casino games and sports betting. And though we may consider these big businesses, nothing compares to the size of horse racing in Japan. First Japan is in second place in terms of prize money offered, after the US. And by far the most profitable horse race in the world is the Japan Cup. In truth, the Japanese prefer to bet on horses rather than spending money at the online casino or playing Pachiko. They’re not so interested in trying to win the jackpot online.

Some Japanese Horse Racing Details

It’s quite possible that throughout Japanese history they were informal horse races. We know for sure that the first western-style horse race took place in Yokohama in 1862. It was organised by foreigners who were based in Japan. Not long after this, the Japanese who took an instant shine to horse racing imported the first horses from Australia. Japan very quickly became the leading horse racing nation in Asia. Because it took time to attract good trainers and good jockeys, the Japanese laboured for the longest time, unable to achieve any international horse racing success. But from 2011 their fortunes gradually improved. They took second place in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe 3 times. Finally, Victoir Pisa was successful and won the Dubai World Cup in 2011.

Japan Horse Racing Tracks

Throughout Japan, there are 26 race tracks. All in all, around 130 horses start over 18,000 races. Around 50% of all horse racing in Japan takes place on turf or grass, and the other 50% is on hardened sand. All the most important horse races in Japan take place on the “big 4” race tracks. These are Nakayama, Kyoto, Hanshin, and Tokyo. Compared to the west, some of these stadiums for horse racing are absolutely gigantic. For example, in Tokyo, the grandstands are capable of holding over 13,500 seats. In fact, this entire facility can hold over 233,000 spectators. Also situated around Japan are 16 regional and NAR race tracks. Though these are all sand tracks, the equipment and facilities on offer are of a much higher standard than you’d find at any European or American horse racing track.

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The Japan Cup

The big event of horse racing in Japan takes place on the last Sunday in November and is the world-famous Japan Cup. Over the last decade or so, the race has risen in prominence and now many famous trainers, owners, and horses come to take part in, what is seen as the most highly rewarded horse race in the world. In spite of this international entry, since 2005, not a single foreign horse has featured in the top three winners. They definitely need to work on their jackpot winning strategies.

The Japan Cup is a staple of horse racing in Japan since 1981. And it takes place on the Sunday of the Dead. Such is the prominence of the race that many foreign owners try desperately hard to have their horses entered. But only a maximum of 10 foreign racehorses can compete against 8 Japanese thoroughbreds. Once having completed the course of 2,400m, the winner stands to take home 648 million Yen, which is around 4.9 million Euro. All the horses taking part will receive some substantial prize money. As the race is an invitation race, the guests do not have to pay anything but stand to win a lot. That’s the same story with 22Bet Sportsbook. They give out some great bonuses for all players. This means that you have a greater chance of receiving some winnings.

The Race of the People

Although they do not celebrate Christmas in Japan, they have a separate festival on Christmas Eve featuring a horse race. Known as the “Race of the People”, this horse race, over a distance of 2,500m and has been run since 1956. It takes place at the Nakayama racecourse. This race, which also goes by the name of “The Arima Kinen”, features horses that a people’s referendum chooses. It seems crazy to think that the Japanese general public is so knowledgeable about horse racing. But the truth is that horse racing is now an ingrained part of Japanese culture. One month before the Arima Kinen, the Japan Cup takes place. Nowhere in Europe or America’s can you compare the sheer number of spectators that come to Nakayama and Fuchu racehorses to witness these races.

One week after the Japan Cup, The Champions Cup takes place on the sand track in Hanshin. There are also many other very important horse races, including the Arima Kinen which is a race of 2,500m and takes part in Nakayama. One of the most popular horse races in Japan is there Takarazuka Kinen, with a distance of 1800mm. It also takes place in Hanshin at the end of June. If you can follow the racing details, then these are great horse races to increase your jackpot winning chances.

Sheer Spectator Numbers

Looking at horse racing in Europe and America, we can see that the number of spectators is unmatched compared to those watching the Japan Cup or any other horse race in Japan. For example, when Lando, a German horse, won the Japan Cup in 1995, there were 190,000 spectators at the racetrack. The betting turnover on the single race was 40 billion yen. These are the types of numbers that European and American bookmakers would love to see but remain just a dream. If you’re going to bet on horse racing online, then head over to 22Bet Sportsbook. They have a huge selection of horse betting markets and offer all new players a great welcome bonus of 122% up to €100!

Obstacle Horse Races in Japan

Less popular than the flat horse races are a type of racing known as obstacle races. Rather similar to the Grand National in the UK, these races have jumps periodically placed along the racing track. Probably the most famous is the Nakayama Grand Jump. It runs every April over a distance of 4,250 m. Rather than using the circular part of the course, the route makes its way through the inner part of the Nakayama Racecourse. This also includes a dirt track. In late December another obstacle race is run at Nakayama Daishogai, which is a 2,100m course. We suggest brushing up on your jackpot winning tips and tricks before heading off to the Japanese racecourse.