Racing by Local Goverments
In Japan 2024

▶ What is Racing by Local Governments?
▶ Framework of Racing by Local Governments▶ The Impact Racing by Local Governments Has on Daily Life
▶ Racing by Local Governments & Livestock Industry Promotion▶ How to Enjoy Racing by Local Governments▶ Betting on Racing by Local Governments▶ Types of Races▶ Racecourses for Racing by Local Governments▶ Principal Races▶ Series Races▶ Famous Horses Born via Racing by Local Governments▶ What Does It Take to Become an Owner?
▶ Becoming a Jockey for Racing by Local Governments▶ What is the National Association of Racing (NAR)?
▶ Attendance and Turnover of Racing by Local Governments in 2023

What is Racing by
Local Governments?
Horse racing in Japan is conducted in accordance with the Horse Racing Act which was enacted in July 1948. There are
two types of horse races in Japan depending on the racing organizer of the race. The first is racing by local governments
where races are organized by local governments on the prefectural and municipal level or partial-affairs associations
comprised of local municipalities. The second type is racing conducted by the Japan Racing Association (hereinafterreferred to as JRA).
Racing Organizer

Racecourse Name

Obihiro City

Obihiro Racecourse

Hokkaido
Iwate Racing Association
Saitama Prefecture Urawa Racing Association

Mombetsu Racecourse

SapporoSapporo Racecourse
Morioka Racecourse
Mizusawa Racecourse
Urawa Racecourse

Morioka
Mizusawa

Chiba Prefecture Horse Racing Cooperative Association Funabashi Racecourse
Tokyo Metropolitan Racing Association

Oi Racecourse

Kanagawa Prefecture Kawasaki Racing Association

Kawasaki Racecourse

Ishikawa Prefecture
Kanazawa City
Gifu Prefectural Racing Association
Aichi Horse Racing Association
Hyogo Prefectural Racing Association

ObihiroMombetsu

Kasamatsu

Kanazawa Racecourse

SonodaKasamatsu Racecourse

Himeji

Nagoya Racecourse
Chukyo Racecourse
Sonoda Racecourse

Kanazawa

Saga

Kochi

ChukyoUrawa
Funabashi
Oi
Kawasaki

NagoyaHimeji Racecourse

Kochi Racing Association

Kochi Racecourse

Saga Racing Association

Saga Racecourse

Locally-run Racecourse
Local & JRA-run Racecourse

There are 14 organizers (2 prefectures, 2 cities, and 10 partial-affairs associations) of local government races in Japan asof February 2024, that oversee 15 racecourses (excluding the Sapporo and Chukyo racecourses) across 12 prefectures inJapan. Races are held almost every day of the year including weekdays, weekends, and holidays. In addition to daytime
races, races by local governments offer unique races such as night races and the world's only Ban-ei horse race (Draft
Horse Racing), where horses compete by strength by pulling sleds behind them.
*The Sapporo racecourse has not held a local government horse race since 2009, and Chukyo Racecourse has not held a local government
horse race since 2002.

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What is Racing by Local Governments?

The Purpose and Role of Racing by Local Governments
The purpose of racing by local governments is twofold. The first is to contribute to the improvement of horse breeding andlivestock industry promotion, and the second is to improve local government finances. Contributions to the improvementof horse breeding and livestock industry promotion is made by submitting a portion of proceeds to the National
Association of Racing (NAR). The improvement of local government finances is made through a sharing of distributed
profits to local governments that host horse races and contributions to the Japan Finance Organization for Municipalities.

Race Sales

Refunds to winners
Approx. 75%
Approx. 25%

Racing Organizers
Forwarded funds
and dividends

GrantsContributions

Local Governments

Japan Finance Organization
for Municipalities

Contributions made to local
governments that host horse races
for the expansion of educational andcultural opportunities, promotion ofsocial welfare, promulgation of
medical care, promotion of sports
activities, urban planning, and more.
(p.4)

Uses proceeds from racing by local
governments to contribute toconstruction of water supply andsewage systems, and hospitals inmunicipalities around the country.
(p.5)

NAR
Subsidy projects

Improvement of horse breeding andlivestock industry promotion

Racing by local governments carefully adheres to its goals of contributing to the improvement of horse breeding andlivestock industry promotion through sales as well as contributing to local government finances through proceeds.
Of the total sales raised through betting tickets purchased by the viewing public, the organizer refunds a set percentage(around 70-80%) out to the winner of each betting formula. Following this, the remaining amount (approx 25%) is firstused to cover expenses as they relate to horse racing, including prize money, before then issuing grants to the NAR(National Association of Racing Grants), payments to the Japan Finance Organization for Municipalities (Payment ofgovernment-controlled gambling sports). The remaining amount is then treated as the organizer's earnings.

Sales Breakdown by Year
0
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022

Breakdown of Sales Use (2022)

400 Billion 500 Billion 600 Billion 700 Billion 800 Billion 900 Billion

1 Trillion (JPY)Expensesrelated tohorse racing
1.070 22.4%

487.0 Billion JPY
552.5 Billion JPY

Trillion

603.3 Billion JPY(JPY)

701.0 Billion JPY

Refunds 73.9%
912.3 Billion JPY
993.3 Billion JPY
1.070 Trillion (JPY)• Payment of government-controlled gambling sports: 4.23 billion Yen• Grants paid to the NAR: 14.78 billion Yen• Racing organizer's earnings: 20.21 billion Yen

What is Racing by Local Governments?

2

Framework of Racing by
Local Governments
Racing by local governments is hosted by racing organizers under the guidance and supervision of the Ministry ofAgriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. NAR facilitates and supports races by registering owners and their horses, licensingof trainers and jockeys, and dispatching of race officials.
The NAR is funded through a portion of the sales from each racing organizer.

Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
Guidance & Supervision
Racing by Local Governments
Organizers

National Association of Racing Grants (p.5)

Race Conducting

Support the holding of horse races(Local governments across Japan orpartial-affairs associations)

Portion of sales given as a grant

Owner

Sales and refunds ofbetting tickets

Racehorse

National Associationof Racing (NAR)
Registration& Licensing
Duties•Registering of
Owner•Registering ofRacehorse

Entrusting of Horse (Deposit Contract)•Trainer Licensing
Employment

Trainer

Employment•Assistant Trainer
Licensing

Certified Groom
Groom

Assistant Trainer

Rider Request•Jockey Licensing

Jockey3

Duties outsideof Registration& Licensing-Support to ensure
fairness of racing by
local governments-Coordination andadvising of schedulingand programming ofraces-Training and dispatching of race officials.
-Training of trainers
and jockeys (Racing
Education Center p.16)-Organize thedevelopment andoperation of a winnervoting system sharedby racing organizers,
and more.
-Collection andsummarizing of raceorganizer opinions
and feedback andimplementing
adjustments and joint
publicity as necessary.

Owner

The owner of the racehorse. Racehorses are deposited and entrusted with a trainer, before they are allowed to participate in races. Individuals who wish to
become an owner must apply with the NAR to become a registered horse owner. There are three different types of horse owners: individual owners,
association owners, and corporate owners. Each type of ownership has a different set of rules and conditions they must obey. There were 5,606 owners
registered for racing by local governments as of the end of January 2024.

Trainer

A trainer is entrusted with a racehorse from the owner. They oversee training and raising of the horse to ensure it is in the best possible condition to compete.
The methods for doing so do vary from trainer to trainer, and as individual racehorses vary among each other, they require a high level of knowledge and skill
to manage. To become a trainer, individuals must successfully pass a licensing exam administered by NAR and obtain a license. As of February 2024, there
were 417 licensed trainers in the industry.

Assistant
Trainer

Assistant Trainers belong to a single stable and work as an assistant to a trainer. Their duties go beyond training racehorses to include the performing of various
administrative tasks as they relate to stable management. To become an assistant trainer, individuals must successfully pass a licensing exam administered by
NAR and obtain a license. As of February 2024, there were 50 assistant trainers in the industry.

JockeyThrough requests made by horse owners, jockeys ride racehorses in races in addition to training and riding racehorses that belong to their stable and thosethat belong to other stables. Jockeys are affiliated with racecourses and will primarily only race on that one track, but they are permitted to participate inexchange races held at racecourses throughout Japan. To become a jockey, individuals must successfully pass a licensing exam administered by NAR andobtain a license. As of February 2024, there were 272 jockeys in the industry.

Groom

Grooms are directly employed by a trainer and are personally responsible for the daily care and health management of racehorses in a stable. To become agroom, one must be designated by a racing organizer to ensure fairness. As of February 2024, there were 2,342 grooms in the industry.

Breeding
farms

Places where racehorses are bred. Breeding farms stretch across Japan from Hokkaido to Kyushu. Especially, the Hidaka area in Hokkaido is the largest
breeding ground for these horses as it accounts for approximately 80% of all racehorses produced in Japan.

Framework of Racing by Local Governments

The Impact Racing by Local
Governments Has on Daily Life
Contributing to Local Government Finances via
Racing Organizer Earnings
Racing organizer's earnings in 2022 were approximately 20.21 billion Yen. These earnings are used for the expansion of
educational and cultural opportunities, promotion of social welfare, promulgation of medical care, promotion of sports
activities, urban planning, maintenance of public facilities, and more, and are used to enrich the lives of those living locally.
Sanitation Measures 1.3%
Public Facilities 2.0%
Reserve Funds 2.5%
Promulgation of medical care 3.1%
Government buildings 5.9%
Promotion of sports 6.0%
Promotion of Agriculture,
Forestry and Fisheries 8.6%
Social Welfare 8.9%

Others9.7%

Educational
Facilities
25.5%

20.21

billion Yen

Disaster Prevention 13.5%
Public Works 13.0%

Payment System of Government-controlled
Gambling Sports
Through the system which requires a portion of profits made via government-controlled gambling sports to be paid to
the Japan Finance Organization for Municipalities, a total of roughly 4.23 billion JPY was submitted by racing organizers
nationwide for the 2022 fiscal year. Furthermore, a cumulative total amount of approximately 12.12 billion JPY was
submitted to the organization for the fiscal years 2018 to 2022. The funds are used to reduce interest owed on authority
bonds and general account bonds which were issued by local governing authorities for water supply and sewage
treatment facilities, hospitals, transportation, and others.
In essence, this means that the profits generated from racing by local governments widely contribute to society as awhole, as the funds are not only returned to municipalities which hold the races, but also given to other municipalities via
a wide variety of methods.
*The Japan Finance Organization for Municipalities: The primary public financial institution for providing long-term and low-cost financing
to local governments, and it is a preferred lender to local governments for basic infrastructure-related funding.

Contributing to municipalities beyond
those racecourses call home.

The Impact Racing by Local Governments Has on Daily Life

4

Racing by Local Governments &Livestock Industry Promotion
Livestock Industry Promotion Subsidy Projects& Racehorse Breeding Subsidy Projects
The National Association of Racing Grants
In accordance with the Horse Racing Act, racing organizers grant a portion of their earnings to the NAR (14.78 billion Yen
in FY 2022). These funds are then divided into two pools based on their purpose. The first pool is used for improvement ofhorse breeding projects and general livestock industry promotion projects. The second pool is used for projects to ensure
the fair and smooth implementation of racing by local governments such as registering horse owners and horses, licensingof trainers and jockeys, training of jockeys and other members, and more.
NAR also uses the first pool of money as a base fund to subsidize livestock promotion projects. Projects which qualify forthese subsidies include dairy farms, beef cattle farms, and small-to-medium livestock production farms, among others.
This subsidy is also available for projects designed to improve distribution of livestock and livestock products and projects
aimed at improving environments for raising livestock.
In addition to this, the NAR began combining grants collected with those received from JRA in 2005 to subsidize theintroductions of stallions, broodmare, a pedigree registry, and more, as part of a racehorse breeding initiative.
NAR grants for livestock industry promotion and racehorse breeding initiatives stood at 3.89 billion Yen in FY 2022. With
the addition of the FY 2022 grants, the total amount granted over all time stands at over 210 billion yen. *This does notinclude grants received from JRA.

National Association of
Racing Grants (FY2022)

NAR Subsidies

Pool Two 24.0%
18.5%
31.6%

Improved Horse Breeding Projects(Primarily for draft horses)

53.9%

Livestock Industry Technological Guidance Projects

3.89

14.78

Livestock Industry Streamlining Projects

billion Yen

billion JPY

Pool One
76.0%

Livestock Industry Promotion Subsidies 53.9%

46.1%
1.9%

12.6%

Others (Incl. Livestock Industry Fairs, etc.)

26.5%

Racehorse Production Promotion Subsidies 46.1%

7.7%

Quarantine & Sanitation Projects

1.1%

Photo taken at a Livestock Industry Fair

5

Racing by Local Governments & Livestock Industry Promotion

Improved Horse Breeding Projects
Foundational Management Strengthening Projects

How to Enjoy Racing by Local
Governments
There are 14 organizers (2 prefectures, 2 cities, and 10 partial-affairs associations) of racing by local governments withraces held almost every day of the year somewhere in Japan. In addition to daytime races, some racecourses offer nightraces through cooperation with local residents.

Naturally, betting tickets are available for purchase at racecourses, but they are also available for purchase at 76
different, off-track sales locations throughout Japan (as of March 31, 2024). Betting tickets can be conveniently
purchased from the comfort of your own home via the internet using a computer, or via a smartphone or cell phoneshould you be away from home.
For more information on upcoming races by local governments, please check the racing organizer's website for more
information.

EnglishFrenchRacing by Local Governments

https://www.goracing.jp/english/
Courses hippiques des collectivités locales

https://www.goracing.jp/french/

Chinese

地方赛马信息网站Korean지방 경마 정보 사이트https://www.goracing.jp/chinese/

https://www.goracing.jp/korea/

How to Enjoy Racing by Local Governments

6Betting on Racing by
Local Governments
How to purchase a betting ticket for a racing by
local government race
Win ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ Bet to win if your horse finishes first.
Place ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ Bet to win if your horse finishes in top three*
Exacta ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ Bet to win by picking the first and second finishers by bracket-number in exact order.
Quinella ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ Bet to win by picking the first and second finishers by horse-number in either order.
Bracket Exacta** ∙ ∙ ∙ Bet to win by picking the first and second finishers by bracket-number in exact order.
Bracket Quinella ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ Bet to win by picking the first and second finishers by bracket-number for the brackets in which thehorses are coupled.
Quinella Place ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ Bet to win by picking two horses by horse-number and your horses finish in the top three.
Trifecta ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ Bet to win by picking the first, second and third finishers by horse-number in exact order.
Trio ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ Bet to win by picking the first, second and third finishers by horse-number in any order.
In racing by local governments, betting tickets above are available for purchase:In addition to the above formats, multiple-race*** betting tickets are available for online purchase.
Pick Five: Bet to win by selecting all winners of five designated races on the same day.
Pick Seven: Bet to win by selecting all winners of seven designated races on the same day.
Triple Exacta: Bet to win by picking the first and second finishers by horse-number in exact order for three applicable races on
the same day.
*When there are seven or less horses in a race, this format is limited to first and second place.
**Bracket exacta is not available for purchase for some horse races.
***The types of betting tickets available for purchase may vary based on the racecourse. Please also note not all races will offer multiple-race
betting tickets for sale.

Pursuant to Article 28 of the Horse Racing Act, individuals under the age of 20 are forbidden from purchasing betting
tickets and/or receiving (being transferred) them from others.

Online Betting
If you have an internet connection, then you can purchase betting tickets from the comfort of wherever you are without visitinga racecourse or an off-track sales location.
Online bets may be purchased through the following four services.

Initiatives for Tackling Addictions including Gambling
Pursuant to the Problem Gambling Basic Countermeasure Act enacted in October 2018, the government was required toformulate and promote a basic plan to combat gambling and other addictions (hereinafter referred to as "Basic Plan") with theaim being to comprehensively and systemically promote measures against addictions including gambling.
Following the establishment of the Basic Plan, organizers of racing by local governments and the NAR have undertaken
various initiatives which include the establishment of a consultation and help service, creating social media accounts to shareand disseminate awareness of these issues, and strengthening restrictions for racecourse admission and internet-based
betting.
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Betting on Racing by Local Governments

Types of Races
Flat Race
The most common type of racing is known as "Flat race" where thoroughbreds compete by speed on courses that are roughly
1000 to 1600 meters long per lap. Unlike JRA -run racecourses, locally-run racecourses have shorter lap and steeper curves.
Utilizing those characteristics, unique races like short-distance races with two corners are held by race organizers.

GOAL

The course image depicts left-handed race.

Ban-ei Races
Ban-ei racing is one-of-a-kind racing held only at the Obihiro racecourse. In it, draft horses weighing around one tonne(approximately double that of a Thoroughbred) pull iron sleds behind them as they compete in a show of strength. Ban-ei racesfeature two obstacles (hump-shaped masses) on a separate 200-meter straight course that horses race over.
Ban-ei horse racing shares a deep connection to the pioneering days of Hokkaido and was developed for festivals as a contest
of strength between agricultural horses that helped in the development of Hokkaido. While the order of winners in flat races
are determined by the tips of their noses as they pass the finish line, in Ban-ei races, horses are placed in a winning order
based on the moment the final part of their sled crosses the finish line, as draft horses compete to test their speed and ability
to carry a load. The sight of watching these 1-tonne horses racing up over the second obstacle (1.6 meters high), is nothing
short of breath-taking.

tal
To

n
Le

:2
g th

m
00

STA

RT

Starting Gate
First Obstacle

Second Obstacle
GO
AL

Types of Races

8

Racecourses for Racing by
Local Governments
There are 15 racecourses across 12 prefectures (excluding the Sapporo and Chukyo racecourses) for races, and an exciting,intense race, either day or night, is held almost every day of the year including weekdays, weekends, and holidays at one ofthese racecourses.

Obihiro Racecourse

Mombetsu Racecourse

Organizer: Obihiro City
Address: 9-1 Minami, Nishi-13-jo, Obihiro-shi,
Hokkaido 080-0023 JapanTEL 0155-34-0825

Organizer: Hokkaido
Address: 76-1 Tomikawa-Komaoka, Hidaka-cho,Saru-gun, Hokkaido 055-0008 JapanTEL 01456-2-4110

Ban-ei racing is a form of racing where horses weighing more than 1-tonne competeby strength and speed while pulling heavy iron sleds behind them. It began during the
Meiji Era (1868-1912) as a form to test the strength of agricultural horses during a
festival known as the "Banba Festival." Since 2007, Ban-ei races have been held
exclusively by Obihiro City and with horses descended from the original ones which
lived through the pioneering period of Hokkaido. They continue to inspire people as
Hokkaido Heritage.

Urawa Racecourse

Funabashi Racecourse

Organizer: Saitama Prefecture Urawa Racing
Association
Address: 1-8-42 Oyaba, Minami-ku, Saitama-shi,
Saitama 336-0016 JapanTEL 048-881-1551

Organizer: Chiba Prefectre Horse Racing
Cooperative Association
Address: 1-2-1 Wakamatsu, Funabashi-shi,
Chiba 273-0013 Japan.
TEL 047-431-2156

The Urawa Racecourse is in Saitama city, an important prefectural transportation hub,offering excellent access from within the prefecture, neighboring prefectures, andCentral Tokyo. One of the feature of this racecourse is close distance to horses, whichenables visitors to observe horses so closely in the paddock, and to watch races up
close for an exciting experience.

The Funabashi Racecourse used to be in Kashiwa City but was relocated and opened
following WWII to Funabashi. In its early days, the racecourse also had an auto racing
track. The course has produced many historically famous horses including Abukuma
Poro, Adjudi Mitsuo, Furioso and more, and it has produced many a famous trainer
and jockey. There's a large shopping mall and large furniture store nearby, allowing
guests to enjoy a full day at the Funabashi Racecourse and its surroundings.

Kanazawa Racecourse

Kasamatsu Racecourse

Organizer: Ishikawa Prefecture, Kanazawa City
Address: 1 Nishi, Hatta-machi, Kanazawa-shi,Ishikawa 920-3105 JapanTEL 076-258-5761

Organizer: Gifu Prefectural Racing Association
Address: 12 Wakaba-cho, Kasamatsu-cho,
Hashima-gun, Gifu 501-6036 JapanTEL 058-387-3278

Located on the Sea of Japan's coastline, the location couldn't be more perfect with its
offerings of views of the Hakusan mountain range on the course side and views of
Kahokugata Lagoon just beyond the paddocks. The racecourse is also surrounded byrice paddies, delighting with verdant views in summer and amber views in autumn. In
addition, there are many wonderful places including a nigiri-zushi restaurant offering
fresh catches from the Sea of Japan.

The Kasamatsu Racecourse is located on the banks of the Kiso River, and looking
beyond the racecourse, guests can enjoy views of Meitetsu Railway trains crossing
the red railway bridge in the distance. The river embankments erupt in a sea of pink inthe spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, causing the 1400m starting
point to turn a bright pink color. The grounds also feature a bronze statue of Oguri
Cap, a famous horse which debuted at the Kasamatsu Racecourse before going on tocompete in races held by JRA.

Himeji Racecourse

Kochi Racecourse

Organizer: Hyogo Prefectural Racing
Association
Address: 2-7-80 Hiromine, Himeji-shi, Hyogo
670-0882 JapanTEL 079-282-5181

Organizer: Kochi Racing Association
Address: 2000 Nagahama-Miyata, Kochi-shi,
Kochi 781-0271 JapanTEL 088-841-5123

Located approximately 2 km north of the world heritage site, Himeji Castle, the Himeji
Racecourse directly faces Mt. Hiromine and Mt. Masui. The stadium reopened in April
2019 with new seating, an astroturf soccer field which serves as a flood control pond,
and ping-pong tables inside the stands. On weekdays, the racecourse primarily serves
as a place for off-track sales for races by local governments, while Saturdays andSundays are for JRA sales. In January 2020, the Himeji main track resumed holding
races for the first time in seven and a half years.

9

Pass through the entrance gates to quickly arrive at the Tonekko Plaza. Just beyond it
are the paddocks, and three sets of guest seating including the Tonekko Lounge,
making for a very compact yet succinct racecourse. The grounds are fully equippedwith cuisine options from soba noodles, curry, and ramen, all the way to Genghis
Khan-style barbecue, letting guests dine as they enjoy the races.

Racecourses for Racing by Local Governments

Located near the Katsurahama Beaches, this is the only horse racecourse in all of Chugoku and Shikoku
to offer views of the ocean. In Spring, Summer, and Autumn, races are held on Saturdays and Sundays. In
Winter, they are held on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. Races held are the night race known as
the Yosakoi Night Race and are held throughout the year. The grounds offer a women-only lounge andthe Bababa Park perfect for guests with children. The racecourse also has free Wi-Fi, allowing for thepurchase of electronic bets for an even more enjoyable experience. There are a bright variety of races
including the All Japan King of Rookies Championship race in January, the Kurofune Sho in March, and the
Fukunaga Yoichi Kinen which marks the history of the legendary jockey of the same name.

Morioka Racecourse

Mizusawa Racecourse

Organizer: Iwate Racing Association
Address: 10 Kamiyagita, Aza, Shinjo,
Morioka-shi, Iwate 020-0803 JapanTEL 019-651-2999

Organizer: Iwate Racing Association
Address: 1-2 Akudo, Anetai-cho, Mizusawa,
Oshu-shi, Iwate 023-0831 JapanTEL 0197-23-2999

Two generations ago, the Morioka Racecourse was in the Ueda District of Morioka
City. Back then, it was sometimes referred to as the "Golden Racecourse" due to thegolden freshwater spring that gushed out near the racecourse. Following it's
relocation from the Takamatsu racecourse, it was renamed "ORO Park" with "oro"meaning "gold" in Spanish.

The Mizusawa Racecourse maintains its retro-like atmosphere with its grandstandand paddocks. The racecourse uses a handwritten board to confirm running horses tothis very day. In Spring, 150 Somei Yoshino cherry blossom trees adjacent to thecourse burst into bloom and are open to the public.

Oi Racecourse

Kawasaki Racecourse

Organizer: Tokyo Metropolitan Racing
Association
Address: 2-1-2 Katsushima, Shinagawa-ku,
Tokyo 140-0012 JapanTEL 03-3763-2151

Organizer: Kanagawa Prefecture Kawasaki
Racing Association
Address: 1-5-1 Fujimi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki-shi,
Kanagawa 210-0011 JapanTEL 044-233-6701

From spring to the end of the year, the Oi Racecourse hosts Japan's oldest night race,the "Twinkle Race." Once the sun sets, illuminations throughout the grounds light up,
creating a dazzling experience one would not expect to see at a horse racecourse.
The racecourse is also said to be home to the pinnacle of dirt horse racing with the
Triple Crown of Dirt Racing including Haneda Hai, Tokyo Derby, Japan Dirt Classic,
and the Teio Sho, Tokyo Daishoten, an intermediate distance race for 3YO+ horses.

The Kawasaki Racecourse is incredibly accessible with a 15-minute walk from JR
Kawasaki Station or a 3-minute walk from Minatocho Station on the Keikyu-DaishiLine. Enjoy exciting races from the spectator area located close to the track. The
grounds have a grassy area with playground equipment allowing guests with children
to enjoy the races with peace of mind.

Nagoya Racecourse

Sonoda Racecourse

Organizer: Aichi Racing Association
Address: 1 Komano-cho, Yatomi-shi, Aichi
498-0065 JapanTEL 0567-68-2211

Organizer: Hyogo Prefectural Racing
Association
Address: 2-1-1 Tanou, Amagasaki-shi, Hyogo
661-0951 JapanTEL 06-6491-0601

The Nagoya Racecourse grandstand boasts 574 spacious seats contained within athree-story building with a building area of 2,700 m2 and a total floor area of 5,400 m2.
The stands offer a variety of general spectator seats, and the addition of private roomseats have made the experience even more comfortable. Views from the terrace offer
views overlooking the paddocks and an indoor view of the Horse View Corridor. The
stands offer plazas giving the racecourse an accessible, park-like setting.

The Sonoda Racecourse runs the Sonokin Night Race every Friday from May until
October (Summer Day races are held as well). The racecourse has a variety of seating
choices from special seats (starting at 1,500 yen), reserved, one-coin (500 yen) seats,
free seats in a live feed hall, as well as a relaxing, shoe-free betting area.

Saga Racecourse
Organizer: Saga Racing Association
Address: 3256-228 Nishitani, Aza, Ejima-machi,
Tosu-shi, Saga 841-0073 JapanTEL 0942-83-4538

The Saga Racecourse is located near the Tosu interchange, a major crosspoint inKyushu transportation, has a large, free parking lot, and is adored by local fans as aleisure facility with lush greenery. The racecourse is home to various races associatedwith Kyushu and include the Kirishima Sho and Tanpopo Sho, two exchange races
held between the JRA and NAR focusing on Kyushu-bred horses, and the Satogaeri
Jockey's Cup, an invitational NAR event for jockeys from Kyushu.

Racecourses for Racing by Local Governments

10Principal Races
In racing by local governments, many principal races are held throughout the country where horses with superior aptitude fordirt races are given the opportunity to showcase their abilities and gain recognition.
Some of the major races include the Tokyo Daishoten, the Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun, a championship race for two-year-old
horses, and JBC Day, where major races across four categories are held on the same day and is coloquially known as the "dirttrack horse racing festival". In 2023, 40 major races that qualified as black-type races International Cataloguing Standards Book
(blue book) were held across Japan.
In recent years, the quality and importance of races for racing by local governments has only grown day by day thanks in partto horses such as Marche Lorraine, Ushba Tesoro, Derma Sotogake, Forever Young, going beyond these races by local
governments to winning major overseas races.
At the same time, Japan became a Part 1 country in 2007. Yet despite this, racing by local governments has failed to establish asystem for accepting horses which have been trained outside out Japan. As a result, 38 of the 40 races which are a part of it
have been unable to qualify as international races, and races for racing by local governments struggle to raise their international
reputation despite the high quality demonstrated.
In order to land a decisive blow to this situation, NAR has implemented a policy to begin internationalizing principal races for
racing by local governments and developing a racing system starting in 2022. Through the advancement of these initiatives, we
aim to raise Japan's dirt racing to even greater heights.
Graded Race by Local Governments in 2023
No.

Race name1 Tokyo Daishoten (G1)
Total

Racecourse

Date

Race Cond.

Oi

29-Dec3yo+

Listed Races by Local Governments in 2023
No.

Race name

Racecourse

1 Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun Kawasaki
Total

Date

Race Cond.

13-Dec2yo

Surface &Assigning
Distance(m)Weights
D2000 Weight for Age

1st purse(yen)
100,000,000
100,000,000

Total purse(yen)
170,000,000
170,000,000

Surface &Assigning
Distance(m)Weights
D1600 Weight for Age

1st purse(yen)
42,000,000
42,000,000

Total purse(yen)71,400,000
71,400,000

Black-Type Races by Local Governments in 2023
No.

Race name

1 TCK Jo-o Hai
2 Kawasaki Kinen
3 Saga Kinen
4 Empress Hai
5 Kurofune Sho
6 Diolite Kinen
7 Nagoya Daishoten
8 Marine Cup
9 Tokyo Sprint
10 Kakitsubata Kinen
11 Hyogo Championship
12 Kashiwa Kinen
13 Sakitama Hai
14 Hokkaido Sprint Cup
15 Kanto Oaks
16 Teio Sho
17 Sparking Lady Cup
18 Japan Dirt Derby
19 Mercury Cup
20 Cluster Cup
21 Breeders' Gold Cup
22 Summer Champion
23 Tele Tama Hai Oval Sprint
24 Hakusan Daishoten
25 Nippon TV Hai
26 Tokyo Hai
27 Ladies' Prelude
28 Mile Championship Nambu Hai
29 Edelweiss Sho
30 JBC Classic
31 JBC Sprint
32 JBC Ladies' Classic
33 JBC Nisai Yushun
34 Hyogo Junior Grand Prix
35 Urawa Kinen
36 Queen Sho
37 Hyogo Gold Trophy
38 Nagoya Grand Prix
Total

Racecourse
Oi
Kawasaki
Saga
Kawasaki
Kochi
Funabashi
NagoyaFunabashi
Oi
NagoyaSonodaFunabashi
Urawa
Mombetsu
KawasakiOi
Kawasaki
Oi
MoriokaMorioka
Mombetsu
Saga
Urawa
Kanazawa
Funabashi
Oi
Oi
Morioka
Mombetsu
Oi
Oi
Oi
Mombetsu
SonodaUrawa
Funabashi
SonodaNagoyaSurface &Distance(m)25-Jan 4yo+ f&m
D1800
01-Feb4yo+
D2100
09-Feb4yo+
D2000
01-Mar 4yo+ f&m
D2100
14-Mar4yo+
D1400
15-Mar
4yo+
D2400
16-Mar4yo+
D2000
12-Apr 3yo+ f&m
D1600
19-Apr4yo+
D1200
02-May4yo+
D1500
03-May3yo
D1870
04-May4yo+
D1600
31-May4yo+
D1400
01-Jun3yo+
D1200
14-Jun3yo f
D2100
28-Jun4yo+
D2000
05-Jul3yo+ f&m
D1600
12-Jul3yo
D2000
17-Jul3yo+
D2000
15-Aug3yo+
D1200
17-Aug 3yo+ f&m
D2000
31-Aug3yo+
D1400
20-Sep3yo+
D1400
26-Sep3yo+
D2100
27-Sep3yo+
D1800
04-Oct3yo+
D1200
05-Oct 3yo+ f&m
D1800
09-Oct3yo+
D1600
01-Nov
2yo f
D1200
03-Nov
3yo+
D2000
03-Nov
3yo+
D1200
03-Nov 3yo+ f&m
D1800
03-Nov
2yo
D1800
22-Nov
2yo
D1400
23-Nov
3yo+
D2000
29-Nov 3yo+ f&m
D1800
20-Dec3yo+
D1400
21-Dec
3yo+
D2100
Date

Race Cond.

An asterisk (*) indicates that the horse is registered with JRA.

11

Principal Races

Assigning
Weights
Special Weight
Weight for Age
Special Weight
Special Weight
Special Weight
Weight for Age
Special Weight
Special Weight
Special Weight
Handicap
Weight for Age
Weight for Age
Special Weight
Special Weight
Weight for Age
Weight for Age
Special Weight
Weight for Age
Special Weight
Special Weight
Special Weight
Handicap
Special Weight
Special Weight
Special Weight
Special Weight
Special Weight
Weight for Age
Weight for Age
Weight for Age
Weight for Age
Weight for Age
Weight for Age
Weight for Age
Special Weight
Handicap
Handicap
Special Weight

1st purse
Total purse
(yen)
(yen)
22,000,000
37,400,000
80,000,000
136,000,000
30,000,000
48,000,000
40,000,000
68,000,000
30,000,000
51,000,000
40,000,000
68,000,000
25,000,000
43,750,000
30,000,000
51,000,000
27,000,000
45,900,000
28,000,000
50,400,000
35,000,000
66,500,000
80,000,000
136,000,000
40,000,000
68,000,000
22,000,000
37,400,000
35,000,000
59,500,000
80,000,000
136,000,000
25,000,000
42,500,000
60,000,000
102,000,000
30,000,000
52,500,000
30,000,000
52,500,000
31,000,000
52,700,000
30,000,000
51,000,000
30,000,000
51,000,000
25,000,000
42,500,000
40,000,000
68,000,000
35,000,000
59,500,000
31,000,000
52,700,000
70,000,000
122,500,000
20,000,000
34,000,000
100,000,000
170,000,000
80,000,000
136,000,000
60,000,000
102,000,000
35,000,000
59,500,000
30,000,000
57,000,000
40,000,000
68,000,000
30,000,000
51,000,000
30,000,000
57,000,000
38,000,000
68,400,000
1,544,000,000 2,655,150,000

WinnerUshba Tesoro*

WinnerForever Young*

Turnover(yen)
8,290,546,100
8,290,546,100
Turnover(yen)
1,378,945,900
1,378,945,900

Turnover(yen)Grand Bridge*
900,794,800
Ushba Tesoro* 1,953,221,500
Badenweiler*
747,190,500
Grand Bridge*
1,019,612,200
Shamal*713,086,700
Gloria Mundi*
1,195,374,100
Hagino Alegrias*
749,086,700
Per Aa*850,696,200
Ryuno Yukina* 1,260,652,200
Wilson Tesoro*
837,305,600
Mitono O*
783,933,000
Meisho Hario*
2,074,043,500
Igniter
1,075,420,500
Keiai Dorie*
733,199,100
Paraiba Tourmaline* 1,140,807,700
Meisho Hario*
4,408,810,600
Ladybug*
1,245,851,900
Mick Fire
3,026,698,400
Wilson Tesoro* 1,289,336,200
Remake*1,077,132,500
Teleos Bell*645,106,600
Sunrise Hawk*
790,808,900
Dry Stout*
673,367,800
Wilson Tesoro*
612,645,600
Ushba Tesoro* 1,253,942,700
Don Frankie*
1,288,088,700
Ater Astraea*
1,241,944,200
Lemon Pop*
2,170,932,700
Mozu Migikataagari
537,783,400
King's Sword*
2,660,832,500
Igniter
1,893,263,600
Icon Tailor*
1,470,877,700
Forever Young* 1,008,753,000
Aigle Noir*433,706,800
Diktaean*
1,188,850,400
Riot Grrrl*
873,525,700
Sunrise Hawk*
610,542,700
Diktaean*944,907,000
47,382,133,900
WinnerSeries Races
Grandame-Japan
Fillies and Mares - only principal races held throughout Japan are organized based on generation,and points are awarded based on race results. Bonus prize money is also awarded to the top-point
earning horses in the two-year-old, three-year-old, the 3yo+-Spring, and 3yo+-Autumn categories.
The goals are two-fold. The first is to expand the stage for exceptionally performing mares fromracing by local governments, and the second is to facilitate exchange while improving the appeal ofmare races.

Mirai Yushun
Established in 2008, the aim was to feature two-year-old races held across various parts of Japan as
successful two-year-olds would move up to dirt principal races, before aiming to compete inthree-year-old Classic races. Starting in 2023, the newly-established "Next Star" (designatedprincipal-rank races), was added to the Mirai Yushun Series to help further promote two-year-old
races as well as expand and round out the current racing system.

3YO Sprint Series
Starting in 2024, the 3YO Sprint Series was established as a short-distance dirt race where
three-year olds would compete for the title of champion. The series took promising horses thatcompeted in the four races as part of the three-year-old Spring Next Star races (designatedprincipal-rank races) and created a new pinnacle for three-year-old, short-distance races and hasthem gather to compete in a Hyogo Championship.

Jockeys' Championship
Leading jockeys from all over Japan gather to compete in this hot battle to become the number one
jockey in racing by local governments. The winner of this race, will go on to be selected as therepresentative jockey for the World All-Star Jockeys (An international jockey invitational race) held by
the JRA.

Young Jockeys Series
In this series, young jockeys from both the JRA and racing by local goverments compete for the titleof number one young jockey. Jockeys battle it out in trial rounds at racecourses across Japan, andonly the top 16 jockeys (8 from JRA and 8 from NAR) will advance to the finals where they will eachcompete for the crown in hot matches at JRA and racecourses of racing by local governments.

Ladies Jockeys Series
Active female jockeys compete for the crown in this series which features women jockeys whocompete in racing by local governments. Due to a declining number of them, though, this series wascancelled after the final series in 2011. Then, following the March 2016 Ladies & Young Jockeys Series,
the Ladies Victory Round (LVR) was held from Autumn 2016 to 2020 where female and male jockeys
would compete in mixed races. However, this was then cancelled as it was officially decided that theLadies Jockeys Series would make its turn in November 2021 for the first time in ten years. Pleaselook forward to the amazing performances these talented women will put on.
Series Races

12
14

Famous Horses Born via
Racing by Local Governments
NAR Grand Prix
NAR holds the "NAR Grand Prix" to honor horses and people who have racked up exceptional achievements in local government
races as well as those who have made significant contributions to the developrment of racing by local government.
List of NAR Grand Prix Horses of the YearYear

Horse Name

Affiliation

Year

Horse Name

Affiliation

1990

Daiko Galdan

Oi

2007

Furioso

Funabashi

1991

Daiko Galdan

Oi

2008

Furioso

Funabashi

1992

Grade Shori

Oi

2009

Love Michan

Kasamatsu

1993

White Silver

Oi

2010

Furioso

Funabashi

Oi

2011

Furioso

Funabashi

Kasamatsu

2012Love Michan

Kasamatsu

Hyogo

2013

Happy Sprint

Hokkaido

1994
1995
1996

Tochino Minefuji*Anglo-Arabian

Raiden Leader
Keiesu Yoshizen*Anglo-Arabian

1997

Abukuma Poro

Funabashi

2014

Summit Stone

Funabashi

1998

Abukuma Poro

Funabashi

2015

Happy Sprint

Oi

1999

Meisei Opera

Iwate

2016

Sorte

Oi

2000

Belle-Ami Lord

Tochigi

2017

Higashi Will Win

Funabashi

2001

Toho Emperor

Iwate

2018

Kitasan Mikazuki

Funabashi

2002

Toho Emperor

Iwate

2019

Bulldog Boss

Urawa

2003

Name Value

Funabashi

2020

Sabuno Junior

Oi

2004

Cosmo Bulk

Hokkaido

2021

Mutually

Funabashi

2005

Adjudi Mitsuo

Funabashi

2022

Igniter

Hyogo

2006

Adjudi Mitsuo

Funabashi

2023

Igniter

Hyogo

Many famous horses are being born throughout Japan,
so please come and witness future winners.

Winning horses for 1990-1993 are thoroughbred horses that won the
NAR grand prix.

IgniterSex & Date of Birth: Male, Born 2018
Sire: Espoir City Dam: Bianco Broodmare Sire: Warning
Affiliation: Hyogo
Breeding Farm: Haruki Farm
Owner: Yoshiki Noda
Record: 25 Starts, 12 Wins (Racing by Local Governments: 22 Starts,
11 Wins, JRA: 3 Starts, 1 Wins) *As of December 31, 2023.
Major Victories: 2022: Kurofune Sho, Kakitsubata Kinen
2023: Sakitama Hai, JBC Sprint
Took the Kurofune Sho and Kakitsubata Kinen at four-years-old, and boththe Sakitama Hai and JBC Sprint at five. NAR Grand Prix winning
representative horse of the year for two consecutive years.

13

Famous Horses Born via Racing by Local Governments

Throughout the long history of local government races （Racing by Local Governments）, a substantial number of famous
horses have been produced. In this section, we will introduce a few of the most famous horses of the Heisei Era (1989-2019).
Future great horses fiercely compete each day to surpass the horses of years past.

FuriosoSex & Date of Birth: Male, Born 2004
Sire: Brian's Time Dam: Fursa Broodmare Sire: Mr. Prospector
Affiliation: Funabashi
Breeding Farm: Hashimoto Farm
Owner: Darley Japan Farm Co. Ltd.
Record: 39 Starts, 11 Wins (Racing by Local Governments: 34 Starts,
11 Wins, JRA: 5 Starts, 0 Wins)
Major Victories: 2006: Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun
2007: Japan Dirt Derby 2008, 2010: Teio Sho
2 0 1 1 : Kawasaki Kinen, Kashiwa Kinen
Achieved six victories of principal races throughout his racing career andwas the NAR Grand Prix winning representative horse of the year for four
years total. Following retirement, he became a breeding stallion, and his
offspring made its debut in 2016.

Love Michan
Sex & Date of Birth: Female, Born 2007
Sire: South Vigorous Dam: Dashing Honey Broodmare Sire: Assatis
Affiliation: Kasamatsu
Breeding Farm: Grand Stud
Owner: Sachiaki Kobayashi
Record: 34 Starts, 18 Wins (Racing by Local Governments: 31 Starts,
17 Wins, JRA: 3 Starts, 1 Win)
Major Victories: 2009: Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun, Hyogo Junior Grand Prix
2012: Tokyo Hai
Seized victories in the Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun and Hyogo Junior GrandPrix at age two and became the first two-year-old horse in history to
become the NAR Grand Prix winning representative horse of the year.

Meisei Opera
Sex & Date of Birth: Male, Born 1994
Sire: Grand Opera Dam: Tiramisu Broodmare Sire: Takelamagan
Affiliation: Iwate
Breeding Farm: Hiraku Takahashi
Owner: Meisei Shouji Y.K.
Record: 35 Starts, 23 Wins (Racing by Local Governments: 33 Starts,
22 Wins, JRA: 2 Starts, 1 Win)
Major Victories: 1998: Mile Championship Nambu Hai
1999: February Stakes , Teio Sho
As a horse registered with the NAR, he was the first to win a JRA pinnacle
race. Following retirement, he became a breeding stallion, traveled toSouth Korea, and sired Classic Horse.

Famous Horses Born via Racing by Local Governments

14

What Does It Take to Become
an Owner?
If you're a fan of horse racing, then surely you've dreamed about becoming an owner yourself, no? Just imagine all the eyes of
the crowd on your beloved horse's paddock as it shoots forth, sprinting down the course as it’s bathed in the cheers of fans!
Interested in getting a taste of the rush and thrill that you can never experience in any other competitive sport for yourself?

How to Become a Registered Owner
1. Financial Requirements for Becoming a Registered Owner

In addition to satisfying the below requirements, the judging process will pay close attention to whether it will be feasible
for an applicant to own and entrust a racehorse to a trainer on a continuous basis.
(1) For Individuals
In principle, an individual must have an income earned of at least 5 million yen in the most recent year (refers to income
earned, not revenue).
(2) For Corporations
1. The total amount of paid-in capital or completed performance of contributions must be at least 3 million yen.
2. The two most recent years of financial statements must not have been consecutively in the red.
3. The most recent financial statements must not show excess liability.
4. The annual income earned of the representative individual must meet the financial requirements as stated above forindividuals.
(3) For Associations
1. The association must have a term deposit totaling 3 million yen or more, which is registered in the name of theassociation (including the name of the representative individual).
2. In principle, each association member's earned income must be above 3 million yen (refers to income earned, notrevenue) for the previous year.
Note: Any income that is temporarily gained, such as gains from the sale of real estate or stocks, dividends from a racehorse fund, or prize
money from the JRA, will not be factored in and counted. Please be careful.

2. Registering to Become an Owner
Application for Owner Registration
Horse Trainer
Other racecourse staff
National Associationof Racing(Screening)
Rejection

Registration

Horse Owner
Registration Review
Committee(Questioning Body)

Once an application has been submitted, the overseeingcommittee will then conduct its screening process. Following
this, the NAR will seek the opinion of viability on an applicationfrom the questioning body of the Horse Owner Registration
Review Committee before making its final decision.
The Review Committee meets five times a year in March, May,
July, October, and December. The standard time for processing
an application takes roughly five months. However, thereviewing process may take longer if the application is missingor lacking documentation, or if there are a large number ofapplications accepted at once. Please note there is a registration
fee of 10,000 Yen once registration is approved.

3. For Individuals Wishing to Register as Owners from Outside of Japan.
NAR accepts applications for horse owners who can race their own horses on regional racecourses (15 in all) locatedwithin Japan.
NAR began accepting individual owner applications for horse ownership for individuals located outside of Japan as of April
2013. To apply, an individual must be registered as an owner with an overseas horse racing authority and have bothactively owned and raced horses for at least one year. In addition to this, a liaison officer (an individual who will oversee
administrative matters on behalf of the owner) is required and must reside within Japan. All procedures related to theapplication will be handled by this individual.
Due to this matter and the fact that the committee needs time to review the application, it takes approximately five months
from application to registration.
Currently, there are 10 NAR registered owners of horses residing outside of Japan as of April 2024.
15

What Does It Take to Become an Owner?

Becoming a Jockey for Racing
by Local Governments
Those wishing to become a jockey must pass a licensing examination administered by the National Association of Racing(NAR). The licensing examination includes a written examination in addition to a practical test where individuals will haveto demonstrate that they have the skills necessary for horse racing.
The NAR trains and educates jockeys at the Racing Education Center.

The Jockey Curriculum at the Racing Education CenterOnce admitted into the Racing Education Center, students undergo a two-year training period, where they live in adormitory and gradually learn horsemanship from the basics. Anyone is allowed to join, regardless of whether they haveriding experience or not. Students will learn more than just horsemanship, as they also receive the necessary education to
become a functioning member of society in addition to learning about horse racing regulations and knowledge of horses.
As things currently stand, almost all jockeys active in racing by local governments have completed this course. Furthermore,a new building that combined classrooms, training rooms, and a gymnasium into one building opened in April of 2022.

Learning the Foundations of Horsemanship
June

July

August September October November December January February MarchFirst Semester

Second Semester

Basic Horsemanship Training

Basic Horsemanship and Horse Racing Training

May

June

July

Third Semester
Horse Racing Training

Real Horse Racing
Practice

August September October November December January February March

Fourth SemesterOJT Racing

OJT Training Under a Trainer
in a Racecourse

Integrated Training

Jockey Debut!

May

Licensing Exam

The first year
April

The second year

Jockey Curriculum

April

Learning the Monkey Crouch for Riding Horses

Practical Experience via
Competing in Real Races!

Licensing for Jockeys Who Are Licensed Overseas
If a jockey who is licensed in another country meets certain criteria, they may undergo an examination, and if they pass, canbe allowed to participate in local governments races. To be eligible to undergo examination, jockeys must have their win rate
set data available, will be required to submit various forms of documentation from the overseas horse racing authority whichissued their license, arrange for a trainer within Japan to act as their sponsor, and obtain a letter of recommendation, or theequivalent, from the race organizer for the location they wish to compete at. Upon successful passing of the examination, ajockey will be issued a valid license by the association for a specified period within three months of the date of passing.
Beginning with the issuing of the first license in 1994 and continuing until 2023, 28 individuals have been licensed for a totalof 42.
For trainers and jockeys who wish to race horses they manage in international races, a specific license is available to beissued once a separate examination is passed.
Becoming a Jockey for Racing by Local Governments

16

What is the National
Association of Racing (NAR)?
The National Association of Racing was established on August 1, 1962, as a Special Public Institutions under the Horse Racing
Act, and since January 1, 2008, in accordance with the amendment of the Horse Racing Act, it has become a Special Public
Organization that conducts business and other activities that are in the common interest of racing organizers by local
governments. The purpose of the NAR is “to promote fair, impartial and smooth operation of racing by local governments andto contribute to promoting the improvement and breeding of horses as well as other aspects of animal husbandry”. The NAR
became responsible for new roles such as issuing subsidies for approved revitalization plans and trainer administrative duties,
in addition to its existing role of offering daily support for racing organizers and general promotion of the livestock industry.

(1) Owner and Horse Registration
The NAR registers horses that are to compete in races and owners who wish to race horses they own on regional
racecourses.

(2) Licensing of Trainers and Jockeys
The NAR conducts licensing examinations for trainers and jockeys wishing to participate in races for the racing by local
governments, and issues them to successful candidates. We also work in cooperation with race organizers to facilitate
the certification of grooms.

(3) Education and Training of Trainers and Jockeys
Racing Education Center, we provide education and training for trainers and jockeys who will eventually become an
integral part of local government race. For jockeys, the curriculum takes two years and careful guidance from instructors
teaches them about horsemanship, horse racing regulations and knowledge of horses that they will need to know.

(4) Education, Training, and Dispatching of Experts in horse
racingIn addition to the above, training is conducted to raise experts in horse racing at the Racing Education Center. We
dispatch our experts with highly specialized knowledge and techniques at the request of race organizers in the forms ofstewards, judges, starters, and more, to help contribute to fair horse racing.

(5) Support for Securing Fairness in Racing by Local
Governments
Through conferences and more that race organizers attend, we work to support organizers through offering advice andproviding the necessary information to ensure the fairness of horse races.

(6) Coordination and Advice for Programming Organization andRace Day Schedules
We provide advice for programming organization and race day schedules in addition to helping organizers coordinate
them all throughout Japan. We also work to promote the organizing of racing by local governments overall as well as the
optimization of available racecourses.

17

What is the National Association of Racing (NAR)?

(7) Subsidies for Approved Revitalization Plans by Racing
Organizers
We grant subsidies for horse racing revitalization projects that aim to strengthen management bases through plans
which contribute to regional race revitalization, such as improved appeal of racing by local governments through mutual
cooperation between organizers.

(8) Subsidy Distribution for Livestock Industry Promotion
We also grant subsidies for the improvement of horse breeding and livestock industry promotion. Publicizing these
efforts helps spread the knowledge that racing by local governments is actively contributing to the livestock industry.

(9) Subsidy Programs for Promoting Racehorse Breeding
To promote both a stable supply of racehorses and ensure ideal racehorse breeding, the NAR further distributes
subsidies for works and projects which contribute to the promotion of racehorse breeding.

(10) Honoring Individuals Involved in horse racing
We hold the NAR Grand Prix to honor racehorses, trainers, jockeys, and individuals who have made outstanding
contributions to the development of racing by local governments. We also present the Chairperson's Award toindividuals involved in horse racing who have achieved outstanding results in major principal-rank races.

(11) Advancement of Promotions for Racing by Local Governments
We actively advance a wide variety of promotional activities for racing by local governments including surveys andresearch, PR projects promoting its appeal, support for initiatives by owners to ensure ideal racehorse breeding, andsystem improvements to increase customer convenience and a stable holding of horse races.

What is the National Association of Racing (NAR)?

18

19

ObihiroAttendance and Turnover of Racing by Local Governments in 2023

64

89

97

113

KawasakiKanazawa

Kasamatsu

Nagoya

109

116

1,325

Kochi

Saga

Grand Total

30

160

Himeji

Hyogo Total

Hyogo

97

Oi

130

60

Funabashi

Sonoda

59

Urawa

64

130

Mizusawa

66

82

149

Iwate Total

Iwate

Morioka

Mombetsu

Banei

Racecourse

Race
Days
2023

2,486,667

302,936

87,042

278,10232,107245,995

99,61978,365

163,860

205,599434,885

127,248

137,846

184,591

82,601

101,990

56,005

330,569

Total

1,877

2,612

799

1,738

1,070

1,892

882

808

1,841

3,212

4,483

2,121

2,336

1,420

1,291

1,545

683

2,219

Daily
Avg

117.4

109.1

120.8

99.5

102.2

102.1

66.4

97.3

97.3

189.4

160.9

140.1

120.8

93.5

91.8

95.0

121.6

125.4

Comparison
with 2022/day(%)

Attendance (on-course)

1,073,480,955.3

70,193,634.3

95,099,909.5

117,310,021.7

21,176,747.6

96,133,274.1

75,183,927.8

43,936,179.9

30,909,937.3

106,884,706.1

205,623,141.6

94,183,100.4

67,856,557.0

60,394,750.5

26,169,464.3

34,225,286.2

51,081,276.3

54,823,812.9

Total(thousand yen)

Turnover (off-course only)

100.8

103.9

98.0

95.2

138.9

89.0

108.8

107.3

113.8

99.7

106.2

99.9

97.3

90.7

104.6

82.4

96.9

98.2

810,174.3

605,117.5

872,476.2

733,187.6

705,891.6

739,486.7

665,344.5

452,950.3

347,302.7

1,670,073.5

2,119,826.2

1,569,718.3

1,150,111.1

464,575.0

408,897.9

518,564.9

622,942.4

367,945.1

99.8
82.2

47,596,423.8
30,086,514.0

100.3
82.3

50,684,217.7
33,409,054.3

100.4
82.4

100.0

103.9

98.0

95.2

97.2

97.7
105.3
99.7

92,063,387.3
66,325,014.5
963,795,331.9

97.9
104.3
99.7

94,213,909.3
68,486,617.6
1,044,719,093.0

94.9

86,251,934.0
95.1
92,245,993.5
95.2

94.8

105.4

69,105,228.2
104.6
74,058,583.9
103.9

105,335,306.6

102.8

39,732,604.3
103.1
43,048,745.1
102.9

95.2

113.0

27,649,969.8
112.9
28,904,138.7
111.2

112,988,296.5

99.8

93,463,086.2
99.9
103,734,003.1

101.2

96.3

104.2

178,603,755.9
104.1

198,134,576.4

105.1

19,083,372.6

99.3

83,892,336.7
99.4

92,562,621.5

99.9

97.1

96.3

57.378.039.1

96.8

65,580,266.4

97.3

20,742,303.0

90.2

52,553,133.0
90.1

58,793,344.0

90.0

104.4

22,466,619.0

103.4

25,384,289.7

103.0

97.2

50,097,046.5

97.3

53,529,772.8

97.6

Comparison
Comparison
Comparison
Phone and web
Comparison
Including phone
Daily Avg
with
with
with
betting onlywith 2022
and web betting(thousand yen) 2022/day
2022/day
2022/day(thousand yen)(%)(thousand yen)
(%)
(%)
(%)

Turnover (on and off-course)

Attendance and Turnover of Racing
by Local Governments in 2023

A portion of sales from racing by
local governments helps support theregional livestock industry and thelives of those living there.

National Association of Racing

43rd Floor, ARK Hills Sengokuyama Mori Tower
1-9-10, Roppongi Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-8639, JapanFor Inquiries Regarding this Pamphlet (International Help Desk)

Phone: +81-3-3583-6849
e-mail: intl@nar.keiba.go.jp
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Published August 2024