1. What is local racing in Japan?
2. What are the differences between Japan Racing Association (JRA) and NAR?
3. Overview of 15 NAR Racecourses in Japan
   1. Oi Racecourse
   2. Kawasaki Racecourse
   3. Funabashi Racecourse
   4. Urawa Racecourse
   5. Monbetsu Racecourse
   6. Obihiro Racecourse
   7. Morioka Racecourse
   8. Mizusawa Racecourse
   9. Kanazawa Racecourse
   10. Kasamatsu Racecourse
   11. Nagoya Racecourse
   12. Sonoda Racecourse
   13. Himeji Racecourse
   14. Kochi Racecourse
   15. Saga Racecourse
4. List of NAR Racecourses and organizers
5. NAR Latest News

What is local racing in Japan?

Local racing, also known as regional horse racing, is organized by local governments or associations composed of local government entities. The primary objectives of these races are to contribute to the improvement and proliferation of thoroughbreds, promote livestock industries, and support local government finances through the revenue generated from racing activities.
As of 2024, there are 14 organizations nationwide that host local races. These races are held almost daily at regional racecourses across 12 prefectures in Japan, regardless of whether it is a weekday or weekend.
One unique aspect of local racing in Japan is "Banei Racing," held exclusively at the Obihiro Racecourse. This form of racing is unique to this venue and cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
The National Association of Racing (NAR) serves as a public regional cooperative entity, conducting business and other activities that benefit the common interests of local racing organizers.
Revenue from the sale of betting tickets in local racing is distributed to winning bettors according to a predetermined percentage set by the organizers. The deducted amount covers expenses related to the races, such as prize money, and contributes to the NAR, local government financial institutions, and the organizers' revenue.

What are the differences between Japan Racing Association (JRA) and NAR?

The Japan Racing Association (JRA) is a special public corporation of the government. It manages races on a national scale, and the profits are used as contributions to the national treasury and grants to local governments.
In contrast, the National Association of Racing (NAR) is operated by local governments and special wards, with each regional racecourse having its own independent management system. The profits generated from these races become the revenue of local governments and are allocated to regional public and welfare projects.
Regarding prize money, the JRA distributes winnings to the horse owner, trainer, jockey, and owners' association. On the other hand, the NAR has its own unique prize distribution system that contributes to the economic development of the region.
Generally, the prize money in JRA races is set higher than that in NAR races.
Additionally, the JRA adopts an internationally recognized grading system, including G1, G2, and G3 races, ensuring a strict classification of races. In contrast, NAR races are characterized by their regional uniqueness and community-oriented approach. However, it is noteworthy that the Tokyo Daishoten, held at Oi Racecourse, is recognized as an international G1 race.

Overview of 15 NAR Racecourses in Japan

This section provides an overview of the 15 racecourses operated by the National Association of Racing (NAR) in Japan in a list format.

Oi Racecourse

Oi Racecourse is located in Shinagawa, Tokyo. Opened in 1950, it hosts number of major races under the NAR, including the G1 Tokyo Daishoten and the Jpn 1 Teio Sho. Along with Funabashi Racecourse, Kawasaki Racecourse, and Urawa Racecourse, it forms part of the "Minami-Kanto Public Racing" circuit.

Kawasaki Racecourse

Kawasaki Racecourse is located in Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Pref. Opened in 1950, it is hosted by the Kanagawa Pref Horse Racing Union. The racecourse features events such as the Jpn 1 Kawasaki Kinen and the Jpn 1 Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun.
Along with Oi Racecourse, Funabashi Racecourse, and Urawa Racecourse, it forms part of the "Minami-Kanto Public Racing" circuit.

Funabashi Racecourse

Funabashi Racecourse is located in Funabashi City, Chiba Pref. Opened in 1950, it hosts events such as the Jpn 1 Kashiwa Kinen. Along with Oi Racecourse, Kawasaki Racecourse, and Urawa Racecourse, it forms part of the "Minami-Kanto Public Racing" circuit.

Urawa Racecourse

Urawa Racecourse is located in Saitama City, Saitama Pref. Opened in 1947, it is hosted by the Saitama Pref Horse Racing Union. The Sakitama Hai, set to be upgraded to Jpn 1 status in 2024, is among the notable races held here. Along with Funabashi Racecourse, Oi Racecourse, and Kawasaki Racecourse, it forms part of the "Minami-Kanto Public Racing" circuit.

Monbetsu Racecourse

Mombetsu Racecourse is located in Saru District, Hokkaido. Opened in 1997, it was converted from a training center for Hokkaido Regional Racing, utilizing the existing facilities. It is known for hosting Japan's earliest 2-year-old Newcomer races.

Obihiro Racecourse

Obihiro Racecourse is located in Obihiro City, Hokkaido. Previously, it hosted both Hokkaido Regional Racing and Banei Racing, but since 1997, it has only held Banei Racing.

Morioka Racecourse

Morioka Racecourse is located in Morioka City, Iwate Pref. It features a turf course inside the dirt track, making it the only NAR racecourse in Japan to host turf races.

Mizusawa Racecourse

Mizusawa Racecourse is located in Oshu City, Iwate Pref. It opened in 1901 and moved to its current location in 1965. Notable horses that have been based here include Tokei Nisei, Meisei Opera, and Toho Emperor.

Kanazawa Racecourse

Kanazawa Racecourse is located in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Pref. The event is organized by both the Ishikawa Prefectural Horse Racing Bureau and Kanazawa City.

Kasamatsu Racecourse

Kasamatsu Racecourse is located in Hashima District, Gifu Pref. It opened in 1935. The event is organized by the Gifu Pref Horse Racing Union. Notable horses that have been based there include Oguri Cap, Fate Northern, Legend Hunter, and Love Michan.

Nagoya Racecourse

Nagoya Racecourse is located in Yatomi City, Aichi Prefecture. It is organized by the Aichi Pref Horse Racing Union. During Kasamatsu Racecourse meets, it operates off-course betting. Previously located in Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, it relocated to its current site in April 2022.

Sonoda Racecourse

Sonoda Racecourse is located in Amagasaki City, Hyogo Pref. It opened in 1930 and is organized by the Hyogo Pref Horse Racing Union. Originally a racecourse exclusively for Anglo-Arabian horses, it produced numerous renowned Arabian horses. Since 1999, Thoroughbreds racing have been introduced, and Arabian racing concluded in August 2004.

Himeji Racecourse

Himeji Racecourse is located in Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture. It opened in 1949 and is organized by the Hyogo Pref Horse Racing Union. Although no races were held from September 2012, the racecourse resumed operations on January 15, 2020, after an eight-year hiatus.

Kochi Racecourse

Kochi Racecourse is located in Kochi City, Kochi Pref. It opened in 1985 and is organized by the Kochi Pref Horse Racing Union. It is the only racecourse in the Shikoku region. The racecourse gained national attention when Haru Urara became a prominent topic, contributing to its increased recognition.

Saga Racecourse

Saga Racecourse is located in Tosu City, Saga Pref. It opened in 1972 and is organized by the Saga Pref Horse Racing Union. It was once part of the "Kyushu Racing" along with Nakatsu Racecourse and Arao Racecourse. In 2024, it will host the Japan Breeders' Cup races.

List of NAR Racecourses and organizers

NAR Latest News