The summer meet at Niigata Racecourse opened on July 27th with a new initiative to combat the heat: extended race times. The first race started at 9:35 AM, and following the conclusion of Race 5 at 11:40 AM, there was a three-and-a-half-hour break. During this intermission, a "Paddock Walk" was held, allowing fans to explore the paddock, an area usually off-limits to the public. The event drew a large crowd, eager to take advantage of this unique opportunity.

A total of 1,830 participants enjoyed the experience for an hour and twenty minutes. A local fan from Niigata commented, "It was enjoyable to see the inside. It's a rare opportunity." He also noted, "The long break was surprisingly nice since the food stalls weren't crowded. I enjoyed the races at Sapporo too." Another fan who travelled from Ibaraki Prefecture shared, "I walked around the paddock three times, even with the mist, it was hot. I gained a new appreciation for the grooms."

While some fans appreciated the change, saying, "It's necessary because of the heat. This approach should be used throughout the summer, and fans will understand," others were less enthusiastic. One fan remarked, "It's too much idle time. I'm trying to figure out what to do during the break."