Horse Racing Day

What Is Horse Racing Day?

Every September 16th is "Horse Racing Day" (競馬の日, Keiba no Hi) in Japan. On September 16, 1954, the Japan Racing Association (日本中央競馬会, JRA) was established under the supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, which is why the day is also known as the "Japan Racing Association Founding Day." The JRA took over the racing that had previously been run directly by the government, and was set up as a special public corporation under the Japan Racing Association Act. The day is a chance to look at horse racing not only as betting, but as a sport and as part of Japan's equestrian culture.

From Government-Run Racing to the JRA

Modern horse racing in Japan changed its form of management several times before and after the war.

• The prewar Japan Racing Society: Local racing clubs were merged to form the Japan Racing Society (日本競馬会) in 1936, and major races such as the Japanese Derby (Tokyo Yushun), the Satsuki Sho and the Kikuka Sho took shape during this period.
• Postwar government-run racing: The Japan Racing Society continued to run racing for a few years after the war, but it was dissolved in 1948 and racing passed to direct government operation by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
• 1954: the JRA is founded: Under the Japan Racing Association Act, the JRA was established as a special public corporation and took over government-run racing. It still organizes central racing today under the supervision of the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

"JRA Anniversary Week"

In central racing, the meeting held over the three-day weekend around Respect for the Aged Day, close to the founding anniversary, is called "JRA Anniversary Week," featuring races named after past champions and various events. Around this time of year is a good moment to experience the atmosphere at a racecourse or on a TV broadcast.

Fun Facts About Horse Racing

• The three foundation sires: Tracing the male line, almost all of today's Thoroughbreds are said to descend from three stallions brought to England in the late 17th and early 18th centuries: the Darley Arabian, the Godolphin Arabian and the Byerley Turk. Being able to follow a pedigree back many generations is one of the unique pleasures of racing.
• The first Japanese Derby was in 1932: The first Japanese Derby (Tokyo Yushun) was held in 1932 at the racecourse in Meguro, Tokyo. It moved to the present Tokyo Racecourse in Fuchu from the third running in 1934.
• Ten racecourses nationwide: The JRA holds central racing at ten racecourses: Sapporo, Hakodate, Fukushima, Niigata, Tokyo, Nakayama, Chukyo, Kyoto, Hanshin and Kokura.
• Betting revenue that reaches the national treasury: Part of the JRA's sales is paid to the national government as a "national treasury payment," which is used to promote the livestock industry and support social welfare.
• The year horse ages changed: Japanese racing long stated horses' ages using the traditional East Asian counting system, but in 2001 it switched to actual ages to match international standards. That is why what used to be called "classics for 4-year-olds" are now called "classics for 3-year-olds."

Ideas for Horse Racing Day

• Watch the horses circle the paddock and feel the power of a race, at a racecourse or on TV.
• Trace the pedigree of a favorite horse and see which great horses it descends from.
• Look back on the history of the JRA and of major races such as the Japanese Derby.
• Find a chance to meet horses outside of racing, such as a riding lesson or a farm visit.

A Day to Reflect on Over 70 Years of Central Racing

September 16 is a day to look back on the history of central racing since the JRA was founded in 1954. Bloodlines passed down over generations, and the long preparation by people and horses that goes into the brief moment from the opening of the gate to the finish line: looking beyond the results to what lies behind them may change the way you see horse racing. As the autumn racing season begins, why not take a moment to appreciate the culture that people and horses have built together?