Ban'ei horse racing offers thrilling races featuring draft horses. Ban'ei Tokachi (Obihiro Racecourse) is the only place in the world that holds Ban'ei horse races year-round.
 
In addition to the stands where you can watch the races, there is also a "petting zoo" where you can interact with the draft horses and a "backyard tour" where you can see behind the scenes of the races, making it a facility that can be enjoyed by fans and first-timers alike.
 
This time, we'll be sharing the highlights and ways to enjoy Ban'ei Tokachi! 

 
Table of Contents:
1. What is Ban'ei horse racing?
2. Let's enjoy Ban'ei horse racing!
3. A petting zoo where you can interact with draft horses.
4. Behind the scenes of the race: a "backyard tour"
5. Morning training observation tour: Watch the horses in the early morning.
6. Access to Ban'ei Tokachi
Final thoughts
 
 

Image provided by: Ban'ei Tokachi

Image provided by: Ban'ei Tokachi
 
Ban'ei horse racing is a type of race in which horses pull iron sleds (up to 1 ton in weight) on a straight course that is 200 meters long and has two obstacles (slopes).
 
Draft horses pulling sleds = "Banbiki" → This is how it came to be called "Ban'ei horse racing."
 
Speed ​​isn't the only factor; the strength to pull the sled, endurance, and the jockey's technique are also crucial.

 

This race has its roots in festival horse races held by farmers using their farm horses.

With a history spanning 70 years as of 2016 (and 10 years as a solely run event in Obihiro City), it attracts attention both domestically and internationally as the world's only "reinforced horse" race.

Their body weight is about twice that of a Thoroughbred! (Some even weigh over 1 ton!)

"Draft horses" are not only large, but since they were originally farm horses, they are not only strong but also possess exceptional endurance.

During the Meiji era, Ban'ei horse racing originated from the lives of farmers in Hokkaido.

At the time, it started as a competition to test the value and strength of horses, and involved having two horses pull each other.
 
 

The method of using horses to pull sleds with excessive weight began around the end of the Meiji era and gradually became established as a festival for farm horses.
 
The sight of these farm horses pulling against each other is the origin of Ban'ei horse racing.

Do you think of Ban'ei horse racing as a race exclusively for "Dosanko" horses?
The origins of draft horses are diverse, ranging from France to Belgium.
 
◼︎ Percheron breed: Based on the large horses native to the Perche region of northwestern France.
◼︎ Breton breed: Native to the Brittany Peninsula in France.
◼︎ Belgian variety: A variety originally from the Brabant region of Belgium, which was improved in the United States.
 
The horses used in Ban'ei racing are predominantly mixed breeds (half-breeds, Japanese draft horses) of these breeds.
 
 

 
In flat racing, the finish line is determined by the horse's nose, but in Ban'ei horse racing, the finish line is determined when the last end of the sled crosses the finish line.
Image provided by: Ban'ei Tokachi
 
In Ban'ei horse racing, the percentage of track moisture on the day is displayed on the odds screen and electronic scoreboard. When the course is wet due to rain or snow, the sleds slide better and the times are faster, while on a sunny day the times are slower.
 
Compared to flat racing, Ban'ei horse racing is a battle where horse and rider work together as one, and the jockey's technique is said to be the most important factor.
 
In this type of race, jockeys must gauge their horse's condition and mood to overcome two obstacles (slopes). They must either attack aggressively or hold back to conserve stamina, employing different riding techniques and tactics than in flat racing, resulting in an exciting and thrilling race.
 

Now, let's actually go inside the Ban'ei Racecourse!
Image provided by: Ban'ei Tokachi
 

 
An admission ticket is required to enter the Ban'ei Racecourse. The admission fee is 100 yen (free for those under 15).

Ban'ei horse racing is held almost year-round, on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays. It takes place throughout the year.

The most popular season is winter. In summer, there are night races, while in winter, the races take place surrounded by snow.

Once you've passed through the entrance gate, try gathering data from the race card, results sheet, and odds (the expected odds of winning for a 100 yen bet on that race, displayed on the electronic scoreboard).
 
Even beginners like me can rest assured! There's a "Beginner's Corner" where they'll carefully explain how to buy betting tickets. Feel free to ask them any questions.

The horses appear in the paddock about 25 minutes before the race starts.
(*Paddock: A place where people can view racehorses before a race.)
Regular fans observe the horses' condition in the paddock.
 
I decided to go and check out the paddock too!

 
In the paddock, you can check things like whether the horses are energetic, calm, and have good overall balance before the race.
 
The key here, apparently, is to carefully observe the draft horses and choose one that seems to be in good condition.

The one that really caught my eye that day was number 8, Tenryu Speed.

It has a calm atmosphere, and the number 8 is considered auspicious because it widens in a circular shape.

Since it was available for purchase starting from 100 yen, I decided to give it a try.

Okay, the race is about to begin!
 
Image provided by: Ban'ei Tokachi

The regular fans are already waiting.

Ban'ei horse racing is a competition that tests speed and power on a straight, separate course.

It has started!

Very impressive!!
Some people even run alongside the horses and cheer them on as soon as the race starts!

 

The race reaches its climax: the second obstacle (a 1.6m slope), as the racehorses climb with all their might!

goal!
 
In the first race of the day, Tenryu Speed ​​came in second place.
 
One of the charms of Ban'ei horse racing is being able to accompany and cheer on the horses from start to finish!

At the organizing office located in the back of the photo, they offer a service to copy your betting slips.

This will be a memorable occasion!

 
You can get your winning ticket back at this automated refund machine.

140 yen. (To help with bus fare♪)
 
 
After the race, I decided to stop by the concession stand.
 
 
Popular souvenirs include magnets, straps, keychains, and horseshoes.

Image provided by: Ban'ei Tokachi

Image provided by: Ban'ei Tokachi

Within the Obihiro Racecourse grounds, there is also a zoo where you can interact with draft horses and various other animals.

You can interact with ponies, sheep, goats, chickens, and rabbits.

 
As the term "horse therapy" suggests, touching horses is very therapeutic!

Image provided by: Ban'ei Tokachi
 
 
 
Obihiro Racecourse Petting Zoo
 Business Hours | ■Horse racing days (Saturday to Monday) 10:00 AM - 17:00 PM
　　　　　■Non-event days (Wednesday to Friday) 11:00 AM - 15:00 PM
　　　　　*Closed every Tuesday
Admission Fee | ■Horse racing days (Saturday to Monday): 100 yen from opening time onwards
　　　  *Please check our website for opening times.
　　　http://www.banei-keiba.or.jp/topics/post-19.html 　　
　　　  ■ Non-event days (Wednesday to Friday): Free

Image provided by: Ban'ei Tokachi
 
The popular backyard tour allows you to see behind the scenes of the race, an area you normally can't access.
 
You can see the horses participating in the race with expressions you wouldn't normally see.
The tour is conducted on race days.

Image provided by: Ban'ei Tokachi
 
Regarding applications for the backstage tour:
 ■Reception Hours: From gate opening until tour start　
■Reception location: General information desk at the back of the 1st floor of the grandstand at Obihiro Racecourse
■Price: Adults 500 yen (includes souvenir), Children under elementary school age free (no souvenir)
*We do not accept applications by phone. Please contact the general information desk for details.

Image provided by: Ban'ei Tokachi

The annual "Morning Training Observation Tour" (fee required), where you can watch the draft horses being trained early in the morning.

It is held on days when major races are held, and every Sunday during the winter season.
*Please inquire for specific dates and times.
 
In the tranquil morning light, you can witness the sight of draft horses training by pulling sleds. Many visitors are so moved by this fantastical scene that they fall in love with draft horses and return every year.

Image provided by: Ban'ei Tokachi

Image provided by: Ban'ei Tokachi
 
(By car)
Approximately 15 minutes from the Otobuke-Obihiro Interchange on the Doto Expressway.
Approximately 15 minutes from the Memuro-Obihiro Interchange on the Obihiro-Hiroo Expressway.
Approximately 40 minutes from Obihiro Airport
taxi)
Approximately 2 kilometers from the south exit of Obihiro Station (approximately 7 minutes).
bus)
● Obihiro Station → Racecourse (approximately 10 minutes from Obihiro Station)
　Take the bus from platform 12 at Obihiro Station Bus Terminal and get off at "Keibajo" (Racecourse).
　Fare: 200 yen (operated by Tokachi Bus)
● Tokachi Obihiro Airport → Obihiro Racecourse
　From in front of the airport terminal entrance
　Departure approximately 15 minutes after the aircraft arrives.
　Fare: 1,000 yen
JR)
From Sapporo Station to Obihiro Station
(Approximately 2 hour and 15 minutes)
 
<Ban'ei Tokachi (Obihiro Racecourse)>
HP)http://www.banei-keiba.or.jp/index.html
Address: 9-chome, Nishi 13-jo, Obihiro City, Hokkaido
TEL：0155-34-0825
Admission fee: 100 yen (free for children under 15)
Parking: Free (1100 spaces)

Final thoughts

Image provided by: Ban'ei Tokachi
 
 
The world's only Ban'ei horse racing, registered as a Hokkaido Heritage site.
At Ban'ei Tokachi races, you can sometimes see horses adorned with flowers, ribbons, or braids.

In addition to the thrilling race viewing experience, you can feel closer to the relationship between horses and people, the people who love and support horses, and the people who work with horses.
 
You should definitely go and see it! 

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