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Japan is no stranger to world class horseracing. With some of the most stunning stadiums in the world hosting huge events, the culture and appeal of thoroughbred racing is as strong in Japan as anywhere.
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The Japan Racing Association controls ten of the major courses in the country and four of these, Hanshin, Kyoto, Nakayama and Tokyo are considered to be the biggest and best with the capital city enjoying racing from both Nakayama and Tokyo. Tokyo racing in particular exemplifies the unique blend of world class racing with state of the art stadium facilities that have come to define Japanese horseracing to the world.
The great benefit for visitors and residents of Tokyo is that although both capital courses host Grade 1 races they alternate events offering racegoers every opportunity to attend the most popular races. Tokyo Racecourse is situated in the Fuchu area of the city and is the flagship arena of Japanese racing.
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This ‘racecourse of racecourses’ has a capacity for 230,000 people with seated viewing for 13,750. Purpose built in 1933 to meet the demands for horseracing in the country; recent developments include a seven year renovation project completed in 2007.
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As a result of the modernisation, Tokyo racing has been elevated to a status which illustrates how the future of horseracing will be. In addition to the developments of the main Fuji View Stand a new stand, the Memorial 60 was constructed and multi-screens encompassing the latest visual technologies and largest TV screens in the world deliver all the race action and information to enhance the live races. These new technologies combined with superb facilities and hospitality present an unparalleled horseracing experience for both avid and casual racegoers.
Like other courses in Japan, Tokyo Racecourse has a series of tracks devoted to all the most popular forms of horseracing, including a turf track, dirt track, and steeplechase track. All are encompassed within the oval turf track which itself comprises five different race settings.
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Many of the highest profile races in Japan are held at the course including the Grade 1 events the Japan Cup, February Stakes, and the Yasuda Kinen, in addition to the Japanese Oaks, Derby, NHK Mile Cup and Victoria Mile. All but the February Stakes, which is run on dirt, are held on the turf course.
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Two steeplechase events, the Tokyo High Jump, and Tokyo Autumn Jump also feature as part of the Tokyo racing repertoire and with racing held throughout the year there are ample opportunities for visitors to the city to enjoy some excellent racing during time any time spent in the city. As may be expected in Tokyo, the public transport mechanisms to get to the course are excellent, with stations within easy walking distance from all three main entrances.
Admission for Tokyo racing starts from just 200 Yen and is free on days which do not have live races but when all the facilities may be used for off-track betting. Both the re-developed Fuji View Grandstand and the new Memorial 60 Stand have 6 floors of facilities for racegoers. Non-reserved seating is available up to the fourth floor and there are many outlets for drinks, dining and betting found throughout.
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On the upper two floors there is a choice of reserved seating to enjoy the best panoramic views over the course. Smoking is permitted in designated smoking areas which are found on all floors.
Tokyo racing is very much an experience which combines the best of Japanese culture and attention to detail with a standard of racing which is renowned the world over. No stay in Tokyo would be complete without an unforgettable visit to the races.
This website is operated by Websitebrokers Limited and is not affiliated to any one racecourse or group of racecourses. |
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