Early summer, 2024, only here in the world. Why don't you watch Banei Horse Racing at Obihiro Racecourse?

  • Hokkaido
  • Experience Gifu
Daytime race.
Hello everyone. This is the Hokkaido News Department. Today, I would like to introduce Banei Horse Racing held at Obihiro Racecourse. Have you ever watched Banei Horse Racing?

What is Banei Horse Racing?

Banzuma (horses) going over the obstacles.
Spectators aiming for the goal with the horses.
The horses that run in Banei Horse Racing are large "ban horses" weighing about one ton. BANBAI horse racing is the only race in the world held at Obihiro Racecourse (Banei Tokachi), where horses pull an iron sled weighing up to one ton along a 200-meter straight course, crossing two obstacles before reaching the finish line. Unlike ordinary horse races, this race requires power and endurance in addition to the horse's speed. The jockey's technique also determines the outcome of the race, and fans of "Banei Horse Racing" are fascinated by the power of the "ban horses" as they run through the course in unison with each other and with their riders. Although the speed is slow, one of the attractions of Banei Horse Racing is that the spectators cheer the horses from the start to the finish line as they move along the course side together.

The history of Banei Horse Racing.

Horse cultivation.
Banei Horse Racing was born more than 100 years ago in the harsh lifestyle of Hokkaido's pioneer days. At that time, two horses were pulled against each other to test the value and strength of farm horses, but this eventually became a competition in which the horses were pulled by a sled with an added weight, and became a popular pastime for the general public as a festival of farm horses, the "festival banba". Today, [Banei Keiba] is attracting worldwide attention as the only horse racing in the world.

You can't take your eyes off the heated race until the end.

The stands are like this.
In the commonly known horse races, the goal is decided by the nose, but in [Banei Keiba], the goal is decided when the last end of the sled crosses the goal line. This is because [Banei Horse Racing] is a race to "carry off the baggage," inheriting the culture of agricultural horses. Fans watching the race cannot take their eyes off the horses until the moment they cross the finish line. In Banei Horse Racing, the track condition is indicated on an electronic board. When it rains, the sledding slides better and the time is faster. On the other hand, on a sunny day, the sledding slides slower due to less moisture.

Obihiro Horse Racing Track [Banei Tokachi] is adjacent to "Fureai Zoo" and "Tokachimura".

Feeding the banshorses.
Entrance to Tokachimura.
At the "Fureai Zoo," in addition to the horses, visitors can interact with cute animals such as pony parents and their children, rabbits, etc., and even try feeding carrots (for a fee). The Fureai Zoo is closed on Tuesdays. Tokachimura is a complex facility that opened in August 2010 and sells original products that can only be purchased here. It also sells vegetables directly from Tokachi and sweets and dairy products made from Tokachi ingredients, making it a fun place to pick out souvenirs. Tokachimura is closed on Wednesdays. Obihiro Racecourse [Banei Tokachi] is a facility where everyone from children to adults can enjoy themselves from morning to night. Please come and visit us this summer vacation. For more information about race times and events, please check the official Banei Tokachi website.
Image courtesy of Banei Horse Racing/Horse Museum
The official website of Obihiro Racecourse [Banei Tokachi] is here.

Click here to search for the JR East View Dynamic Rail Package train + accommodation in the Obihiro area.

For train + accommodation reservations in the Obihiro area, please visit the JR East View Dynamic Rail Package at
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