Horse racing in Japan is one of the oldest sports in the country and has a long and rich history. Horse racing has been a part of Japanese culture since ancient times, with the first recorded race taking place in the year 711. Horse racing in Japan is known as Keiba, which literally translates to “race track”. The two main types of horse racing in Japan are flat racing and jump racing. Flat racing is the most popular, with races taking place on both dirt and turf tracks. Jump racing is more of a niche sport, with races taking place over fences and other obstacles.
The Different Types of Horse Racing in Japan
In Japan, there are three types of horse racing: flat racing, jump racing, and harness racing.
Flat Racing
Flat racing is the most popular and widely available type of horse racing in Japan. Races take place on both dirt and turf tracks. Races are typically contested by Thoroughbreds, but there are also races for Standardbreds and Quarter Horses.
Jump Racing
Jump racing is a less popular type of horse racing in Japan. Races take place over fences and other obstacles, and the horses must jump over them in order to complete the race. Races are typically contested by Thoroughbreds, but there are also races for Standardbreds and Quarter Horses.
Harness Racing
Harness racing is the least popular type of horse racing in Japan. Races take place on dirt tracks, and the horses must pull a sulky behind them in order to complete the race. Races are typically contested by Standardbreds, but there are also races for Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses.
The Major Horse Racing Events in Japan
There are several major horse racing events in Japan each year, which attract large crowds and generate a lot of excitement. The two most famous events are the Japan Cup and the Japan Derby.
Japan Cup
The Japan Cup is the biggest horse race in Japan and is held every year in November. It is a Grade 1 flat race that is open to horses of all ages, and is contested over a distance of 2,400 meters. The race is run at Tokyo Racecourse and offers a purse of ¥500 million (approximately $4.5 million).
Japan Derby
The Japan Derby is the second biggest horse race in Japan and is held every year in May. It is a Grade 1 flat race that is open to three-year old horses, and is contested over a distance of 2,400 meters. The race is run at Tokyo Racecourse and offers a purse of ¥250 million (approximately $2.3 million).
Horse Betting in Japan
Horse betting is an extremely popular activity in Japan. There are several different types of betting on horse racing in Japan, including Tote Betting, Parimutuel Betting, and Odds Betting.
Tote Betting
Tote betting is the most common type of betting in Japan. It is a form of parimutuel betting, where all the bets are pooled together and then distributed among the winners. Tote betting is available at all racetracks in Japan and is the most popular form of betting for the general public.
Parimutuel Betting
Parimutuel betting is the second most popular form of betting in Japan. It is similar to tote betting, but the bets are not pooled together and are instead distributed among the winners according to a pre-determined payout structure. Parimutuel betting is available at all racetracks in Japan and is the most popular form of betting for professional bettors.
Odds Betting
Odds betting is the least popular form of betting in Japan. It is a form of fixed odds betting, where the odds are determined by the bookmaker and remain fixed until the race has been run. Odds betting is available at some racetracks in Japan and is the most popular form of betting for casual bettors.
Where Can You Bet on Horses in Japan?
Horse betting is available at all racetracks in Japan. There are also several online betting sites that allow you to bet on horse racing in Japan. The most popular online betting sites are Bodog, RaceBets, and Betfair.
How to Bet on Horses in Japan
Betting on horse racing in Japan is relatively easy. Before you begin betting, you will need to open an account with an online betting site or at a racetrack. Once you have opened your account, you will need to deposit funds into it. You can then start betting on horse races.
Types of Bets
There are several different types of bets that you can place on horse races in Japan. The most common types of bets are Win, Place, Exacta, and Trifecta bets.
- Win – a bet on a horse to win the race
- Place – a bet on a horse to finish either first or second in the race
- Exacta – a bet on two horses to finish first and second in the exact order
- Trifecta – a bet on three horses to finish first, second, and third in the exact order
Benefits of Betting on Horses in Japan
Betting on horses in Japan can be a profitable and exciting activity. The most obvious benefit is that you can make a lot of money if you are successful. However, there are other benefits as well. Betting on horses can help you to gain an understanding of the sport, as well as the different types of horses and trainers. It can also be a great way to meet new people and make new friends.
Conclusion
Betting on horses in Japan can be a fun and profitable activity. There are several different types of betting available, and you can bet on horse races at both racetracks and online betting sites. It is important to understand the different types of bets before you begin betting, and to remember to gamble responsibly.