Banei Horse Racing is the only race of its kind in the world. Large draft horses, weighing about 1 ton, race on a separate course in a 200 m straight line while pulling an iron sled that weighs up to 1 ton.
In contrast to the flatland horse racing widely known to the general public, the power and endurance of the horse, not only the speed, and the technique of the jockey when climbing over the obstacles determine the outcome of the race.
The race progresses slowly as the horse powerfully climbs over two obstacles while pulling a heavy sled. Being able to run and cheer on the side of the course with the horse is also a captivating aspect of Banei Horse Racing.
Banei Horse Racing, a culture unique to Hokkaido, was born from the harsh livelihood of the times when Hokkaido was being developed (around 1900). At that time, they would compete by having the horses play tug-of-war to test the value and strength of the workhorses. Later, it transformed into a competition which involved pulling a sled with added weight, and so it became established as a festival of workhorses, the "Draft Horse Festival."
Banei Horse Racing is the only one of its kind in the world, attracting attention both inside and outside Japan as the "pulling horse" race that helped develop Hokkaido. It is the most powerful form of horse racing.
In flatland horse racing, the race is decided when the tip of the nose of the horse crosses the finish line, but in Banei Horse Racing, the race is decided when the rear end of the sled crosses the finish line. This is because the focus of Banei Horse Racing is on "finishing the cargo-carrying job" and sometimes the horse may stop before completing the race.
With Banei Horse Racing, the level of track moisture is indicated on the electric scoreboard.
When it rains, the sled slides well, and the time becomes faster.
On a sunny day, there is less moisture, and the time becomes slower.
In comparison to flatland horse racing, Banei Horse Racing is a type of race where the technique of the jockey is more important.
As they think about how to overcome the two obstacles placed on the course, the jockeys will check one another. The jockey may decide to go aggressively all at once or take it easy. The jockey and horse run on the track as one, and the thrilling tactics mesmerize the fans.
The betting tickets are bought by filling out a mark card.
There are four types of mark cards, "Blue," "Red," "Green," and "Purple."
If you are buying a betting ticket for the first time, select "Blue" or "Red."
In Banei Horse Racing, there are eight types of betting tickets. Here, we explain how to buy a "win."
Recommended for horse racing beginners! This is an explanation of how to buy a "win" using the Light Card.
* Example/Race No. 10:
When buying ¥100 worth of 1 in a "win"
Once you understand how to fill out a Mark Card, let's buy a betting ticket.
* The cut-off time for buying a betting ticket is two minutes before the race starts! Please take note of this.
If you win, go to the Repayment Window.
If you insert the betting ticket into the automatic ticket machine, the repayment will be made automatically.
Restroom
Handicap Accessible Restroom
Locker
Smoking Section9 Nishi Jusanjo Minami, Obihiro 080-0023
TEL: +81-155-34-0825
FAX: +81-155-36-4618
Parking/750 cars
Entrance Fee/¥100
〈 By car 〉
Obihiro Hiroo Expressway
Approx. 15 min. from "Memuro Obihiro IC"
Approx. 15 min. from "Otofuke Obihiro IC"
Approx. 40 min. from Obihiro Airport
〈 By TAXI 〉
Approx. 7 min. from the South Exit of Obihiro Station
〈 By BUS 〉
* Obihiro Station→Keibajo (Racecourse) Operated by Tokachi Bus
Get on at Bus Terminal No. 12 of Obihiro Station, and get off at the "Keibajo" (Racecourse) bus stop.
Bus Stop/Timetable
* Tokachi Obihiro Airport→Obihiro Keibajo Mae (Obihiro Racecourse)
From the front of the entrance of the airport building
Departure approx. 15 minutes after the plane lands
Timetable
Tokachi Obihiro Airport
〈 By JR train 〉
Approx. 2 hours and 10 min. from Sapporo to Obihiro
JR Hokkaido
