“Banei Horse Racing,” held only in Obihiro, Hokkaido, is a unique race where victory is decided by sheer power and strategy. Watching these powerful draft horses pull heavy iron sleds as they conquer two hills on a straight 200-meter track is breathtaking—even for those who are not regular horse racing fans.
If you’re going to watch, we highly recommend buying a ticket and joining in the fun. Having a horse you’ve chosen makes the excitement of the race multiply many times over.
So here’s a simple, beginner-friendly guide to the steps from buying a betting ticket to enjoying the race on the day. Read it beforehand, and if you get lost on-site, just check the parts you need on your smartphone for reassurance. We hope it serves you like a lucky charm.
Banei Tokachi Hosts a MATOKA Sponsored Race! The Editorial Team Went All Out and Joined the Fun At the world’s only horse racing event, “Banei Toka...
Contents
- Banei Horse Racing — A Race Rooted in the Strength Competitions of Draft Horses
- How to Enjoy the Race — Step-by-Step Guide to Buying Tickets
- STEP 1: Grab a Race Program Upon Entry
- STEP 2: Take in the Atmosphere of the Racecourse
- STEP 3: Observe the Horses in the Paddock
- STEP 4: Check the Odds and Choose Your Horse
- STEP 5: Choose Your Bet Type and Fill in the Mark Card
- STEP 6: Purchase at the Ticket Machine
- STEP 7: Watch the Race
- STEP 8: Check Results and Collect Winnings
- Four Unique Charms of Banei Horse Racing
- Easy to Enjoy Even for Beginners
Banei Horse Racing — A Race Rooted in the Strength Competitions of Draft Horses
Banei Horse Racing traces its origins to the “strength competitions” of draft horses that supported Hokkaido’s pioneering era. Today, it is the only race of its kind in the world, held exclusively at Obihiro Racecourse. Here’s a simple comparison between Banei and conventional Thoroughbred racing.
| Comparison Point | Banei Horse Racing | Conventional Racing (Thoroughbred) |
| Type of Horse | Banei draft horses (heavy breeds), with roots in France and Belgium. | Thoroughbreds, bred for speed. |
| Build | Weighing about 800–1,200 kg. Gentle yet powerful, with sturdy legs. | Weighing about 400–500 kg. Known for their sleek physique. |
| Race Format | The jockey does not ride the horse but stands on the sled being pulled, guiding with reins. | The jockey rides on the horse’s back. |
| Course Features | 200-meter straight track with two hills (obstacles). | Typically oval tracks, about 1,600–2,200 meters long. |
| Finish Judgment | When the rear end of the sled crosses the finish line. | When the horse’s nose crosses the finish line. |
Unlike conventional racing, Banei Horse Racing stands out for its unique horses, rules, and viewing style. It has long been cherished as a distinctive part of Tokachi culture.
Inside the venue, you’ll see many tourists. Rather than feeling like a typical gambling venue, it has a relaxed atmosphere that’s easy to enjoy. Even if you’ve never experienced horse racing before, it’s a perfect place for a first try.
How to Enjoy the Race — Step-by-Step Guide to Buying Tickets
The spacious venue buzzes with racing fans. As a beginner, I wondered, “Where do I even start?” But by gathering clues and taking it step by step, I managed to buy a ticket and enjoy the race.
Honestly, there were moments of confusion. Knowing the basics beforehand makes things much easier. Based on my own experience, here’s a guide to buying betting tickets while covering the common stumbling points for beginners.
Horse racing can be deep and complex, but here we’ll stick to just the essentials—so you know exactly what to do on the day.
STEP 1: Grab a Race Program Upon Entry
You can enter Obihiro Racecourse through the popular tourist spot “Tokachimura.”
There’s a gate at the entrance, which might make you wonder if there’s an admission fee—but currently, admission is free. The staff greet visitors with smiles, creating a welcoming atmosphere.
Once inside, pick up a race program near the entrance. It includes the day’s race schedule and participating horses.
You don’t need to read every detail.
Just note the race number and start time. Think of it as your map for deciding which race to watch.
STEP 2: Take in the Atmosphere of the Racecourse
After getting your program, take a lap around the venue. There are multiple races per day, usually starting about every 30 minutes. Unless you’re determined to see a specific race, there’s no need to rush.
As you walk around, get a sense of where things are. For buying tickets, just locate these two:
- Mark card (where you fill in your bet)
- Ticket machine (where you insert the mark card to purchase)
Knowing where they are will save you trouble.
“Kitchen Banei,” with a nostalgic, old-fashioned diner atmosphere
If you get hungry, head to the dining area. Deciding what to eat is part of the fun. Many items are reasonably priced—perfect before watching a race.
For food lovers, Tokachimura is also recommended
Adjacent to the racecourse, Tokachimura offers local specialties like pork bowls, ramen, and sweets. If you’d like to eat first and then watch the race, it’s worth a visit.
Tokachimura is a sightseeing spot adjacent to Obihiro Racecourse, where you can watch “Banei Horse Racing,” the only one of its kind in the world. It’...
STEP 3: Observe the Horses in the Paddock
Before placing your bet, head to the paddock. The paddock is where the horses walk around before the race, led by handlers. It starts about 30 minutes before race time.
Here you can closely observe each horse. While seasoned fans try to spot winners, beginners can simply look for their “favorite” based on intuition.
Even without expert knowledge, you may find yourself thinking, “That one looks strong!”
Points to check:
- Is the coat shiny?
- Do the eyes look sharp?
- Does the horse hold its head high confidently?
If a horse seems restless, you might wonder if it’s not in top condition.
Photography is allowed, but no flash. Keep your voice low so you don’t startle the horses.
STEP 4: Check the Odds and Choose Your Horse
After picking a horse in the paddock, check the odds on the monitors.
Odds indicate the payout multiplier if you win. Lower odds mean higher popularity (and perceived higher chance of winning); higher odds mean less popular but potentially bigger payouts.
If your favorite horse has high odds, you might hesitate—but go with what feels right.
You may notice a “☆” mark next to some jockey names.
This indicates a weight allowance (lighter load for the horse), which can be advantageous—though often assigned to less experienced jockeys.
STEP 5: Choose Your Bet Type and Fill in the Mark Card
Beginners only need to remember these four bet types:
| Bet Type | What You Predict | Example |
| Win | Predict the 1st-place horse | Bet on No.5 → Win if No.5 finishes 1st |
| Place | Horse finishes in top 3 | Bet on No.5 → Win if No.5 finishes 1st–3rd |
| Quinella | Pick the 1st and 2nd horses (any order) | Bet 4–5 → Win if 4 and 5 finish 1st/2nd in any order |
| Wide | Pick two horses finishing in top 3 | Bet 7–9 → Win if both finish in top 3 |
Once decided, fill in the mark card following the steps shown.
Mark Card Steps:
- Mark the racecourse
- Mark the race number
- Mark the bet type
- Mark the horse number(s)
- Mark the amount
If unsure, use the beginner’s corner for help—they’re friendly and thorough.
STEP 6: Purchase at the Ticket Machine
After filling out the card:
- Insert money
- Insert mark card
- Receive ticket
Purchase deadline is 2 minutes before race start—don’t wait until the last second.
STEP 7: Watch the Race
Once you have your ticket, enjoy!
The second obstacle (the taller hill) is especially exciting for beginners, where strategy and power are most visible.
The second floor offers a great view
From upstairs, you can see the full flow of the race—from start to finish—making it easier to follow the action.
STEP 8: Check Results and Collect Winnings
After the race, check the monitors for results. If you’ve won, use a payout machine.
Insert your winning ticket and collect your money—the thrill of that moment is addictive.
Four Unique Charms of Banei Horse Racing
Banei offers experiences you won’t find elsewhere:
Power and Strategy at Two Obstacles
Pulling sleds weighing up to one ton, these horses require both strength and tactics—especially at the 1.6-meter second hill.
Walk Alongside the Race
Because the pace is slower, spectators can walk along the track and feel close to the action.
History and Cultural Heritage
Banei preserves the legacy of draft horses that supported Hokkaido’s pioneering era. Despite once facing closure, it survives thanks to public support.
Host Your Own Sponsored Race
You can even name and sponsor your own race. Individuals can apply starting from 10,000 yen per share—creating memorable experiences while supporting the sport.
Tokachimura is a sightseeing spot adjacent to Obihiro Racecourse, where you can watch “Banei Horse Racing,” the only one of its kind in the world. It’...
Easy to Enjoy Even for Beginners
Compared to other horse racing, Banei feels more like a sightseeing attraction, with many visitors enjoying it casually.
The trickiest part for beginners is the flow: choose bet type → fill mark card → purchase at machine. Reviewing this beforehand makes the day much smoother.
Once you understand the process, you can fully focus on the race and immerse yourself in the power and strategy that define Banei Horse Racing.
