Tokyo Hippodrome (Fuchu) 東京競馬場

Published on : 10/04/2018
by : S.V.

Gallop!

Turfists or simply curious people wishing to taste the excitement of horse racing, go trotting to the Tokyo racecourse, located in Fuchu. Recognized as the Rolls Royce of racetracks, it hosts the most prestigious races in the archipelago throughout the year.

Fuchu's Excellence

Since their introduction by foreign residents of Yokohama in 1862, the success of horse racing in the Japanese archipelago has not been denied. Each year, more than 21,000 races in this very popular discipline are contested throughout the country. In 1925, noting the impossible expansion of the Meguro racecourse (inaugurated in 1907), the local authorities chose the neighboring town of Fuchu to host the new Tokyo racetrack. This was inaugurated in 1933 . During the Second World War, the hippodrome was loaned to the army, which used it as a training camp.

hippodrome-fuchu-1940 — Fuchu Racecourse in 1940
Wikipedia

ecran_hippodrome_fuchu — Follow the race on the giant high definition screen
Nakashi / Wikimedia

Then, due to food shortage, the land of sports equipment is turned into a vast field of sweet potatoes! In October 1946, jockeys in colorful jackets returned to the premises. In 2007, the racecourse reopened after seven years of renovations . Now equipped with a multi-screen screen 66 meters wide and 11 meters high offering high definition images and a glass gallery between the paddock and the racetrack allowing spectators to appreciate the horses before the race , the racecourse enjoys an excellent reputation; that of being the racecourse of racecourses!

See also: The horse in Japan

Much more than shopping

In addition to this exceptional equipment, it offers many other possibilities for interaction with the equestrian world. Its racing museum , inaugurated in 1991, offers educational insights into sporting equestrian practice in Japan, on the most awarded horses and riders. The collections and temporary exhibitions also recall the importance of the horse in Japanese culture since the importation of the animal in the 4th century. Interactive installations allow the visitor to place himself for a few moments in the shoes of a jockey in a simulated race on the racecourse.

musee-course-fuchu — The Horse Racing Museum at Fuchu Racecourse
http://www.bajibunka.jrao.ne.jp

To do this, get on the life-size mechanized horse located in the starting stall. The doors open, the departure is given and place to the sensations! The racecourse also has relaxation and fun areas for the whole family. Horse-drawn carriage and mini-train rides, playgrounds, pony rides give it a little air of an amusement park ! In case of a little hunger, one of the 80 restaurants will surely meet your expectations.

To read: Yabusame, the archery of Japanese knights

Prestigious races

Fuchu Racecourse hosts high-level races including eight grade 1 competitions : Japan Cup, Tokyo Yushun, Tenno Sho, Yasuda Kinen, Yushun Himba, February Stakes, NHK Mile Cup and Victoria Mile. Contested for the first time in 1981, the Japan Cup is the most prestigious of all. This 2,400 meter flat race attracts Thoroughbreds from around the world on the last Sunday of November each year. In this race reserved for horses three years and older, all title contenders are invited. It is the most richly endowed race with a record total allocation of nearly 5 million euros and a winner's bonus of 2 million!

Practical advice

Tasting the unique and intense experience of a race in Fuchu will only cost you 200 yen (1€50)! You can buy your entry ticket when you arrive at the racecourse. From the grand entrance hall, head to the information desk. This provides the race program and betting guide in English free of charge. The latter explains the different possible bets. In the stands, armed with your binoculars, make yourself comfortable in one of the seats without reservations to savor the races to the cheers and cries of the crowd. In the upper levels of the racecourse, a special grandstand offers an exceptional view of Mount Fuji on a clear day. From Tokyo, don't hesitate to take a trial run!