Tokyo Racecourse

Overview

Built in 1932 and officially opened in 1933, Tokyo Racecourse is widely regarded as the "racecourse of racecourses" in Japanese horseracing. Located in Fuchū, western Tokyo, it is easily accessible via public transport: a footbridge connects the venue directly to Fuchūkeiba-seimommae Station,Fuchūkeiba (Fuchu Racecourse) is another name derived from Fuchu City, where the Tokyo Racecourse is located. while another links it to JR East’s Fuchūhommachi Station. With a total spectator capacity of 223,000, including 13,750 seats, the racecourse serves as the premier venue for Japan’s most prestigious flat races, including the Japan Cup, the Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby), and the Yasuda Kinen, a key event in the Asian Mile Challenge.

History

Founding and early years

Tokyo Racecourse was constructed in 1932 on land in Fuchū, western Tokyo, and opened the following year under the Japan Racing Association (JRA)’s predecessor.

Post-war development and prestige

Following World War II, the racecourse underwent several upgrades, it became the permanent home of the Tokyo Yushun (first run in 1932) and later hosted the inaugural Japan Cup in 1981.

Modernization and renovation (2000–2007)

A redevelopment project, launched in 2000 and completed in 2007, transformed the venue into a state-of-the-art racing and entertainment complex. Among its key additions were the Fuji View Stand, the new main grandstand, which offers views of Mount Fuji on clear days, and the Memorial 60 Stand, erected to commemorate 60 years of the Japan Racing Association. The project also introduced what was then the world’s largest video screen, (66 meters by 11 meters), a record that stood until Kauffman Stadium surpassed it in 2009.

Physical layout and courses

The racecourse features three distinct tracks:

• Turf Course: Measuring 2,083 meters (6,834 ft) in circumference, it includes two chutes for 1,800 m and 2,000 m starts. Races are run on one of five rail settings:
  • A Course (on the hedge)
  • B Course (rail out 3 m)
  • C Course (rail out 6 m)
  • D Course (rail out 9 m)
  • E Course (rail out 12 m)
• Dirt Course: 1,899 meters (6,230 ft) around, with a 1,600-meter (5,200 ft) chute for shorter races.
• Jump Course: A 1,675-meter (5,495 ft) course designed for steeplechase events.

Historically, a 3,200-meter chute was used for the Tenno Sho (Autumn), but it was decommissioned after the race distance was shortened to 2,000 meters and is no longer in use.

Race timing protocol

Consistent with international standards, all races at Tokyo Racecourse employ a 5-meter gate run before official timing begins. This ensures accurate distance measurement from the moment horses pass the designated timing point.

Notable races

Track records

Source:

Gallerie

Notes

References

References

1. The Japan Association for International Horse Racing. "Racecourses (JRA): Tokyo Racecourse".
2. "所在地・アクセス：東京競馬場 JRA". Japan Racing Association.
3. "Tokyo Racecourse Information".
4. Team, The Japan Switch. (September 10, 2021). "The Ultimate Guide to Horse Racing in Japan".
5. "Tokyo｜Racecourses (JRA )｜Horse Racing in Japan".
6. "Tokyo Racecourse in Tokyo".
7. The Japan Association for International Horse Racing. "Tokyo Racecourse".
8. "International Federation of Horseracing Authorities".
9. "競馬メニュー JRA".