Wagering Down, Major Race Purses to Increase in Japan

Handle for major races at the Japan Racing Association this autumn shows a slight decrease. Compared to last year, the total handle during the Oct. 27 Tenno Sho Autumn (G1) at Tokyo Racecourse was down 0.3%, the Nov. 10 Queen Elizabeth II Cup (G1) at Kyoto Racecourse was down 0.6%, and the Nov. 17 Mile Championship (G1) at Kyoto was down 1.5%. As personal consumption in Japan is sluggish in general, the handle on horse racing has been progressing steadily. Meanwhile, the JRA has announced that the purses of several major races will increase in 2025. Prize money to the winner of the March 30 Osaka Hai (G1) at Hanshin is raised from ¥200 million in 2024 to ¥300 million (approx.US$1.93 million) in 2025; and prize money to the winner of the May 4 Tenno Sho Spring (G1) at Kyoto, June 15 Takarazuka Kinen (G1) at Kyoto, and Nov. 2 Tenno Sho Autumn at Tokyo is raised from ¥220 million in 2024 to ¥300 million in 2025. Organizers of regional racing are still enjoying good business as the meeting at Mombetsu Racecourse in Hokkaido in 2024 concluded Nov. 7. Total handle through 84 days, was ¥54,365,674,750 (approx. US$351,163,116), a 6% increase from 2023 and a new record at Monbetsu. It is notable that 93.5% of the total handle was placed through the internet, as horse racing is an entertainment that can be accessed anywhere.