A Horserace Unlike Any Other

Ban’ei Horse Racing is a one-of-a-kind race where large draft horses weighing over a ton pull large steel weights across a 200-meter long racecourse. This raw test of strength was initially held during festivals that honored workhorses across Hokkaido but are now only held in Obihiro. The race has evolved into an exhilarating event that draws huge crowds of spectators. Visitors come to watch these incredible animals as they climb over obstacles while pulling heavy sleds. The moment a competitor crests the “second hurdle,” the crowds go wild as they begin their rapid descent toward the finish line.