Horse racing is booming across Japan with proceeds hitting record levels due to the growth of online betting amid the coronavirus pandemic, with profits giving a boost to the finances of regional governments through added tax revenue.
Local horse racing had been declining following the end of the country's economic boom in the early 1990s, causing a series of racetracks to shut down.
In many cases, local governments are involved in the organizing of such races, in contrast with major races that are normally hosted by the Japan Racing Association.