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Joe Tuffin@JoeTuffin · Sep 5, 2026

🇯🇵 That was, without a shadow of a doubt, the best racecourse experience I have ever had. Japan have absolutely…

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Summary

A British racing enthusiast visited Hanshin Racecourse in Japan and was impressed by its superior facilities, reasonable pricing (£15 for two meals and drinks, 47p entry), family-friendly atmosphere, and merchandise offerings compared to UK racecourses like Ascot. They argue Japan has created an exemplary racing experience that focuses on the sport's grandeur rather than gambling, and UK racing should adopt similar approaches.

Summarized by ThreadOut AI from the full thread. May miss nuance — read the thread below.

  1. #1

    🇯🇵 That was, without a shadow of a doubt, the best racecourse experience I have ever had. Japan have absolutely nailed it. The racecourse makes Ascot look Chaddesley Corbett, and the day itself makes British racing look like hell. Little thread. 🧵👇 #競馬

    Joe Tuffin@JoeTuffin · Sep 5, 2026

    Hanshin. 🇯🇵 100¥ entry (47p)

  2. #2

    Look at this food court I mean seriously, it’s like an airport. There were two of these at the course Meal came to 3200¥ (£15.15), including two alcoholic drinks. £15 for two meals and two drinks! At a sports stadium!

  3. #3

    Some more prices. It was about 800¥ a pint, £3.79 Of Asahi no less

  4. #4

    The course itself is just mind boggling. Absolute massive, so well designed, SO clean. The most impressive stadia I’ve been in, was genuinely left speechless. Again, it makes Ascot look small fry

  5. #5

    Said it was like an airport, and like and airport they even have a lounge you can set up camp in Sofas in there and what not, immaculate vibes

  6. #6

    A merchandise store. I don’t know why we don’t do merch in UK racing bar those Rich Ricci scarves, but we need to do more. Lads when I say this store was packed… and full of people of all age and genders too. Those plushies are insanely popular

  7. #7

    Of course as it’s Japan there’s a trading card game as well. No idea what’s going on but still sick. I want to rip open some UK racing trading cards. I want to pack a shiny Lossiemouth

  8. #8

    They’ve also absolutely nailed the ‘racing is for everyone’ part of it. They had this for female racegoers, and the options for kids were mental. I obviously don’t have photos of that, but think prime wacky warehouse. There was also a garden with a paddling pool?

  9. #9

    I think if I was a kid I’d be begging my parents to take me racing there. It was actually so sick. And they’d happily take me because it cost FORTY SEVEN PENCE to attend.

  10. #10

    As a result of that there were construction workers who had popped in to watch a couple races on their lunch break. And why wouldn’t you? Watch a couple races, grab a bite at the food court, head back to the site. What a lunch that is

  11. #11

    So yeah to summarise, I’ve seen the blueprint on how racing should be done, and its world class. Every member of the BHA and every clerk of the course needs to go to Japan yesterday to see what is possible when you stop focusing on gimmicks and respect the grandeur of the sport

  12. #12

    I don’t see how anyone could attend Hanshin and not leave impressed/interested in the sport. It literally sold itself (And did it without gambling being the main focus may I add 😶‍🌫️) However I can see why someone would go to Cheltenham and have no interest in going racing again

  13. #13

    The UK has a long way to go, but seeing this has actually made me optimistic about what can be done on our shores So yeah, well played @JRA_Special, that is an unbelievable product you’ve created.

  14. #14

    @JRA_Special Oh, and it’s bring your own booze. 👍