KAWASAKI RACE TRACK
Although one has the image of a modern facility thanks to 'Dream Vision' (the world's longest screen to follow the racing), the Kawasaki Keiba track has a long history attached to it.

Originally established in October 1948 at Totsuka as Kanagawa Prefecture Keiba, the racecourse was moved to its present location in the following year, with the renamed Kawasaki Keiba track ultimately holding its first race there in January 1950 - the five-day meeting attracting a crowd of over 51,000.

The riverside Komukai training area was set-up at the end of 1951, although the entire facility (track included) was sold in 1957 to the Kanto Race Club. New stands were added and others refurbished in the 1970s and 1980s, but the place was almost closed down in 1986. Public outcry saved the track, and eventually preparations were completed for night racing in 1995 - a highly-successful project bringing JRA and NAR race cards together under floodlit conditions, beyond working hours.

As it happens, Kawasaki is the only other track in addition to Tokyo-Oi to hold 'nighter' meetings in the Minami-Kanto region, but the emphasis is on creating a family outing atmosphere - an ideal spot for a nice summer evening out, a drop of beer and a picnic on hand, with people almost using the track as a park in amongst the urban sprawl. Even the training areas bring the horses closer to the public, being on the side of the river close by, and visible to anyone strolling along the river bank.

As well as the official track fan club, I also like the support the jockeys are given in the way of promotional goods - keyrings carrying the rider's name and colours, and even replica silks (get ready to sign something else, Hiro-san!). With Fairy Robe now stationed at the Kawasaki facility, you can be sure I'll be visiting there more often from now on.