KOCHI RACE TRACK

Courtesy JRA

Situated on Shikoku Island and at its current since April 1985, the NAR-run Kochi Keiba racecourse may not have the glamour of Ascot, but when it comes to passion (from the track staff through to the grooms and jockeys), it's every bit its equal.

It's actually quite ironic that most of the track's publicity in recent times came from a horse that just couldn't win - Haruurara - and there's a painting on the stand wall to commemorate that. However, Kochi was also home to Escape Hatch, who won a record 47 times in NAR, which is an amazing feat.

Kochi is also something of a breeding ground for up-and-coming young jockeys to make their name, with a number of today's popular 'Nankan' riders having honed their trade there. The Kochi-based 'All-Japan King of Rookies Championship' provides a perfect environment for them to show off their skills.

Arab racing finished at Kochi in 2008, leaving just Thoroughbreds to fight it out on the track, but night race meetings began at about the same time, allowing fans a wider time frame in which to enjoy their favourite sport. If you get the chance, watch the recent '72-Hour' NHK documentary on Kochi, and please try and show the place some support if ever you're in the area...