Ban'ei#Japanese Draft Horse

Ban'ei racing has its probable origin in agricultural work, when horses were used to pull farming machinery and sleds of wood. Eventually, the horses were tested for speed and strength in festivals of the late Meiji Era ({{circa}}1900).https://web.archive.org/web/20090511181501/http://www.banei-keiba.or.jp/baneiguide/whats_hist.html ばんえい競馬の歴史

The popularity of ban'ei grew; in 1953, Hokkaido's four cities (Kitami, Asahikawa, Iwamizawa, and Obihiro) began to manage races. The former three closed operations in 2007 due to declining revenues. Obihiro racecourse is now the only one currently active, hosting races most Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays. Races are also held to mark special occasions, such as New Year's Day,[http://www.banei-keiba.or.jp/data/fd/000000/00/0000000001/nenkan_kaisai.jpg 年間開催日程] and there are many regional races known as ban'ei koshien.

The Obihiro racecourse nearly closed in 2006 before Softbank, a Japanese mobile phone company, provided funds for the races to continue.[https://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/25/world/asia/25japan.html A Horse-Racing Tradition Lumbers Into Its Final Stretch] New York Times article on Ban'ei racing published 25 December 2006, accessed 24 October 2011 Odds Park Cup race, named after the internet-betting subsidiary of Softbank, was established in 2007 as an expression of gratitude.http://www.keiba.go.jp/KeibaWeb/DataRoom/JyusyoRaceRekidaiWinhorse?k_raceNo=2162&k_babaCode=3 ばんえい十勝オッズパーク杯 Other companies, such as Rakutenhttp://www.keiba.go.jp/KeibaWeb/TodayRaceInfo/RaceMarkTable?k_raceDate=2016%2f08%2f08&k_raceNo=6&k_babaCode=3 第49回楽天競馬ばんえい応援賞B4－2{{cite web|url=http://keiba.rakuten.co.jp/event/banei_cheer|title=ばんえい十勝応援企画2016第2弾:おトク情報:楽天競馬|publisher=}} and Sapporo Brewerieshttp://www.keiba.go.jp/KeibaWeb/TodayRaceInfo/RaceMarkTable?k_raceDate=2016%2f06%2f12&k_raceNo=10&k_babaCode=3 サッポロビール賞シルバーカップA1・A2混合 have added their sponsorship and several support schemes have been initiated, including a race-sponsoring scheme for individuals.https://web.archive.org/web/20160306190159/http://www.banei-keiba.or.jp/info/kozinkyousan2012.html 個人協賛について

File:Ban'eicourse.JPG

The ban'ei course consists of a {{convert|200|m}} dirt track with lanes separated by ropes laid in the sand. This creates ten lanes, each incorporating a starting gate and two hill-shaped obstacles. The second and steeper obstacle is called the Ban'ei Point. Horses haul sleds across this track, with the weight of each sled ranging from {{convert|450|kg}} to 1 ton, as seen in the Ban'ei Kinen event.https://web.archive.org/web/20090511181713/http://www.banei-keiba.or.jp/baneiguide/whats_column.html ばんえい競馬コラム(Archived from the original on May 11, 2009. Retrieved September 4, 2016)

Jockeys stand and balance on the sled, using long reins as a whip and weight slabs under the feet of the jockey in place of a saddle. Each jockey must weigh at least {{convert|75|kg}}; if the jockey is underweight, slabs are added to meet the smallest weight. Horses are often deliberately stopped after the first obstacle, and given a chance to rest before being ushered to climb the second. A horse has not finished until the entire sled has crossed the finish line.

After the race completes, racehorses are freed from the sleds and led to the back yard, while the sleds are returned to the starting gate with the aid of a trolley. The amount of weight a horse must pull is determined by several factors, with younger horses and mares pulling less than older horses and stallions. A horse's group and rating—which further determines the required weight—depends upon the amount of money the horse has previously earned. Horses compete in groups labeled 1–26, and groups are rated with Open, A1, A2, B1, B2, B3, B4, C1, C2 or D (in order of decreasing winnings).https://web.archive.org/web/20160304121654/http://www.banei-keiba.or.jp/racemenu/pdf/21bangumi-youryou.pdf 平成28年度 帯広市ばんえい競馬番組編成要領 This is like the system used in Japanese thoroughbred racing. The weight allowance of jockeys is either {{convert|10|or|20|kg}}, based on the number of wins.

Because ban'ei racing is about strength and not speed, the winning time of major races is often slower than lower-class races, where even a small overtime can have a horse disqualified.http://www2.keiba.go.jp/KeibaWeb/TodayRaceInfo/RaceMarkTable?k_raceDate=2015%2f06%2f15&k_raceNo=1&k_babaCode=3 Disqualification in normal race – weight 480kg, time 3:57:5, winner's time 1:50:6http://www2.keiba.go.jp/KeibaWeb/DataRoom/JyusyoRaceRekidaiWinhorse?k_raceNo=2154&k_babaCode=3 Winning times of Ban'ei Kinen(since 1973) – several times over four minutes With suitable ground conditions, horses pulling lightly loaded sleds can clock speeds under 50 seconds.http://www2.keiba.go.jp/KeibaWeb/TodayRaceInfo/RaceMarkTable?k_raceDate=2011%2f12%2f29&k_raceNo=11&k_babaCode=3 Hokushou Battle: 490kg in 0:44:3http://www2.keiba.go.jp/KeibaWeb/TodayRaceInfo/RaceMarkTable?k_raceDate=2012%2f03%2f12&k_raceNo=10&k_babaCode=3 Oidon: 490kg in 0:47:6 The condition of the track is described using measured-moisture percentage.http://www2.keiba.go.jp/KeibaWeb/DataRoom/RaceHorseInfo?k_lineageLoginCode=22163404870&k_activeCode=1 Example record of scale used (after horse is retired, scale rating is changed to one used in thoroughbred racing) The track is repaired manually during or between races. Watering is used to prevent excess dust from irritating horses and people.{{cite web |url=http://www.banei-keiba.or.jp/topics/523-8.html【お知らせ】走路散水について(5/23) |title=Archived copy |website=www.banei-keiba.or.jp |access-date=30 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161116015212/http://www.banei-keiba.or.jp/topics/523-8.html【お知らせ】走路散水について(5/23) |archive-date=16 November 2016 |url-status=dead}} Heating systems allow racing during the winter months.{{cite web |url=http://www.banei-keiba.or.jp/topics/post-352.html【お知らせ】本走路のヒーティング稼動および砂障害の撤去 |title=Archived copy |website=www.banei-keiba.or.jp |access-date=30 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161116015210/http://www.banei-keiba.or.jp/topics/post-352.html【お知らせ】本走路のヒーティング稼動および砂障害の撤去 |archive-date=16 November 2016 |url-status=dead}}

File:Ban'ei Horse.jpg

Horses in ban'ei are often either purebred or crossbred variations of Belgian, Breton, or Percheron draft horses. Their weight can surpass one ton, twice the weight of a thoroughbred.

Potential stock is chosen from draft horses raised for meat.http://www.maff.go.jp/j/chikusan/kikaku/lin/pdf/27_zentai.pdf 88% percent of this industry is concentrated to Hokkaido and trend is decreasing.(pg. 2, classification "農用馬")(Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries)[http://www.maff.go.jp/j/chikusan/kikaku/lin/pdf/uma_siryou4.pdf 馬の改良増殖等をめぐる情勢 平成26年6月](pg. 2, 8.)(Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries)

Most ban'ei horses start official racing as two-year-olds after passing inspection held between April and August.{{cite web|url=http://www.banei-keiba.or.jp/racemenu/nouryokukensa.html|title=【平成28年度 能力検査について】ばんえい十勝オフィシャルホームページ|access-date=2016-04-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160601170326/http://www.banei-keiba.or.jp/racemenu/nouryokukensa.html|archive-date=2016-06-01|url-status=dead}} Regional races ("ban'ei koshien") with finals for yearlings are held in October.{{cite web|url=http://www.banei-keiba.or.jp/event/1025261.html |title=【お知らせ】10/25～26全道祭典ばんば1歳馬決勝大会-ばんえい十勝オフィシャルホームページ |date=22 March 2015 |url-status=bot: unknown |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150322111403/http://www.banei-keiba.or.jp/event/1025261.html |archivedate=22 March 2015 }}{{cite web |url=https://www.banei-owners.jp/2014/10/23/%EF%BC%91%EF%BC%90%E6%9C%88%EF%BC%92%EF%BC%95%E6%97%A5-%E5%9C%9F-%EF%BC%92%EF%BC%96%E6%97%A5-%E6%97%A5-%E3%81%AF%E5%85%A8%E9%81%93%E7%A5%AD%E5%85%B8%E3%81%B0%E3%82%93%E3%81%B0%EF%BC%91%E6%AD%B3%E9%A6%AC%E6%B1%BA%E5%8B%9D%E5%A4%A7%E4%BC%9A/ |title=10月25日（土）、26日（日）は全道祭典ばんば1歳馬決勝大会！！ - 一般社団法人 ばんえい競馬馬主協会 |website=www.banei-owners.jp |access-date=6 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924185836/https://www.banei-owners.jp/2014/10/23/%EF%BC%91%EF%BC%90%E6%9C%88%EF%BC%92%EF%BC%95%E6%97%A5-%E5%9C%9F-%EF%BC%92%EF%BC%96%E6%97%A5-%E6%97%A5-%E3%81%AF%E5%85%A8%E9%81%93%E7%A5%AD%E5%85%B8%E3%81%B0%E3%82%93%E3%81%B0%EF%BC%91%E6%AD%B3%E9%A6%AC%E6%B1%BA%E5%8B%9D%E5%A4%A7%E4%BC%9A/ |archive-date=24 September 2020 |url-status=dead}} Horses that do not pass inspection are either sent back to a breeder as they can be used in events or tourism,http://www.maff.go.jp/j/chikusan/sinko/lin/l_katiku/zyosei/pdf/uma_h1804.pdf 馬 – 2006 or to feedlot.

Competing horses are mainly solid-coloured, but there have also been pinto ban'ei horses{{cite web|url=http://www.banei-keiba.or.jp/staff_blog/2012/05/post-269.html|title=駁毛（ぶちげ）のエンジェルガガ デビュー – ばんえい十勝スタッフブログ|publisher=}}{{cite web|url=http://www.banei-keiba.or.jp/staff_blog/2016/01/post-408.html|title=異色対決 – ばんえい十勝スタッフブログ|publisher=}}{{cite web|url=http://www.banei-keiba.or.jp/staff_blog/2010/05/post-138.html|title=ガンバレ、がんばる！ – ばんえい十勝スタッフブログ|publisher=}} and two dominant whites.{{cite web|url=http://www.banei-keiba.or.jp/staff_blog/2012/07/704kg.html|title=704kg ハクバビューティー – ばんえい十勝スタッフブログ|publisher=}}{{cite web|url=http://www.banei-keiba.or.jp/staff_blog/2012/06/post-295.html|title=ハクバビューティー、負けん気爆発！ – ばんえい十勝スタッフブログ|publisher=}}{{cite web|url=http://www.banei-keiba.or.jp/staff_blog/2016/07/post-423.html|title=7月3日(日) ハクバボーイ – ばんえい十勝スタッフブログ|publisher=}}http://www.bajikyo.or.jp/pdf/journal201103.pdf JEAA journal issue 6 from 2011 where Hakuba Beauty (then known as "Hakubahime") is gene-tested for W17. (pg. 6)

Former racehorses not eligible for breeding are usuallyhttp://junglefukuoka.com/service/horseclub/tsuyazakikankoubasha.html Ban-ei horse with second career as carriage horse sold for meat. At the close of every fiscal year during the end of March, prolific retiring racehorses are honoured at their own ceremony. The National Association of Racing (NAR) annually awards the best horse.http://japanracing.jp/en/news-photos/awards/index.html(in English)

The Japanese draft horse is a breed with open studbook created by crossing purebred and half bred horses together for five consecutive generations. Horses that don't meet this requirement have been registered since 2003 as half-blood draft horses.[http://www.bajikyo.or.jp/pdf/2014kitei.pdf 輓系馬の部](pg. 3)

Eight draft breeds have been listed as eligible for the breeding program: Ardennes, Clydesdale, Shire, Brabançon, Breton, Boulonnais, Belgian and Percheron.[http://www.bajikyo.or.jp/pdf/2014kitei.pdf 輓系馬の部](pg 2.) This is not directly comparable to breeding stock available. {{As of|2015}}, purebred stallions in stud are Bretons and Percherons,[http://www.bajikyo.or.jp/pdf/28_syuyuuba.pdf 種雄馬名簿] while data about new registrations of broodmares from 2014 indicates that from purebreds, three form most: Bretons, Percherons, and Belgians.http://www.maff.go.jp/j/chikusan/kikaku/lin/pdf/27_zentai.pdf#page=45 繁殖登録雌馬の品種構成

Japanese drafts are used mainly in ban'ei and horse meat production.[http://www.bajikyo.or.jp/pdf/2014kitei.pdf 輓系馬等の交配に伴う品種名一覧] They are also used in breeding of heavy crossbreds(輓交種) and Japanese Horse The ideal horse has draft phenotype and "hybrid vigour".

The breed doesn't have any colour or marking specifications. Colours of bay, chestnut, flaxen chestnut, black, gray and variety of roans have been recorded since they also exist in purebreds.[http://www.bajikyo.or.jp/pdf/2014kitei.pdf 実馬審査体型標準 – 輓系馬] In extreme cases, a horse may have multiple facial markings and all legs marked with white. Open studbook policy has led to pinto (piebald) pattern; one female familyhttp://www.bajikyo.or.jp/renkei.php?pageno=206&assoc=1&hno=21601%201401 Pedigree of Almond Madonna, dam of Angel Gaga used in ban'ei can be traced to a single stallion born in 1967,[http://www.bajikyo.or.jp/renkei.php?pageno=208&assoc=1&hno=15101F0092 Hanuma] while dominant white seen in two horses was spontaneous, manifesting in 2010. Prevalence of hereditary diseases is unknown, since at least one Western scientific source lists breed as "ban-ei" without hereditary diseases.[http://www.ufaw.org.uk/downloads/awj-supplements/c1236-extra-material.pdf UFAW Electronic Supplementary Material – Appendices] Horse breeds with inherited disorders

{{reflist|30em}}

{{commons}}

• [http://keiba-lv-st.jp/#track=obihiro Archive of Official NAR Video site](note: livestream only in Japan)
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20161006033350/http://www.tokachi.co.jp/banei/ BANEI THEATER]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20170328020515/http://pen-online.com/tags/?tag=74 Pen International: Ban'ei Horse Racing]

{{Equestrian Sports|state=collapsed}}

Category:Horse racing in Japan

Category:Sports originating in Japan

Category:Hokkaido Heritage

Category:Horse driving

Category:Sport in Obihiro