[From Classics to Hidden Favorites] A Compilation of Main Track Entrance Themes [2026]
Horse racing, a sport with a long history, has in recent years seen a growing fanbase not only among men but also women, and thanks to the popularity of Uma Musume, it feels like its appeal has been reaching younger audiences as well.
In 2025, the TV drama The Royal Family, based on Kazuma Hayami’s novel, became a huge hit, but when it comes to elements essential to horse racing—a culture cherished for many years—it has to be the ‘parade ring entrance themes’ played before the races! In this article, we’ll present a lineup centered on iconic classics of these entrance themes, while also including lesser-known tracks and surprising songs that were used only for a limited time.
If just hearing them brings those famous scenes back to life for you, or even if you’re new to horse racing, please read on.
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[From Classics to Hidden Favorites] Compilation of Main Track Entrance Themes [2026] (1–10)
The Rising SunShiina Kunihito
Here is “The Rising Sun,” which has been used as the parade-in song for maiden races since 2008.
It’s very popular, and since maiden races draw a lot of attention, it’s no surprise that hearing this track makes horse racing fans’ hearts pound.
The piece feels like an energetic, youthful fanfare, and the electric guitar sound helps create its stylish atmosphere.
And with that playing as the horses head into their tense debut race, it’s wonderful, isn’t it!
Heroes’ PreludeShiina Kunihito
“Heroes’ Prelude” seems to amplify the freshness of the morning air even more.
It’s a piece by Kunihito Shiina, a Tokyo-based composer known for numerous works in films, TV dramas, and commercials, and it’s used as the entrance theme in general races in western Japan.
The bright yet gentle brass sound is incredibly pleasant.
It lifts the excitement for the upcoming race with just the right level of energy, making it indispensable for a day at the races.
Listening to this track makes you feel like it’s going to be a great day—and above all, it makes your heart leap!
Twinkle Star ~A Star to Rely On~Toukyou Sukapara Daisu Ookesutora
A vocal number by Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra that brilliantly fuses a sparkling night sky with a sense of speed! Sung by drummer Kin-ichi Motegi, the track is included on the mini-album “Sunny Side of the Street,” released in August 2011.
It served as the campaign song commemorating the 25th anniversary of Tokyo City Keiba’s “Twinkle Race,” and was also selected as the paddock-to-track entrance theme for graded races at Oi Racecourse.
Its message—keep running through anxious nights, guided by the stars—overlaps with the image of thoroughbreds challenging the world of competition.
It’s sure to gently nudge anyone about to take on a new challenge and fill them with a pleasant sense of exhilaration!
[From classics to hidden favorites] Collection of main track entrance themes [2026] (11–20)
Fehrbellin Cavalry MarchRichard Henrion
This is a march composed in 1893 by Richard Henrion, who was active as a German military band leader.
The piece is notable for its trumpet fanfare that rings out boldly from the very beginning and for its lively rhythm that evokes cavalry galloping smartly on horseback.
In Japan, it is also known for having been used as the entrance music on the main track at Funabashi Racecourse, and I think it’s a perfect fit for the scene where the racehorses about to compete make their appearance.
Although it is a historically significant work from the late 19th century, it remains a standard repertoire in Germany today, performed at Bundeswehr ceremonies and the like.
With a melody that combines vigor and brilliance, it seems ideal for raising the voltage of the venue at just the right moment.
Thoroughbred MarchWatanabe Takeo
This is the Thoroughbred March, composed in 1969 as the parade-ring entrance music for the 8th Asian Racing Conference.
The composer was Takeo Watanabe, known for writing the theme songs for Giant Robo (Kyojin no Hoshi), Tensai Bakabon, and Cutie Honey.
Highly regarded by racing fans and industry professionals, this piece was used at all Japan Racing Association tracks.
It was also adopted not only across Asia but at Arab racetracks as well, and remained in use until 1987.
It is a great piece that stands out in the history of parade entrance music.
GloryIwashiro Tarō
The piece used on the main track for G1 races since 2010 is the song “Glory.” Since 1987, the entrance themes for the main track have been different in western and eastern Japan, and this is the eastern version.
It’s a beautiful track featuring a fanfare carried by a majestic orchestral performance at a relaxed tempo.
As expected of a G1, it’s a composition with a commanding presence.
Just imagining the racehorses entering to this music is enough to make them look cool!
Anthem For The BravesShiina Kunihito
Replacing Koichi Sugiyama’s march “Paddock March,” which was used for special races in JRA racing from 1987 to 2007, this piece, “Anthem For The Braves,” has been adopted since 2008.
It is used at racecourses in eastern Japan, and it’s every bit as grand as the previous tune, heightening the excitement for the races to come.
It’s truly a wonderful piece that perfectly suits the glossy coats of the thoroughbreds, the green course, and the blue sky, don’t you think?