[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)
Heartbeat NighterTHE NUGGETS
Included on the 2017 album “NIGHT RUSH,” the track has been used since 2018 as the main track entry theme at their hometown venue, Funabashi Racecourse.
Centered on the theme of night racing, it’s crafted as a high-octane rock ’n’ roll number that conveys the heartbeat of racing fans who pin their hopes on the thoroughbreds.
Just listening to it vividly rekindles the exhilaration of a race, making it a perfect song not only for horse racing enthusiasts but also for those moments when you want to unleash your energy at a critical time.
U.M.A NEW WORLDUma Musume Puritī Dābī
This is a track that was used as the main track entrance song at a collaboration event held at Kasamatsu Racecourse in 2024.
It has a sense of exhilaration like the moment just before the gates open, and just listening to it gets you excited.
It was also featured as the 3rd anniversary song for the game Uma Musume Pretty Derby, used in the new opening movie and TV commercials, and is included on the album WINNING LIVE 16.
Powerfully voicing the resolve to step into a new world, this piece delivers a truly next-generation anthem with an exhilarating, driving feel.
It’s highly recommended when you’re about to face a crucial challenge or want to fire yourself up.
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.
[From classics to hidden favorites] Collection of main track entrance themes [2026] (11–20)
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?
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!
HOLIDAYSKimura Kaera
Just by listening, you can feel your heart sprinting toward the weekend racetrack—those popping beats and colorful sounds really stand out.
Blending Kaela Kimura’s signature, exuberant brightness with the headlong rush of a live band, this track sends the excitement of fans awaiting the race to a fever pitch.
True to its “holiday” theme, it has a liberating feel, with a rhythm so pleasant you can’t help but clap along.
Released as a single in May 2017, it became widely familiar as a JRA commercial song featuring Tori Matsuzaka and others.
Composed by AxSxE of the band NATSUMEN, it shines with a performance that’s both catchy and solidly muscular.
Chromatic Marchsugiyama kouichi
From 1987 to 2009, the piece “Chromatic March” was used for GII and GIII races at racecourses in the Kanto region.
It is also a work by Koichi Sugiyama, known as a composer of racecourse entrance themes.
Compared to Shiro Sagisu’s “Dramatic One,” which was used in Kansai and Hokkaido during the same period, this one is a traditional fanfare-style march that conveys the warmth of live instruments.
It’s a superb classic that makes you want to imagine the excitement at the racecourses of the time, picturing the great horses making their entrances to this music.