[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.
- [Popular] A Collection of Japanese Songs Related to Horse Racing [Music]
- [Sports Day] Entrance songs that will hype the crowd! A comprehensive roundup from classics to the latest hits
- Entrance theme roundup of all-time popular K-1 fighters
- Top Songs to Hype Up Sports Day and Athletic Festivals [2026]
- Whose Song Is It? Popular JRA Commercial Track: Historic Horse Racing CM Songs [2026]
- Entrance music for sports. Classic and popular athlete anthems.
- Koshien Songs & Theme Songs: Iconic Tracks and Fight Songs That Support High School Baseball Players
- [Fighting Spirit] Fired up! Spotlight on entrance themes of fighters and martial artists
- [Blazing] Carefully selected tracks perfect as BGM for cavalry battles at sports festivals!
- Songs to Play Before a Match: Athlete-Approved Anthems and Pump-Up Tracks That Overflow with Power
- [Workout BGM] A carefully selected playlist of music guaranteed to boost your motivation!
- Japanese songs about horses – popular tracks. Heart dances to the galloping melodies.
- [2026] A roundup of popular theme and opening songs from TV period dramas
[From classics to hidden favorites] Collection of main track entrance themes [2026] (11–20)
The Majestic MarchShiina Kunihito
The piece used for regular JRA races since 2008 is The Majestic March.
This track is used in eastern Japan, replacing Koichi Sugiyama’s White Horse March, which had been used since 1987.
This composition also has a dignified air; you can easily picture the racehorses making a gallant entrance to this BGM, and it’s so vivid you can almost hear the announcer’s voice introducing the horses.
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!
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.
OverDriverSukima Suichi
It’s an energetic number by Sukima Switch that delivers an irresistible sense of speed, like flooring the accelerator of your heart.
Created as the lead track for the album “Hot Milk,” released in November 2021, the song was chosen as the theme for Funabashi Keiba.
In the 2024 season, its instrumental version was also used as the track for the horses’ entrance to the main course, making it a familiar tune for local fans as well.
The powerful lyrics, which push you to break free from worries and stagnation and move forward, and the driving band sound leave a strong impression.
It’s an anthem that gives a strong push to anyone aiming to take on a challenge.
Along with the pre-race excitement, give it a listen when you’re ready to take a new step.
Don’t Stop Me NowQueen
Released as a single in January 1979 by the legendary British rock band Queen, this energetic track appears on the album Jazz.
In December 2013, it was used as the entrance theme at Funabashi Racecourse.
Centered on Freddie Mercury’s powerful piano playing, the song is full of exhilarating drive and charm.
It regained attention after being featured in the film Shaun of the Dead, and it’s a great recommendation for anyone about to take on a challenge or looking to lift their spirits.
young coltHattori Itsurō
Itsurō Hattori, also known as Raymond Hattori, is a composer best known for works such as Cobalt no Sora, the sports theme for TBS television and radio.
In fact, the first march used as the parade ring entrance music in Japan Racing Association (central) horse racing was Hattori’s Kamome.
This piece is rare, and it seems no audio sources remain, but the work introduced in this article, Wakakoma, was used as the Hanshin Racecourse’s parade ring entrance music until 1987.
It may be a piece known only to those with quite detailed knowledge, but it appears to still be used at some regional racecourses.
As the title suggests—and with its heroic melody—it’s a perfect fit for entrance music!
[From Classics to Hidden Favorites] Main Track Entrance Themes Compilation [2026] (21–30)
Dramatic OneSagisu Shirō
“Dramatic One” is a piece that was used from 1987 to 2009 for GII and GIII races at the Hokkaido and Kansai racecourses.
It was composed by Shiro Sagisu, known for his work on Evangelion, Waratte Iitomo!, and Shin Godzilla.
Compared to Koichi Sugiyama’s “Chromatic March,” which was used around the same time, it has a distinctly different character, making it fascinating to tell them apart by ear.
Above all, its arrangements and timbres are quintessentially 1980s, evoking the atmosphere that bridges the Showa and Heisei eras.