[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] Main Track Entrance Themes Compilation [2026] (21–30)
Legend Will BeginShiina Kunihito
This piece, which colors the tension-filled moments at the racetrack, is a grand, orchestra-style work by Kunihito Shiina.
Used since 2008 as the track-entry music in the Kansai region, it has become an iconic presence for special races and is deeply etched in the hearts of racing fans.
Combining classical elements with a powerful melody, it is notable for the commanding tone of its brass section.
Although it has not been commercially released due to its close association with official JRA races, you’ll often hear it at the racecourse.
Clutching your betting slip and waiting with a pounding heart for the race to begin, listening to this track will let you feel the true essence of horse racing even more keenly.
NIGHT RUNGōyama Mizue
When it comes to the exhilarating melody you hear on Friday nights at Sonoda Racecourse, this is the track! Used as the main track entrance theme for Sonoda Friday Night Races since their debut in September 2012, this piece was composed by Mizue Goyama, also known for providing songs to CHEMISTRY.
It’s an electrifying number that captures the vitality of racehorses heading into night races.
Truly the “face of the night races,” it has been beloved for many years, and it’s perfect as background music for that post-work sense of freedom or when you want to blow away the week’s fatigue.
Why not enjoy this high-velocity sound that hints at the hot night to come?
[From Classics to Hidden Favorites] Summary of Main Track Entrance Themes [2026] (31–40)
Above The SkyShiina Kunihito
Used as the parade-ring entrance music since 2008, this piece has the power to transform the atmosphere of the racecourse.
Its grand orchestral sound heightens the tension of special races and captivates the audience.
Composed by Kunihito Shiina, the track enjoys tremendous popularity among horse racing fans, expressing the thrill of racing through music.
Though it has no lyrics, the piece itself evokes the gallant figures of the racehorses and sparks listeners’ imaginations.
Many fan-made performance videos based on ear-copied arrangements have been posted on platforms like YouTube, reflecting the passion of its supporters.
When you visit a racecourse, be sure to listen for this piece—it’s sure to raise your anticipation for the race.
A WinnerIwashiro Tarō
Here is a masterpiece that captures the hearts of horse racing fans.
Used since 2010 as the entrance theme for graded stakes races, Taro Iwashiro’s composition is characterized by its majestic orchestral sound.
With the grand sense of scale that only Iwashiro—an award-winning composer of film and television scores—can deliver, it heightens the excitement of the racehorses’ entrance.
Featured on the album “Road to Glory,” this track was released alongside various other JRA-related race pieces.
With a classical, symphonic tone highlighted by strings and brass, it splendidly conveys the solemnity of the moment when the horses step onto the main track, making it an indispensable part of racing events.
Get A ChanceIwashiro Tarō
This piece, characterized by its grand and powerful orchestration, is a work by Taro Iwashiro composed as a theme for graded stakes races.
Its musicality vividly conveys the energetic atmosphere of the racetrack and the bravery of the racehorses and jockeys who take on the challenge.
Used for races at JRA’s Kansai main courses, it superbly expresses the grandeur of the competition, the tension, and the sense of anticipation for victory.
Listening to this work will surely set hearts racing—not only for horse racing fans, but also for those visiting the track for the first time.
Now1Komuro Tetsuya
In 2014, the parade (main track entrance) music for the Spring Stakes was “Now1,” the theme song of the TV program “Minna no KEIBA,” which has been on air since 2010.
Because the show is extremely popular among horse racing fans, choosing this song as the entrance music generated a lot of excitement.
Composed by Tetsuya Komuro as a DTM track, it offers a sense of how times have changed from the traditional fanfare performances.
A collaboration with a TV program—an irresistible selection for fans.
Chocolate DiscoPerfume
Following Sayuri Kokusho’s “Valentine Kiss,” which was used for the Valentine Stakes in 2017 and 2018, the song used in 1029 was Perfume’s “Chocolate Disco.” Since around 2016, TV commercials encouraging young people to enjoy horse racing have been airing, and hit J-pop songs have started to be used as the track entry music.
You can sense the JRA’s thoughtful selection aimed at helping many young people become familiar with horse racing.