[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] Summary of Main Track Entrance Themes [2026] (31–40)
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.
Fortune Cookie in LoveAKB48
A special race, the Fortune Cup—what kind of song comes to mind when you hear this cup’s name? Most people probably think of AKB48’s “Koi Suru Fortune Cookie.” And just as you might imagine, that very song has actually been used as the entrance music for the horses on the track.
It was one of the entrance songs that generated a lot of buzz at the time and surprised fans.
There are plenty of videos shot by fans still available, and checking them out can be quite fun!
Valentine KissKunikyo Sayuri
One of the prize formats in horse racing is the stakes system.
There is a race held under this stakes system called the Valentine Stakes, and, fittingly, a Valentine-themed song is used as the special race’s parade/entry music.
In 2017 and 2018, Sayuri Kokusho’s “Valentine Kiss” was used.
Special entrance music like this is a lovely idea—it lets you enjoy a different atmosphere as a seasonal tradition.
A Promising MomentMukaiya Minoru
The song “A Promising Moment,” composed by Minoru Mukaiya of the globally popular Japanese fusion band Casiopea, has been used for the Keihan Hai in Japanese central horse racing since 2016.
As expected from a fusion musician Japan is proud of, the ensemble featuring horns and electric guitar sets it apart from conventional parade songs used in horse racing.
How do the racehorses look as they appear to this calm, sophisticated track? It’s a piece that makes you want to go and experience it in person at least once.
Heaven and HellOfufenbakku
Its exhilarating melody and lively rhythm make it perfect for a sports day finale.
Born in 19th-century France, this work originated from a story that satirically portrays the absurdities of human society through the gods of Olympus.
With its catchy phrases—familiar to almost everyone—and a performance full of vitality, it puts listeners in a joyful mood.
Premiered in Paris in October 1858, it went on to achieve 228 performances by the following year.
Since then, it has continued to be performed worldwide and used in a variety of settings.
The melodic line, in harmony with the rhythm of running footsteps, will create impeccable timing as an exit march for school sports festivals and athletic meets.
In conclusion
We’ve introduced a full lineup of the entrance themes that color the start of horse races.
From classics to tracks used for limited periods, we covered both old and new.
If you’re a horse racing fan, just hearing these songs will surely bring back the announcers’ calls and the charged atmosphere of the racecourse.
And for those who aren’t fans, there were probably some unexpected picks, as well as many pieces by very famous composers.
Please enjoy listening.