Guide to Horse Racecourse in Japan: Niigata Racecourse /新潟競馬場
[My Rating]
・Accessibility ★☆☆ Not so good (easy but take some time to get there by public transport)
・Atmosphere ★★☆ Good
・Facility ★★☆ Good
・Entertainment around the racecourse ★☆☆ Nothing in particular
[Best Season to visit]
May
[General Information]
・Location: Kita-ku, Niigata-shi, Niigata prefecture / 新潟県新潟市北区
・Nearest Station: Niigata station 新潟駅 (Joetsu Shinkansen(bullet train) 上越新幹線, JR Shinetsu line, and etc. 信越本線等）*
・Established in 1965
・Operated by JRA (Japan Racing Association)
・Type of race: Flat and Hurdle
・Type of racecourse: Turf and Dirt (Left-handed)
・Racing Season: May, August and October
・Dress Code: None
・Fee: 200 yen for general admission with free seats on first-come-first-served basis. Besides, there are several luxury seats required reservation by internet in advance or by ticket booth at the racecourse.
[Flat Grade races in Niigata Racecourse]
<May>
- GIII / Niigata Daishoten 新潟大賞典 /1,800m Turf (4yo or older)
<August>
- GIII / Ibis Summer Dash アイビスサマーダッシュ / 1,000m Turf (3yo or older)
- GIII / Leopard Stakes レパードステークス / 1,800m Dirt (3yo only)
- GIII / Sekiya Kinen 関屋記念 / 1,600m Turf (3yo or older)
- GIII / Niigata Nisai Stakes 新潟2歳ステークス/ 1,600m Turf (2yo only)
- GIII / Niigata Kinen 新潟記念 / 2,000m Turf (3yo or older)
[Jump Grade races in Niigata Racecourse]
<July-August>
- J•GIII / Niigata Jump Stakes 新潟ジャンプステークス / 3,250m Turf (3yo or older)
[Access from major cities]
from Tokyo (Tokyo station)
- Tokyo station → Niigata station (by Joetsu Shinkansen Bullet train) / 2h
- Niigata Station → Niigata Racecourse (by Shuttle Bus(from South exit) or Niigata Kotsu Bus(from Bandaibashi exit)) /40-60min
* Buses from JR Shibata Station and JR Toyosaka Station also operate, but few.
[Official website]
<ENG>
<JPN>
[Entartainment around the racecourse]
There is no particular entertainment venue around Niigata racecourse. However, some tourist spots are located around Niigata station and downtown area of Niigata city.