More major French races now available for betting in Japan

More major French races now available for betting in Japan

The Japanese Ministry of Agriculture has published a partial amendment to the Horse Racing Act, officially expanding the list of overseas races eligible for betting in Japan. 

As a result, sixteen major French races are now eligible for betting in Japan, provided that at least one Japanese trained horse is declared to run. 

Until now, only three French races were open to Japanese punters on those terms:

- The Aga Khan Studs Prix Jacques le Marois, 

- Le Qatar Prix du Moulin de Longchamp, 

- Le Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

Thirteen new French races were today added to that list:

• Prix Ganay - World Pool by PMU
• Emirates Poule d’Essai des Poulains
• Emirates Poule d’Essai des Pouliches
• Prix Aga Khan IV (Prix d'Ispahan)
• Qatar Prix du Jockey Club
• Prix de Diane Longines
• Grand Prix de Saint‑Cloud - World Pool by PMU
• Cygames Grand Prix de Paris
• ARC Prix Maurice de Gheest
• Qatar Prix Vermeille
• Qatar Prix de la Forêt
• Prix de l’Opéra Longines
• Prix Royal‑Oak

This extension will take effect for the first time this year, potentially allowing Japanese punters to bet on French races from Saturday 5 September 2026 onwards. 

In addition, the Japan Racing Association (JRA), the authority responsible for racing in Japan, officially announced today, almost a month earlier than usual, that betting on the 2026 Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (Sunday 4 October at ParisLongchamp) is now open in Japan. 

The Japanese trained horses Meisho Tabaru and Admire Terra are among those expected to line up in France’s most prestigious race, demonstrating that the ambition remains the same: to finally see a Japanese horse add its name to the Arc’s roll of honour. 

These two major announcements represent a significant step forward for the international profile and appeal of the major events in the French Flat racing program. They also highlight the strength of the partnership between the Japan Racing Association (JRA), France Galop and PMU.