Structure and Function
Established in 1954, the Japan Racing Association (JRA) operates based on the Horseracing Act and the Japan Racing Association Act, to ensure horseracing integrity and advance racehorse breeding. Supervised by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, the JRA’s governance since 2007 includes a Board of Governors which sets strategic directives and a Management Advisory Council, with representatives including trainers and jockeys, which guides business operations. The Horseracing Adjudication Council deliberates on owner registrations and racing appeals. The JRA’s Tokyo headquarter coordinates its national network of 10 racecourses, the ‘WINS’ betting facilities, 2 Training Centers at Miho and Ritto, Equine research Institute, and other related activities.
Charity
The JRA undertakes the following key initiatives:
Livestock Development:
The JRA supports livestock projects through direct funding and treasury contributions.
Social Welfare:
A portion of the JRA’s revenue aids national social welfare projects and race prize money is used to support local initiatives.
Environmental Maintenance:
The JRA addresses local issues in the community such as facilitating traffic around racing venues and funding environmental projects.
Environmental Initiatives:
Emphasis is placed on waste reduction, energy conservation, and the use of renewable energy, particularly solar power.
Disaster Support:
The JRA provides aid during natural disasters and has contributed to COVID-19 relief.
Livestock Development:
The JRA supports livestock projects through direct funding and treasury contributions.
Social Welfare:
A portion of the JRA’s revenue aids national social welfare projects and race prize money is used to support local initiatives.
Environmental Maintenance:
The JRA addresses local issues in the community such as facilitating traffic around racing venues and funding environmental projects.
Environmental Initiatives:
Emphasis is placed on waste reduction, energy conservation, and the use of renewable energy, particularly solar power.
Disaster Support:
The JRA provides aid during natural disasters and has contributed to COVID-19 relief.