As of January 2026
1. Licensing
Visiting Trainers and Jockeys are required to attend a licensing interview with the JRA stewards for the issuance of their license upon their arrival. All Trainers and Jockeys who are granted a license agree to be bound by the JRA Rules of Racing.
2. Starting Gate
(1) Starting Gate Examination
In JRA races, all runners must pass a Starting Gate Examination prior to the Declaration to Run. The Starting Gate Examination is done to check if the Horse can successfully get into the gate and stand still at least twice without any problems. To pass, one of those times must include a smooth and easy move straight into the start/breakaway. Verification methods may vary depending on each Horse's history and habits at the gate, so Connections must report all information about the Horse's starting behavior beforehand.
The final decision on the method of verification shall be made by the Starter on the day of the procedure, subsequent to an assessment of the Horse's condition.
(2) Lead Pony, Barrier Blanket, Assistant Starter (Gate Crew) and Blindfold
The use of lead ponies and barrier blankets is strictly prohibited. Assistant Starters (gate crew) are not situated inside the starting gate to restrain the Horses, except in cases of emergency.
The blindfold is permitted as an aid for entering the starting gate, but it is not permitted as an aid for keeping the Horse standing still (within the gate) in JRA. The use of a blindfold is restricted only to Horses that are reluctant to load, and such Horses must be the first to enter the gate. The blindfold must be removed by the Jockey immediately after the Horse has entered the gate.
(3) Entry procedure
Generally, runners enter the gate in the following order:
1) odd-numbered runners
2) even-numbered runners
3) the highest-numbered runner
However, Horses with blindfolds or those with a history of poor loading may be loaded first no matter whether the draw is odd or even.
Should there be an unruly Horse with the highest number, the Starter may decide to load the Horse with the second highest numbered last. The last runner to enter the gate must be led in by a JRA Official.
3. Race Day Schedule (Trainers, Assistant Trainers and Grooms)
(1) Saddling Enclosure
The time schedule varies by race; Connections must confirm the assembly time of the saddling enclosure in advance and bring their Horses to the saddling enclosure by the designated time.
(2) Saddle Inspection
The weighed-out saddles must be inspected again at the saddling enclosure by Trainers (or representatives) or Jockeys after assembly time of the saddling enclosure of the race.
(3) Leading to Starting gate
Generally, Runners must be led into the gate by JRA Officials. If Connections wish to have their Runners led into the gate by their own stable staff, they must inform JRA Officials in advance and obtain permission from the Starter.
(4) After the race
Trainers must remain in the Weighing Room from the time of finish until the race is official. The Stewards or Starter may call the Trainer to interview about the incidents during the race.
(5) Post-race testing
The first three finishers, and Horses designated by the stewards of the meeting, must report to the sample (for blood or urine test) collecting enclosure.
(6) Post-race official veterinary check
After the race, the Horses must be examined by a JRA veterinarian and receive an eye-wash at the clinic before returning to their stalls.
4. Insurance
a) The JRA will not be responsible for Horse insurance and connections are advised to make their own insurance arrangements for their Horses.
b) All visiting connections (Owners, Trainers, Assistant Trainers, Travelling Head Lads, Exercise Riders and Grooms) are strongly recommended to arrange their own insurance to cover travel, work, non-work injury and illness.
c) All visiting Jockeys will be covered by the JRA’s accident compensation policy while under the control of the JRA.
5. Nosebleeding (Epistaxis)
Any Horse diagnosed with epistaxis (nosebleed) during the period from arrival at the saddling enclosure until exiting the track after the race shall be ineligible to compete in JRA races for a period of one month (for the first occurrence).
