The 2026 season at Tokyo City Keiba (TCK) opens on Monday, April 13, featuring a total of 98 race days and 27 graded races. This year also marks the 40th anniversary of Twinkle Race, which debuted on July 31, 1986 as Japan's first night horse racing event and has since welcomed a cumulative total of more than 39 million visitors.
To mark the anniversary year, TCK is rolling out a range of initiatives online and at the venue.
40th Anniversary Highlights at Tokyo City Keiba
TCK Plus 10 — Bonus Payout on All Graded Races
As part of the Twinkle Race 40th anniversary celebrations, TCK is launching a special payout promotion called "TCK Plus 10" covering all graded races. For every graded race at Oi Racecourse, across all bet types (excluding SPAT4 LOTO), if the standard payout would normally be 100 yen (face-value return), an extra 10 yen is added, making the payout 110 yen instead.
- Eligible races: All graded races from April 2026 through March 2027
- Eligible bet types: All types (Win, Place, Bracket Quinella, Bracket Exacta, Quinella, Wide, Exacta, Trio, Trifecta)
Note: In cases where a specific horse or bracket number attracts overwhelming popularity, the standard payout may revert to 100 yen under horse racing law regulations.
New "Wing Seat" Reserved Section Opens in June at L-WING
The L-WING Stand's 3rd floor reserved seating area, currently under renovation, will reopen as "Wing Seat" on Monday, June 8. The new section offers single seats designed for solo visitors, equipped with power outlets and Wi-Fi, with a clear view of the finish line.
Wing Seat Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | L-WING Stand, 3rd floor |
| Opening date | Monday, June 8 |
| Standard price | ¥2,000 per seat |
Premium pricing (¥3,000) applies on five days: Tokyo Derby (June 10), Teio Sho (July 1), Japan Dirt Classic (October 7), and year-end race days (December 30 and 31). Super Premium pricing (¥4,500) applies for Tokyo Daishoten (December 29).
New Illumination Show Starts April 13
The illumination show held on Twinkle Race evenings is being updated to a 2026 version, launching on Monday, April 13. The new show features a fantastical presentation that expresses the atmosphere and dynamic energy of Twinkle Race through light.
New Illumination Show Overview
- Start date: Every Twinkle Race day from April 13, 2026 onward
- Time: Between races after sunset
- Location: Inner track (infield)
Note: The infield is not open to the public. The show will not take place if a ceremony or interview is scheduled after the final race. Visibility may vary depending on viewing position.
Increased Prize Money for Graded Races
Prize money is being raised for seven graded races at TCK to enhance the prestige and appeal of the events. In addition, the "Triple Crown Bonus" for the 3-year-old dirt Triple Crown — awarded to horses that win all three races — is also being increased.
2026 Tokyo City Keiba Race Schedule (Through December 2026)
- Race meetings 1 through 13, plus the December 24 (Thu), 25 (Fri), and 28 (Mon) days of the 14th meeting, are held as Twinkle Race (night racing).
- The December 29 (Tue) through 31 (Thu) days of the 14th meeting are held as twilight-time races.
- Race dates from January 2027 onward will be announced as details are confirmed.
