Japanese bettors could gain access to 13 additional French Group 1 races after Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries expanded the list of overseas events eligible for domestic wagering.
The additions raise the number of qualifying French races from three to 16. They include the Prix Ganay, both Poule d’Essai classics, the Prix du Jockey Club, Prix de Diane and Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud, alongside further races at Deauville, ParisLongchamp and Saint-Cloud.
The Prix Jacques le Marois, Prix du Moulin de Longchamp and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe were already approved.
Eligibility does not guarantee that the Japan Racing Association (JRA) will open a market. Each race still requires ministerial approval, while the JRA’s published criteria limit sales to events in which a Japanese-trained horse is expected to participate.
The revised framework takes effect on 5 September.
The French expansion forms part of a wider amendment that adds 84 events to Japan’s designated overseas schedule, increasing the total from 32 to 116.
The list now covers races in France, Britain, Ireland, Germany, the US, Australia, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Overseas racing activity within the JRA’s betting system increased in 2025. Its annual report recorded ¥32.5bn ($198.7m) in overseas-race turnover, an 11% year-on-year increase, while participation rose 11.8% to 5.2 million.
The report also showed that 97 JRA-registered horses competed abroad during the year and won 12 races.
The JRA will offer betting on the 2026 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe on 4 October. Seven bet types will be available through a separate Japanese pool, meaning domestic odds will be calculated independently of the French market.
Meisho Tabaru and Admire Terra are expected to represent Japan at ParisLongchamp. Meisho Tabaru retained the Takarazuka Kinen in June, while Admire Terra won the Hanshin Daishoten in course-record time before finishing third in the Tenno Sho (Spring). A Japanese-trained horse has yet to win the Arc.
Two of the additions, the Prix Ganay and Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud, are labelled World Pool by PMU. The first newly eligible French race after implementation is the Prix Vermeille, scheduled for September 6, although an expected Japanese runner and ministerial approval would still be required.
Separately, Japan’s regulated gaming framework is continuing to develop through its integrated resort programme. Konami Gaming became the first manufacturer to submit applications across all applicable license categories to the Japan Casino Regulatory Commission ahead of MGM Osaka’s planned 2030 opening.
The 13 additions span distances from the 1,300-metre Prix Maurice de Gheest to the 3,100-metre Prix Royal-Oak
