Japan's summer horse racing events and heat‑mitigation measures

In late July the Japan Racing Association staged summer meetings at Sapporo, Niigata and Chukyo. At Sapporo the G‑III Queen Stakes for fillies was run, while Niigata hosted the straight‑track G‑III Ibis Summer Dash, a traditional summer sprint. Both venues lengthened the race day schedule, inserting a longer midday break and adjusting the WIN5 race selections.

Chukyo Racecourse, facing forecast temperatures near 39 °C, introduced extensive heat‑mitigation actions. The fan‑area misting system was upgraded from two to three units and the previous manned "mist‑cooling team" was replaced by automatic "Cool Mist Gates". For horses, shade areas were expanded, low‑temperature cooling showers increased from two to four, and additional water‑cooled stalls were installed. The paddock mist‑fan count doubled to eight units, and extra shade was provided in the saddling area. These steps aim to protect horses, jockeys and spectators during the extreme summer heat.