On a sunny afternoon last Sunday, more than 60,000 people witnessed Loves Only You, ridden by Mirco Demuro, win the Japanese Oaks at Tokyo Racecourse in Fuchu. The race, 11th of the day's 12, was scheduled to start at 3:40 p.m, but fans filled most seats by noon.
The major reason people visit the racecourse is, of course, to place a bet and hopefully return home a little richer. Sales for the Japanese Oaks this year reached about ¥17.5 billion and the biggest payoff for a ¥100 bet was ¥179,960.
But there are plenty of reasons other than betting to visit a racecourse. Some fans simply love to watch beautiful thoroughbreds compete, while others enjoy taking pictures of the races. Fine weather can make a leisurely day at the track an enjoyable experience for anyone.
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