Wikipedia
is a form of horse racing, unique to the Tokachi area of Hokkaido, Japan. Powerfully built horses compete by pulling heavily weighted sleds up sand ramps while being urged on by jockeys sitting on top of the sleds.
The horses used in the races are crosses of Percheron, Breton, and Belgian breeds.
Formerly held in a number of places, ban'ei races are now only held at the Obihiro Racecourse. The popularity of the races has waned in recent years and the Obihiro racecourse nearly closed before Softbank, a Japanese mobile phone company, provided funds for the races to continue.( Odds Park has since been honoured with its own race.)
Other companies, such as Rakuten and Sapporo Breweries have since joined in and race-sponsoring scheme for individuals has been initiated.