– Odds Park Presents: Ban’ei Tokachi Drone Show ‘Ban’ei in Bloom'”—The power of Ban’ei horse racing recreated in the night sky. –
Red Cliff Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Komei Sasaki; hereinafter “Red Cliff”), a leader in drone show planning and operation, and North Drone Show Inc. (Headquarters: Kamishihoro, Hokkaido; CEO: Isao Maruyama) will perform a special 500-drone display at the “Odds Park Presents: Ban’ei Tokachi Drone Show ‘Ban’ei in Bloom'” held at Obihiro Racecourse on Sunday, April 26, 2026.
This drone show is a one-night-only special program designed with the concept of bringing the dynamic charm of Ban’ei horse racing to life in the night sky.
The World of Ban’ei Horse Racing Spreading Across the Spring Night Sky
Taking place in the night sky following the conclusion of all races, this show uses cherry blossoms—a symbol of the arrival of spring—as a motif to illustrate the unique power and dynamism of Ban’ei horse racing through light and storytelling.
The display will create a magical atmosphere, offering visitors an extraordinary experience like never before.
Featuring an original program created specifically for this event, the performance will fully utilize the scale and expressive capabilities unique to drones. As a dynamic grand finale to the day, the show aims to foster a shared sense of excitement and unity throughout the venue.
Enjoying Ban’ei Horse Racing in the Sky”—Recreating the Power of Heavy Draft Horses
Ban’ei horse racing is known as a unique form of regional horse racing hosted exclusively by Obihiro City, Hokkaido. It is a steeplechase where Japanese Draft Horses—weighing between 800kg and 1,200kg (crossbreeds of Percheron, Breton, and Belgian breeds)—pull heavy iron sleds across a 200-meter track featuring two obstacles.
This drone show captures the charm of the Ban-ba (draft horses), highlighting their overwhelming physique and strength which sets them apart from Thoroughbreds (who typically weigh around 450–500kg). The performance uses spatial effects to depict their massive build—including the muscular, thick legs and broad chests characteristic of these horses whose roots lie in the farm horses that supported the pioneering era.
A New Immersive Experience: Seeing Through the “Horse’s Eyes”
In addition to “enjoying Ban’ei horse racing in the sky,” this show features a special sequence where you can experience the race from the “horse’s perspective.”
The moment the gates swing open and the horses charge forward—
The view typically seen from the stands is completely transformed through drone technology.
A gate appears right before your eyes, and as the doors fly open, you surge forward, feeling as if you have become one of the horses yourself.
This point-of-view sequence is woven naturally into a story inspired by actual Ban’ei races, drawing the audience into a deeply immersive experience.
By fusing the heritage of Ban’ei horse racing with cutting-edge drone technology, this event creates an entirely new way to witness the sport.
We invite you to look forward to this one-night-only special performance lighting up the spring sky in Obihiro.
Event Overview
Images are for illustrative purposes only.
Event Name: Odds Park Presents: Ban’ei Tokachi Drone Show “Ban’ei in Bloom”
Date & Time: Sunday, April 26, 2026, starting around 9:15 PM (approximately 30 minutes after the final race ends)
Venue: Obihiro Racecourse (Grandstands, Exciting Zone, etc.)
Organizers: Ban’ei Tokachi General Incorporated Association, Odds Park Co., Ltd.
Drone Show Operators: Red Cliff Inc., North Drone Show Inc.
*Note: The drone show will take place in the airspace over the soccer field adjacent to the north side of the track.
*Note: The event may be canceled or the content modified due to weather conditions (wind, rain, etc.) or safety reasons.
