Susumu Fujita, CEO of CyberAgent and Racehorse Owner, Triumphs with Elik King's Victory in Kobe Shimbun Hai

Susumu Fujita, CEO of CyberAgent and prominent racehorse owner, celebrated a magnificent victory as his horse Elik King claimed first place in the Kobe Shimbun Hai held on the 21st. Partnered with Jockey Yuga Kawada, the second-favorite colt showcased a dazzling performance, catching the front-runners to secure its second graded race win.

Elik King's triumph marks its second graded title, following last year's Kyoto 2-Year-Old Stakes. "Our owner, Susumu Fujita, is now in clear sight of his long-cherished dream of a first JRA Grade 1 victory!" exclaimed jubilant fans, with high expectations for Elik King's performance in the Kikuka Sho, the major autumn race. The horse's name is derived from Elik, a player who belonged to FC Machida Zelvia, a football club where Fujita serves as representative, attracting attention from soccer fans as well.

With this victory in the Kobe Shimbun Hai, Susumu Fujita achieved his fourth JRA graded race win. His impressive track record includes four JRA graded wins, four local graded wins, and four international graded wins, demonstrating balanced success both domestically and abroad. Notably, in JRA graded races, he has achieved a remarkable four consecutive years of graded race victories, following Jungle in the 2022 New Zealand Trophy, Shin Emperor in the 2023 Kyoto 2-Year-Old Stakes, and Elik King in the 2024 Kyoto 2-Year-Old Stakes.

Beyond Elik King, Owner Fujita boasts numerous other horses that are drawing attention in the Grade 1 circuit. This stellar lineup includes Shin Emperor, aiming for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and Japan Cup (currently targeting the Japan Cup due to asthma and lung hemorrhage), and the two-year-old Wayney Sue (sired by Into Mischief, ridden by Yuga Kawada), who recently dominated a maiden race at Hanshin with a seven-length victory. Wayney Sue's maiden win marks Owner Fujita's first victory among his current crop of two-year-olds, and her future growth is eagerly anticipated.

Owner Fujita also contributes to the overall development of the horse racing industry through initiatives like aggressive bidding for high-priced horses (including a third progeny of Flightline and progeny of Gun Runner) and the "Horse Racing Future Support Program," which promotes the training of young jockeys and the entry of new owners. His remarkable activities have even landed "Susumu Fujita Owner" on Yahoo! Trending Words, generating considerable buzz.

Consistently building a strong graded race record, Susumu Fujita is now regarded as the closest contender for a central Grade 1 title. All eyes will be on the future successes of his talented horses like Elik King and Shin Emperor.

The Context

Susumu Fujita is a prominent figure in Japan, best known as the CEO of CyberAgent, a leading Japanese internet company with interests in online advertising, gaming, and media. Beyond his business ventures, he is a passionate and influential racehorse owner, known for his substantial investments in high-quality thoroughbreds and his active participation in the sport.

In Japanese horse racing, "JRA" stands for the Japan Racing Association, the governing body for top-tier races. "Grade 1 (G1)" denotes the highest level of competition, comparable to Group 1 races in other major racing nations. Winning a JRA G1 race is considered the pinnacle of achievement for owners, trainers, and jockeys in Japan. The "Kobe Shimbun Hai" is a Grade 2 race, serving as a key prep race for the "Kikuka Sho" (Japanese St. Leger), which is a Grade 1 race and the third leg of Japan's Triple Crown for three-year-old colts. Fujita's goal of a "first JRA Grade 1 victory" highlights his ambition to reach the very top of Japanese horse racing, an achievement that would solidify his legacy in the sport. His "Horse Racing Future Support Program" also demonstrates his broader commitment to the industry's growth.