A Final Flourish: Jockey Yusuke Fujioka Claims GII Kyoto Kinen Victory Before Trainer Transition

Jockey Yusuke Fujioka, on the cusp of transitioning to a trainer, brought immense joy and a sense of bittersweet farewell to horse racing fans by masterfully guiding the sixth-favorite, June Take, to a brilliant victory in the 60th Kyoto Kinen (GII) held at Kyoto Racecourse on February 15.

In the race, while the top favorite, Eris King (ridden by Yuga Kawada), launched a fierce late surge from the rear, June Take broke away from second position and triumphed by a nose, just fending off Eris King's sharp finishing kick. The winning time was 2 minutes 12.7 seconds (Good track). This victory marked June Take's triumphant return to racing after a 1-year-9-month absence due to a suspensory ligament injury, and it was a remarkable achievement, becoming the Kizuna progeny's second graded stakes win. After the race, Jockey Fujioka commented, expressing his delight: "For the first time during the post parade, I thought 'this feels good'... I'm happy the horse ran exactly as I felt."

This victory was a memorable one for Fujioka, marking his 49th JRA graded stakes win. Achieving a graded stakes win just before his transition to a trainer in March was hailed as his "final masterpiece" or "last brilliant flourish," and countless fans poured onto social media with heartfelt applause and emotional comments like "Glad he won a graded race before retiring" and "He still has it in him." Warm congratulations for the beloved Fujioka also came from his peer, Jockey Yuga Kawada, other racing personnel, and horse racing fans nationwide.

Kyoto Racecourse erupted in a thunderous ovation, making that moment truly a historic day. Many spectators remarked that they couldn't help but feel the presence of the 'Horse Racing Gods' in Fujioka Yusuke's competitive spirit and June Take's triumphant comeback after overcoming adversity. Expectations are high for his continued success in his remaining time as a jockey.

The context

This article details a significant event in Japanese horse racing, focusing on Jockey Yusuke Fujioka's momentous victory. In Japan, professional jockeys have a defined career path, and transitioning to a trainer is a common and prestigious next step. Fujioka, a seasoned jockey with a long and successful career, was on the verge of making this transition in March, meaning his time as an active rider was limited. His victory in the GII Kyoto Kinen—a high-level graded stakes race, second only to G1 races in prestige—was therefore particularly poignant. It's akin to a veteran athlete winning a major championship just before retirement.

Adding to the drama is the story of June Take, the winning horse. June Take had been sidelined for nearly two years due to a suspensory ligament injury, a serious and often career-ending condition for racehorses. Its comeback victory in a demanding GII race is a testament to the horse's resilience and the dedicated care it received. The term "Kizuna progeny" refers to June Take being an offspring of Kizuna, a celebrated former racehorse and successful sire, further adding to its pedigree and the significance of its win.

The race also featured a strong performance by Eris King, ridden by Yuga Kawada, one of Japan's top jockeys. Fujioka's ability to narrowly defeat such a formidable opponent and rider, especially given his impending career change, resonated deeply with fans, making the moment highly emotional and memorable across the racing community.