A Fairytale Farewell: Retired Jockey Ryuji Wada and Deep Bond to Lead the Field at Kyoto Racecourse

In a move that has touched the hearts of horse racing fans across Japan, it has been announced that former jockey Ryuji Wada will serve as the lead horse rider for the Yomiuri Milers Cup (GII) at Kyoto Racecourse on April 26. His partner for this special occasion will be none other than Deep Bond, the powerhouse stayer with whom Wada shared numerous legendary battles throughout his active career. With Wada's official retirement ceremony scheduled for the same day, fans have flooded social media with emotional tributes, calling the pairing "the ultimate tribute" and "the true essence of horse racing."

The buzz began when the JRA's Kyoto Racecourse official social media accounts posted footage of the duo's rehearsal. Seeing Wada—who decided to retire following a series of injuries—back in the saddle of Deep Bond sent the topic trending almost instantly. Fans described the unbreakable bond between the pair, who fought through countless graded stakes races together, as "deeply moving." Among the most dedicated supporters, who affectionately refer to Kyoto Racecourse as "Deep Bond Park," the enthusiasm is so high that some joked about wanting to move their permanent residency to the track just to witness the moment.

Wada is set to embark on a new chapter in his career as a horse trainer. This "last lead" instead of a "last run" serves as a final gift to the fans who have cheered for them over the years. This Sunday, Kyoto Racecourse is expected to be filled with thunderous applause and emotional tributes as it hosts the final chapter of a story written by a master jockey and his beloved horse.

The Context

Ryuji Wada is a celebrated figure in Japanese horse racing, famous for his grit and long-standing career. Deep Bond, his partner for this event, is a popular racehorse known for his immense stamina in long-distance races. The two formed a beloved "underdog" narrative in many top-tier races, earning a massive following. In Japanese horse racing culture, the "Lead Horse" (Yudouma) is the horse that guides the competitors from the paddock to the starting gates—a position usually reserved for retired racehorses with calm temperaments. Seeing a recently retired jockey pair up with an active star horse for this ceremonial role is an exceptionally rare and sentimental gesture by the Japan Racing Association (JRA).

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