Kohei Matsuyama Claims Long-Awaited First Japanese Derby Victory on Robchen: A Path to Historic "Dual-Gender Triple Crown" and the Heartwarming Bond Revealed by Jockey Cam

On May 31, 2026, the Tokyo Racecourse hosted the pinnacle of Japanese horse racing, the Japanese Derby (G1), where Robchen, ridden by jockey Kohei Matsuyama, emerged victorious after a thrilling battle. Following his earlier triumph in the Satsuki Sho, Robchen has officially captured the second leg of the Japanese Classics. For Matsuyama, this long-awaited victory crowns him with the prestigious title of "Derby Jockey" for the very first time.

A Victory by a Head and Tears of Joy

The race culminated in a heart-stopping stretch duel, but Robchen showed incredible late speed to edge out his rival by a head at the wire, securing his spot at the top of his generation. Matsuyama’s emotional tears immediately after the race deeply moved fans, sparking a wave of congratulations on social media with comments like "He made me cry too" and "Thank you for the beautiful moment." The sight of his relieved, liberated smile during the subsequent victory carriage parade also left a lasting impression.

The "Too Cute" Jockey Cam Footage Goes Viral

The "Jockey Cam" footage released by the JRA after the race has generated massive buzz online. The camera captured a tender moment right before the start, where Matsuyama gently whispers to his partner, "Rob, you're okay... you're okay..." It also recorded a heartwarming post-race exchange with fellow jockeys: "Who got it?" "They're saying Robchen!" "Really!?" Fans have flooded social media with praise, calling the bond between horse and rider "pure gold" and expressing adoration for Matsuyama's charming personality.

Aiming for an Unprecedented "Male and Female Triple Crown"

Robchen, sired by the Kikuka Sho champion World Premiere, now turns his sights toward the autumn Classics and a potential Triple Crown sweep in the Kikuka Sho. Matsuyama is already famous as the regular rider of Daring Tact, the legendary filly he guided to an undefeated Fillies' Triple Crown in 2020. If Robchen completes the sweep, Matsuyama will achieve the historic feat of winning the Triple Crown in both the male (colt) and female (filly) divisions—a milestone never before reached by a single jockey. Fans are already buzzing with anticipation, eager to support the duo as they head into the final leg of the Triple Crown.

The Context

The Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) is the most prestigious race for three-year-old Thoroughbreds in Japan, comparable to the Epsom Derby in the UK or the Kentucky Derby in the US. Winning it is considered the ultimate lifetime achievement for domestic jockeys. The Japanese Classic Triple Crown for colts consists of the Satsuki Sho (2000 Guineas equivalent), the Tokyo Yushun (Derby), and the Kikuka Sho (St. Leger equivalent). Matsuyama’s partner, Robchen, is currently on track to sweep all three. Since Matsuyama already swept the Fillies' Triple Crown with Daring Tact in 2020, winning the Kikuka Sho with Robchen would make him the first jockey in history to have piloted both a male and a female horse to Triple Crown glory.

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