JRA Announces Jockey Hokuto Miyazaki's Retirement Effective September 29
The Japan Racing Association (JRA) announced on the 24th that jockey Hokuto Miyazaki (36, Miho, freelance) will have his jockey license revoked and will retire, effective September 29, following a request from Miyazaki himself. Miyazaki debuted in March 2007, affiliated with Keiichi Takaichi stable at Miho Training Center. On April 21 of the same year, he achieved his first JRA victory in Fukushima Race 3 aboard Original Color. He amassed a total of 181 JRA wins. His most notable achievements in graded races include winning the GIII Aichi Hai twice, in 2008 and 2010, both times riding Seraphic Romp. In recent years, Miyazaki's riding opportunities had been declining, with his earnings this year totaling approximately 5 million yen, no wins, and only about 30 rides. It has long been known that he had a side job as a seitaishi (body therapist), and many speculate that his retirement is due to his decision to focus on this "main profession." Some fans also suggest that his r...