Michael Dee has now added Japan to his growing list of countries where he has ridden a winner, securing his first Japanese victory at Tokyo Racecourse on Sunday.
Already successful in New Zealand, Australia, Macau, and Hong Kong, the 28-year-old jockey broke through aboard Ask Come On More in the Fuchu Stakes at his fourth race meeting in Japan.
Dee, speaking with Racing.com, said the breakthrough win came as a welcome relief after several close calls, including five placings from earlier rides, and an eventful stretch run that involved a riderless horse.
“It was a huge relief to get my first winner. My first day riding, I had three seconds, so naturally I thought a winner would’ve come quickly but that wasn’t to be for another 20-odd rides,” Dee said.
“I’ve felt I have given most horses every opportunity and some at big odds have run nice races with the right run.”
Despite the wait for that first win, Dee has kept busy in Japan, with a full book of rides since arriving.
“I have been lucky with opportunities, my first weekend riding I had 18 rides and this weekend just gone I had 20 rides. I just need to keep giving horses the best possible chances and hopefully I can get on some better horses.”
Now a Group 1-winning rider on multiple continents, Dee’s latest success further enhances his international profile and underscores his adaptability across global racing jurisdictions.
Dee said he is basing himself in Tokyo and has been riding trackwork at the Miho Training Centre multiple times a week.