Australian claimed jockey Rachel King made history once again in Tokyo on Sunday, becoming the first female rider to claim victory in a Grade 1 race in Japan.
King steered Costa Nova to an impressive win in the February Stakes for trainer Tetsuya Kimura, marking another milestone in her career.
Speaking after the race, King expressed her gratitude for the opportunity and the significance of the achievement.
‘’Very privileged to be here competing on this stage. Very proud to get this moment today and to be the first female to ride a Grade 1 in Japan,” she said.
“[It was my] first time sitting on him but I was given lots of information from his trainer and the team–previous jockeys as well. I have done all my homework and he is a very straightforward horse who can keep progressing even from today.”
King also acknowledged the support she has received from Japanese racing fans.
‘’A big thank you to all of the JRA racing fans. They have been amazing in the support I have had last year and this year. I couldn’t be winning a Grade 1 without all of that support behind me.”
The historic win adds to her growing list of achievements in Japan. Last year, she became the first female rider to win a JRA group race during her debut riding stint in the country. Her current two-month tenure will conclude on March 4.
King’s success in Tokyo followed another major triumph just days earlier, when she secured victory in the International Jockey’s Challenge during the opening night of the Saudi Cup meeting in Riyadh.
She ultimately finished as the runner-up in the challenge, with Muhammed Aldhaham taking the top honors.