Michael Cox

Christophe Lemaire: journey to the JRA

When champion French jockey Christophe Lemaire left his home country behind for a life in Japan he could never have imagined the adventures – and champion racehorses – that awaited him.

Adrian Webber

Keiba Diary: Lemaire’s new ‘rocket’

Adrian Webber keeps tabs on the Group 1 goings on in the JRA and has word of a couple of milestones for a rising star jockey, and a stallion cementing his legacy

Adrian Webber

Keiba Diary: what a Liberty

Adrian Webber pays homage to the new Queen of Japanese racing, looks at Kurofune’s impressive stats, a jockey relocation, and anticipates a cracking contest in the year’s final Classic.

David Morgan

Five key storylines that will define Japanese racing this autumn

International incursions in Hong Kong and North America, the prospect of one of the most highly anticipated Japan Cup clashes of all time and two champion riders engaged in a fierce jockeys' premiership dogfight: David Morgan picks out the five most compelling storylines as Japanese racing surges towards its 2023 crescendo.

Adrian Webber

Keiba Diary: from the bearish to the bullish

Adrian Webber shares his insights to the JRA scene as Japan’s autumn season begins to ramp up with more Group 1 action.

David Morgan

To race on or not? Ace Impact still has something to prove

The Arc winner’s owners have an opportunity to establish their colt’s greatness as a four-year-old, but the lure of the stallion shed might be greater still.

Adrian Webber

Keiba Diary: Mama Cocha steps up as Sodashi retires

Adrian Webber was on hand to witness Mama Cocha’s big win, and he also has word of her famous older sister’s retirement, plus Mickaëlle Michel’s latest jockey test and an exciting autumn programme.

David Morgan

Lemaire locks sights on Kawada as Equinox limbers up

A sixth JRA champion jockey title is a high priority for French star Christophe Lemaire, as is adding to Equinox’s already impressive haul of Group 1 wins.

David Morgan

Liberty Island heads Nakauchida’s autumn team

The Triple Tiara is the focus for the outstanding filly, and while no decision has yet been made about the Japan Cup, the thought of a showdown with Equinox is tantalising.

Homan Ho

JRA Blackbook: Belle earns admirers in Niigata Newcomer

A daughter of Suave Richard ran right up to her strong pedigree with a debut victory at Niigata, while a Kizuna filly dominated from the front at Kokura.

David Morgan

Yutaka Take: the human face of Japan’s racing revolution

David Morgan profiles the man who has been a constant through the last 40 years of Japanese racing and whose fame transcends the sport in his country.

David Morgan

Mandarin Hero set towards August race return

The NAR’s Kentucky Derby runner is prepping for some possible big race targets at home and abroad, leaving Mick Fire to shoot for a home track hat-trick.

David Morgan

Vincent Ho clarifies travel plans to Japan and Britain

Vincent Ho will once again forego time off between Hong Kong seasons as the leading local rider chases more summer winners on the JRA and in England.