Nanako Fujita scoops Women Jockeys' World Cup for Japan

The only female jockey licensed by the Japan Racing Association, Nanako Fujita, won the third Women Jockeys' World Cup in Stockholm on Sunday.

Riders representing eight countries competed in the five-race points-based at Bro Park and there was still all to play for going into the fifth and final race of the competition.

It was Fujita who stole the show in the finale with a fluent victory aboard Chilterns, having earlier also steered Franciskus to victory.

They were the first victories that the 22-year-old had enjoyed outside of Japan, and helped her achieve a winning total of 48 points.

Fujita said: “It’s unbelievable I am really happy. It is the first time I have ridden a winner outside of Japan.

“Travelling to Sweden and riding Swedish horses has been a very good experience for me and I hope I can inspire other female riders.

“I am thankful to my trainer in Japan and my parents and to Svensk Galopp for inviting me to Sweden.”

Last year’s champion, Swedish-based Josefin Landgren, won the first race and put up a bold defence of her title, but had to settle for second spot.

Jane Elliott and Georgia Cox represented Great Britain, with Sophie Ralston on duty for Ireland. The trio all finished in the first five.

Elliott and Ralston each rode a winner, while Ralston twice made he frame.

Jeane Alves de Lemos (Brazil), Rebecca Danz (Germany), Ulrika Holmquist (Sweden), Kaia Sofia Ingolfsland (Norway), Alison Massin (France) also took part.

Dennis Madsen, Director of Racing at Svensk Galopp, had said beforehand “We staged three races for women jockeys on the opening day of Bro Park back in June 2016, and have been committed ever since to providing opportunities for female riders to compete on an international stage.

“The Women Jockeys’ Wold Cup is designed to expand international opportunities for professional female riders and provide a platform from which to promote success and inspire future generations.

"This year, the global reach of the event is immense, it has attracted a host of established and emerging international talent from as far afield as Asia and South America.”

The final three championship races of the Women Jockeys’ World Cup, which formed part of Sunday’s eight-race programme, was broadcast live in the UK by Racing TV, who have covered the event since its inception.