Egan out of luck as Yutaka Take wins World All-Star Jockeys series in Japan

British contender David Egan was out of luck as legendary Japanese jockey Yutaka Take came out on top in a thrilling World All-Star Jockeys series at Sapporo Racecourse in Japan.

Egan's best finish in the competition was a third, whereas Take enjoyed a winner and two places to scoop the spoils. Team JRA [Japan Racing Association] claimed the team competition with 284 points to claim its sixth consecutive title, while Team WAS [World All-Star] accumulated 174 points.

"I feel very thankful to the JRA for inviting me to this great event," Egan said. "It was a fantastic two days of racing. Unfortunately, I didn't get a winner with a third and a fourth the best places I got.

"Hopefully, on my next trip to Japan I will have a winner. The racing is very competitive with some of the best jockeys in the world riding here. All in all, the whole competition was a great success team and congratulations to the JRA team on their win."

Take got off to a flying start when scoring a win in the first leg abord Meisho Tsutsuji before finishing third in the second leg to lead at the end of day one.

There was a slight scare for Take when his mount was excluded from racing in the third leg, but his second aboard Kafuji Azul in the fourth leg ensured he finished top with 71 points.

An overjoyed Take said: “I’m glad that we were able to hold the series this year and that foreign jockeys were able to join us under difficult circumstances. It was very rewarding to be able to compete with everyone and I was able to spend a very fulfilling two days.

"I’m really happy that I was able to ride on good horses and claim the title this year as I have been coming in second many times since claiming the title years ago. We JRA jockeys always try hard to be able to take part in this event every year and I hope I’ll be able to compete again next year.”

Twelve points behind in second was Yuga Kawada, who recorded a win, a third, a fourth and a ninth in the series.

“I’m just grateful that the series has returned after being cancelled for a couple of years, and I enjoyed competing in this atmosphere once again with my fellow jockeys,” he said. “I’m also glad to have done well personally but “the legend” was, as always, very hard to beat. After another week of summer racing, the autumn racing scene featuring top-notch races will begin and we hope to do our best and contribute to another exciting season.”

Kohei Matsuyama led the series at one stage before fading to finish third. He said: “I have to admit I was hoping to win the overall title when I stood at the top after winning the third leg, but it’s a shame it didn’t work out that way. I’m thankful to the horses - they all fought hard. After wrapping up a hot summer campaign in a week, I hope we can deliver to the fans an exciting fall season of racing.”

Theo Bachelot, who was joint-sixth at the end of day one, finishing ninth and fourth in the first two races, improved to fourth place by winning the fourth leg.

Hong Kong representative Vincent Ho finished joint-seventh, so concludes his month riding stint in Japan with five wins. He will now return to Hong Kong in preparation for the 2022/23 season, which begins on September 11 at Sha Tin.

He said: “I am already delighted to have the chance to be invited by the Japan Racing Association to participate in this event, either win or lose it’s not a big problem for me as like other jockey’s invitation races, rides are allocated through random draws.

“It is a good experience for me, in particular it is my first time riding at Sapporo Racecourse. I am happy to ride in Japan.

“Thanks to trainer Takayuki Yasuda and big owner-breeder Northern Farm who made this trip possible for me. I would also like to express my gratitude to trainer Yoshito Yahagi who engaged me to ride Kafuji Octagon to win a Group Three race. Also, thanks to my agent in Japan who all along was keen on finding opportunities for me, and indeed many trainers did support me with quality rides, which was pleasing.

“Also, I had the chance to visit Northern Farm and was happy to have a reunion with Loves Only You. I also visited a number of stallions there which was another unforgettable memory for me.”