Rachel King Creates History In Japan With Breakthrough Grade 1 Success
Updated: February 23, 2025 at 3:15 pm
Rachel King made history in Japan on Sunday when she became the first female jockey to partner a Grade 1 winner in the country when she guided Costa Nova (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}) to victory in the February Stakes at Tokyo.
King rode six winners as an amateur in Britain between 2009 and 2013. She has gone on to become something of a globetrotting sensation and even rode a winner in the final leg in the International Jockeys' Challenge at Riyadh on the opening night of the Saudi Cup meeting prior to her Japanese success.
The breakthrough Grade 1 win in Japan was achieved for trainer Tetsuya Kimura with Costa Nova scoring by just under a length at the winning line.
King commented afterwards, “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.
“[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.”
She added, “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.”
Click here for the G1 February Stakes report.