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Suraj Narredu has created history in Japan, becoming the first Indian jockey to register a victory at the Japan Racing Association (JRA), after guiding Fier Chanter to victory at Sapporo Racecourse.
According to a press release, the landmark victory comes in a defining year for the Indian jockey. Earlier this year, Narredu became the first Indian jockey to surpass 2,500 career wins, adding another milestone to a career that has already established him among India's most accomplished riders. He has also recorded more than 250 domestic graded-race victories and over 100 classic titles. Making his much-anticipated Japan debut as one of six overseas jockeys selected for the prestigious 2026 World All-Star Jockeys (WASJ), Narredu produced the historic result on only his second mount in Japan. Partnering three-year-old Fier Chanter over 2,600 metres, he secured the win with a horse that was the sixth choice in the field, making the result even more significant. The victory came in a highly competitive international environment, with Narredu sharing the stage with leading jockeys from Australia, South Africa, France and Canada, alongside Japan's top riders. Speaking after the race on Saturday, Narredu said, "To ride in Japan was a big dream for me. It feels very special to win on my very first day, and to do it in front of my family is always a very special moment. It's a very special moment for India as well. I thank the fans for their warm messages on social media and those who are here today waving the Indian flag." The JRA victory adds another international milestone to Narredu's two-decade career at the highest level of Indian racing. A four-time Indian Derby winner and four-time Champion Jockey of the Year, Narredu has built an extensive international racing resume, having competed across jurisdictions including Australia, France, Dubai, Ireland, Macau, Malaysia, Mauritius and the United States. His international profile received a major boost with his breakthrough appearance at the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup at Ascot in 2025, where he represented Team Asia, recorded a race victory and helped his team claim the overall title. He returned to Ascot this year as part of the Rest of the World Team before travelling to Japan for his JRA debut. His selection for the 2026 WASJ marked another significant recognition, with Narredu chosen among just six overseas jockeys for the prestigious international competition. Narredu's victory represents more than an individual achievement. It marks a significant moment for Indian horse racing, with an Indian rider succeeding in Japan's highly regarded racing environment. What makes the achievement particularly notable is the manner in which it was delivered: Narredu arrived in Japan as a first-time JRA rider, competing against an elite international field, and within just two rides secured a victory aboard a horse that was not among the race favourites. From Ascot to Sapporo, Narredu's recent international campaign has taken Indian racing to two of the sport's most recognised global stages. For Narredu, the victory adds another defining chapter to a career that has consistently pushed the boundaries of Indian horse racing. For Indian racing, it represents a moment of international recognition - and a reminder of the talent capable of carrying the country's colours onto the world's biggest racing platforms. Suraj Narredu has made history in Japan, adding another landmark achievement to an extraordinary career and taking Indian horse racing one step further onto the global stage. (ANI)
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