Japanese rising star who grew up idolising Ryan Moore set for first ride in Britain at Newbury on Thursday
Japanese jockey Yuga Kawada, known as a Group 1 winner and the 2023 World All-Star Jockeys series titleholder, is making his debut on British soil at Newbury this Thursday. The 25-year-old, son of Melbourne Cup champion Yasunari Iwata, has long admired British jockey Ryan Moore and aims to leave a mark on the international racing scene.
Kawada’s Journey to International Debut
Kawada has achieved significant success at home and is now extending his ambitions internationally. At Newbury, he is set to ride Concert, a horse trained by the well-known William Haggas. This debut represents Kawada’s first step into the UK horse racing circuit, aspiring to learn and compete within this different racing culture.
Kawada’s commitment is evidenced by his past performances, where he frequently finished as runner-up in the Japan Racing Association’s (JRA) jockey championship. His resilience and recent victories spotlight his potential as a rising star in horse racing.
The Influence of Ryan Moore
Growing up, Kawada greatly admired the tactical brilliance and poise of Ryan Moore on the track. He sees Moore not just as an idol but as a model for refining his riding style. Kawada’s determination to blend his skills with the rich tradition of British racing signifies his quest for continuous improvement.
This relationship underscores the strong influences shaping Kawada’s career as he strives for success beyond domestic boundaries, mirroring Moore’s career accomplishments and possibly setting new benchmarks in racing history.
Looking Forward at Newbury
The decision to make his debut in Britain highlights Kawada’s ambition to innovate while respecting time-honored methods. His ride on Concert will be closely watched by the racing community, eager to see how Kawada adapts to and performs within the British racing framework.
This ride marks the beginning of Kawada’s journey in the UK, which promises to be filled with new challenges and triumphs. As he steps onto the Newbury track, his performance may carve out new stories and inspire both current and future horse racing enthusiasts.
