Bengaluru Jockey Suraj Narredu Wins Race on Sapporo Turf in Japan

Bengaluru jockey Suraj Narredu secured a historic racing victory in Japan on Saturday, guiding the Kensuke Ogura-trained Fier Chanter to first place on the Sapporo turf.

The celebrated Indian rider, who has recorded over 2,500 winners on the Indian racing circuit, won on his first day competing in Sapporo. Narredu was invited by the Japan Racing Association (JRA) to compete in the World All-Stars Jockeys Championship (WASJ).

The triumph carried a personal milestone for Narredu, whose uncle Mallesh Narredu, now a leading trainer in Mumbai, rode in Japan nearly 30 years ago. Narredu noted that winning in Japan was the fulfilment of a long-held childhood dream.

The victory came in a gruelling 2,600-metre race aboard the filly Fier Chanter. It follows Narredu's international success last year, when he became the first Indian jockey to win at Ascot after booting home Fireblade in the Shergar Cup.

In the overall WASJ championship standings, Japan's Norihiro Yokoyama finished as champion with 63 points, while Australia's Zac Lloyd placed second with 58 points and Damian Lane finished third with 56 points. The JRA riders also secured the team championship against the World All-Stars team with a 261-158 victory.