Kazushi Kimura

Tags: Jockey, Woodbine RacetrackLast Updated: August 18, 2024

Kazushi Kimura Jockey

From Japan to International Stardom

Kazushi Kimura, a rising star in the world of Thoroughbred racing, has captivated the attention of horse racing enthusiasts worldwide.

From his humble beginnings in Japan to his meteoric rise in North American circuits, Kimura’s journey exemplifies the passion, skill, and determination required to succeed in the competitive realm of professional jockeys.

His remarkable ascent has showcased his exceptional talent but also highlighted the global nature of modern horse racing.

Kimura’s story is about ambition and perseverance, marked by significant milestones and accolades.

This article delves into his early life and career in Japan, explores his bold move to North America, and traces his rapid climb through the ranks of professional jockeys.

By examining Kimura’s experiences at prestigious racetracks like Woodbine and Del Mar, as well as his achievements, including the Sovereign Award for Outstanding Apprentice Jockey, readers will gain insight into the making of a champion jockey and the evolving landscape of international horse racing.

Early Life and Career in Japan

Kazushi Kimura’s journey in horse racing began in Hokkaido, the northernmost of Japan’s main islands. Born into a family with equestrian connections, Kimura’s early life was intertwined with horses. His father owned a farm to train young horses, providing Kimura early exposure to the equine world.

Childhood in Hokkaido

From a tender age, Kimura displayed a natural affinity for horses at just three years old. This early interaction laid the foundation for his future career.

Initial interest in horse racing

Kimura’s passion for thoroughbred horse racing grew as he explored various disciplines. He started with pony racing, progressed to quarter horse riding, and even ventured into equestrian and show jumping.

This diverse experience allowed him to develop a comprehensive understanding of horsemanship.

Training and early experiences

Kimura attended the Japan Racing Association (JRA) school for about two and a half years to pursue his dream of becoming a jockey.

Despite being recognized as the most talented rider in his year group, Kimura found the strict rules and constraints challenging.

This experience ultimately led him to seek opportunities abroad, setting the stage for his international career.

The Bold Move to North America

Arrival at Woodbine Racetrack

In 2018, at Kazushi Kimura, he left Japan and pursued his dream of becoming a superstar jockey in North America.

He chose Canada as his destination, launching his riding career at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto.

This move added to the multicultural jockey colony at Woodbine, which already included riders from various parts of Canada, the U.S., the Caribbean, South America, and Europe.

Challenges faced in a new country

Kimura’s journey was not without obstacles. He arrived in Canada without knowing English, lacking a bank account, and with just enough money to survive for a couple of months.

Despite these challenges, Kimura was determined to succeed, stating, “This was my decision. If I didn’t get a racetrack job, I could not stay”.

Quick adaptation to North American racing style

Kimura quickly adapted to the North American racing style, described as “just to sit on the horse and be very quiet.”

His talent and hard work paid off rapidly. Kimura earned the Sovereign Award for Outstanding Apprentice Jockey in his first year.

The following year, he won 148 races and secured the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Apprentice Jockey.

His career continued to soar, with consecutive Sovereign Awards as outstanding jockey in 2021, 2022, and 2023.

Rising Through the Ranks

Breakthrough performances

Kazushi Kimura’s career took off rapidly after he arrived in North America. In 2018, he won 104 races from 663 rides at Woodbine and Fort Erie.

This impressive performance earned him Canada’s Sovereign Award for Outstanding Apprentice Jockey.

Notable victories and achievements

Kimura’s success continued to grow. In 2019, he won 148 races and secured the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Apprentice Jockey.

His first Grade 1 victory came in 2020 when he won the Summer Stakes aboard Gretzky the Great.

Kimura has also guided Japanese-bred T O Password to a fifth-place finish in the Kentucky Derby.

Recognition and awards

Kimura’s talent has been widely recognized. He has won multiple Sovereign Awards, including three consecutive awards for Outstanding Jockey from 2021 to 2023.

As of May 29th, Kimura had amassed 855 career victories and over $34.8 million in lifetime purse earnings.

Conclusion

Kazushi Kimura’s journey from a young horse enthusiast in Hokkaido to a celebrated jockey in North America showcases the power of passion and perseverance in horse racing.

His rapid rise through the ranks, marked by numerous accolades and victories, highlights his exceptional talent and the sport’s evolving global nature.

Kimura’s story inspires aspiring jockeys worldwide, proving that with dedication and skill, one can overcome language barriers and cultural differences to achieve international stardom.

As Kimura continues to make waves in the racing world, his impact extends beyond personal achievements. His success has helped to bridge the gap between Eastern and Western racing cultures, fostering a more inclusive and diverse environment in the sport.

To dive deeper into professional jockeys, consider exploring the Canadian Jockey Profiles on Jockeys Canada for detailed biographies and career accomplishments of other notable riders.

Kimura’s story reminds us that the pursuit of excellence knows no boundaries, and the future of horse racing looks brighter with such talented individuals pushing the limits of what’s possible on the track.

FAQs

What incident occurred with jockey Kimura?
Kimura experienced a concussion due to a fall at Woodbine one year ago. He commented, “I’ve been lucky so far,” noting that he has never been sidelined for more than two weeks due to injuries.

What is the process to becoming a jockey in Japan?
To become a jockey in Japan, one must enroll in the JRA Horse Racing School. The program is a comprehensive three-year course that includes practical work in stables, step-by-step equestrian riding drills, and practical training to prepare for racing.

Jockeys Agent | Tom Patton | 416-892-5774