Nanako Fujita becomes first female jockey to land Graded race

Nanako Fujita became the first female jockey to win a Graded race in Japan when landing the Capella Stakes at Nakayama on Sunday.

She guided the Akira Murayama-trained Copano Kicking to a two-and-a-half length victory over T O Genius, his ninth win in 15 starts.

"I decided to be near the front," said Fujita, who is Japan Racing Association's (JRA) only female jockey. "He responded well on the turn for home and produced a strong finish.

"There have been times when I've felt frustrated not to win aboard Copano Kicking so I'm glad I was able to today. I’m thankful that I can grow little by little riding such a wonderful horse.”

The 22-year-old made history as the first female JRA jockey to compete in a Grade 1 race when contesting this year’s February Stakes, when she finished fifth aboard Copano Kicking.

Earlier this year Fujita won the Women Jockeys' World Cup in Sweden and competed in the Shergar Cup at Ascot.

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