History made in Tokyo as 22-year-old rider becomes first Japanese woman to win domestic Grade 1

Seina Imamura salutes the crowd after winning the Japanese Oaks on Juryoku Pierrot at TokyoCredit: Masakazu Takahashi

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Seina Imamura became the first Japanese woman to win a domestic Grade 1 when Juryoku Pierrot landed the Japanese Oaks at Tokyo on Sunday.

The jockey, 22, was having her first Classic ride aboard the Ryo Terashima-trained filly and came with a powerful late challenge to get the verdict by a neck in a close finish, with just a length and a half covering the first six home.

Imamura had settled Juryoku Pierrot towards the back of the field and the pair had just a handful of rivals behind them as they entered the home straight, but the filly weaved in between horses to make up ground quickly.

"It feels like a dream," said Imamura. "I know the racing fans were worried because I'd never ridden in a mile-and-a-half race at Tokyo before, but I felt like I knew her well.

"The pace was slow in the first half of the race, and she got a little impatient at times, but she ran with a good rhythm from the middle of the race onwards. Thanks to the advice of many people, I think I was able to ride calmly, without rushing, because the straight is long. She's a wonderful horse.

"Those who support me closely know a lot about her, and I want to share this joy with them. I receive support from so many people, and I realise how wonderful the job of a jockey is. I rode with the sole desire to live up to their expectations."

Seina Imamura: became the first Japanese woman to win a Grade 1 raceCredit: Masakazu Takahashi

Christophe Lemaire finished second on Dream Core, while Damian Lane was another neck behind in third on Laughterlines. The Japanese 1,000 Guineas winner Star Anise was sent off 2-1 favourite but could finish only 12th of the 18 runners under Kohei Matsuyama.

Juryoku Pierrot is a daughter of Orfevre, who finished second in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in 2012 and 2013, and she also holds an entry in Europe's greatest race on October 4. She was cut to 33-1 (from 50) by William Hill.

Terashima said: "Since Seina has won very few races at Tokyo, I told her to just watch Christophe, who is good here. She persevered, and I thought the horse responded wonderfully.

"We've entered her for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, but we need to discuss it with the owner, taking into account her condition, before deciding what to do."

Seina Imamura salutes the crowd after winning the Japanese Oaks aboard Joryoku PierrotCredit: Masakazu Takahashi

Women are increasingly making an impact in Japanese racing, with Rachel King becoming the first woman to win a Japanese Grade 1 when partnering Costa Nova to win the February Stakes on a part-time licence last year.

She was born in Britain but is now based in Australia, where she has ridden seven of her eight top-level winners. They include the Australian Derby, which she won on Godolphin's Green Spaces last month.

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