Fujita Claims Jockeys' World Cup

Japanese rider Nanako Fujita landed the Women Jockeys' World Cup at Bro Park in Sweden on Sunday. 22-year-old Fujita, currently the only licensed female jockey in Japan, rode two winners on the card and it was her victory in the final race, when it was still all to play for, that clinched her victory with 48 points. There were eight countries represented in the competition and last year's champion, Swedish-based Josefin Landgren, won the opening race but ultimately had to settle for second place. Jane Elliott and Sophie Ralston, representing Britain and Ireland respectively each rode a winner with Elliott claiming the third prize. After receiving her trophy Nanako Fujita said, “It's unbelievable I am really happy. It is the first time I have ridden a winner outside of Japan. Travelling to Sweden and riding Swedish horses has been a very good experience for me and I hope I can inspire other female riders. I am thankful to my trainer in Japan and my parents and to Svesnk Galopp for inviting me to Sweden.” Dennis Madsen, Svensk Gallop's director of racing added, “We are delighted for Nanako who helped us make the Women Jockeys' World Cup a truly international competition. The Women Jockeys' World Cup, and in particular, Japan's participation has generated a huge amount of interest in Swedish racing and we are grateful to all media, trainers, jockeys, owners and commercial partners who have supported the third running of this event at Bro Park.”