Norihiro Yokoyama: A Legacy of Excellence in JRA Horse Racing
In the high-stakes world of the Japan Racing Association (JRA), few names carry as much weight as Norihiro Yokoyama. With a career spanning nearly four decades, Yokoyama has evolved from a promising newcomer into one of the most decorated jockeys in history, breaking records for longevity and success across Japan's most prestigious racecourses.
The Early Years and First Major Victories
Norihiro's professional journey began on March 1, 1986. He wasted little time making his mark, securing his first career victory with Kioi God on April 29 of the same year. His ascent to the elite level of racing accelerated in 1990 when he claimed his first Grade I (GI)—the highest tier of Thoroughbred racing—victory in the Queen Elizabeth II Cup aboard Kyoei Tap.
The momentum continued into the following year, as he secured a win in the Takarazuka Kinen with Mejiro Ryan, establishing himself as a formidable force in the JRA circuit.
Breaking Barriers and Milestone Wins
For over two decades, the Japanese Derby remained an elusive goal. After 15 attempts, Norihiro finally became a Derby jockey in 2009, winning the prestigious race with Logi Universe. This milestone year was further highlighted on July 18, when he became only the fifth JRA jockey to reach 2,000 career wins, achieving the feat with Sugino Blade in an allowance race at Sapporo Racecourse.
The year 2010 brought a historic first for Japanese racing. Norihiro rode Saint Emilion to a victory in the Yushun Himba, resulting in a dead heat (a tie for first place) against Apapane. This marked the first time a Grade I race in Japan ended in such a fashion.
Continued Dominance and Versatility
Yokoyama's success continued into the next decade. In 2014, he captured his second Japanese Derby victory with One And Only. That same year, he reached another massive milestone, recording his 2,500th JRA win with Clarity Sky in the inaugural Icho Stakes, joining the exclusive ranks of Yutaka Take and Yukio Okabe.
By September 4, 2016, Norihiro demonstrated his versatility by becoming the fourth jockey to win a graded race on all 10 JRA racecourses, a feat completed with a victory aboard A Day in the Life at the Niigata Kinen (GIII).
A Historic Family Rivalry and Late-Career Records
The latter stages of Norihiro's career have been defined by extraordinary longevity and a unique family dynamic with his son, Takeshi. On September 2, 2023, the two made JRA history at the Sapporo Nisai Stakes, where Norihiro (riding Power Hall) finished second to Takeshi, marking the first time a father and son finished first and second in a graded race.
The following week, the roles reversed at the Shion Stakes. Norihiro won with Moryana, while Takeshi finished second. At age 55, this victory made Norihiro the eldest jockey to win a JRA graded race, surpassing the previous record held by Yoshitomi Shibata.
Norihiro continued to rewrite the record books in 2024. On January 14, he won the Keisei Hai with Danon Decile, again finishing ahead of his son, Takeshi (on Urban Chic). On May 5, 2024, he secured his 2,944th win with Hawaiian Time at Niigata Racecourse, overtaking Yukio Okabe to become the JRA jockey with the second-highest number of wins, trailing only Yutaka Take.
The pinnacle of this late-career surge occurred on May 26, 2024, when Norihiro won his third Japanese Derby with Danon Decile. This victory established him as the eldest jockey to ever win both the Japanese Derby and a Grade I race, surpassing the record previously held by Yutaka Take.
Key Facts
- Career Start: March 1, 1986.
- Total Wins: 2,944 (Second most in JRA history).
- Derby Success: Three-time Japanese Derby winner (Logi Universe, One And Only, Danon Decile).
- Historic Firsts: First Grade I dead heat in Japan (2010 Yushun Himba).
- Family Milestone: First father-son duo to finish 1st and 2nd in a JRA graded race.
- Longevity Record: Eldest jockey to win the Japanese Derby and a Grade I race.
| Year | Achievement / Race | Horse | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | Queen Elizabeth II Cup | Kyoei Tap | First Grade I victory |
| 2009 | Japanese Derby | Logi Universe | First Derby win |
| 2009 | Allowance Race (Sapporo) | Sugino Blade | 2,000th JRA win |
| 2010 | Yushun Himba | Saint Emilion | First Grade I dead heat |
| 2014 | Japanese Derby | One And Only | Second Derby win |
| 2014 | Icho Stakes | Clarity Sky | 2,500th JRA win |
| 2024 | Japanese Derby | Danon Decile | Third Derby win; Eldest GI/Derby winner |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Japanese Derbies has Norihiro Yokoyama won?
Norihiro Yokoyama has won the Japanese Derby three times, riding Logi Universe in 2009, One And Only in 2014, and Danon Decile in 2024.
What is Norihiro Yokoyama's ranking in terms of total JRA wins?
He currently holds the second-most wins in JRA history with 2,944 victories, placing him behind only Yutaka Take.
What historic event occurred between Norihiro and his son Takeshi?
Norihiro and Takeshi became the first father and son in JRA history to finish first and second in a graded race, a feat they achieved twice: first at the 2023 Sapporo Nisai Stakes and again at the 2024 Keisei Hai.
Which record did Norihiro break regarding his age?
Norihiro became the eldest jockey to win a JRA graded race (surpassing Yoshitomi Shibata) and subsequently the eldest jockey to win both a Grade I race and the Japanese Derby (surpassing Yutaka Take).
What was the significance of the 2010 Yushun Himba?
The 2010 Yushun Himba was the first Grade I race in Japan to end in a dead heat, with Norihiro's horse, Saint Emilion, tying for first place with Apapane.