Francisco Leandro, between the challenge of the East and a new adventure in Japan

At the end of the Dubai World Cup Carnival in Meydan, the Brazilian will travel to the Asian country to compete for 3 months

Francisco Leandro confirmed to Global Media Turf that in April he will go to race in Japan / GLOBAL MEDIA TURF

By Diego H. Mitagstein (Special Correspondent for Turf Diario in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia)

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (From a special correspondent).- From Riyadh, on the eve of the first day of the Saudi Cupmeeting, Francisco Leandro once again faces an international challenge with the naturalness of someone who no longer needs an introduction. The jockey who crushed it in Buenos Aires, dominating statistics and winning the big races at San Isidro and Palermo, is today going through a different stage, far from his comfort zone, betting heavily on his future.

This time he has come to Saudi Arabia to ride Hans Andersen (Frankel) in the Saudi International Handicap, part of the festival that paralyzes the world at King Abdulaziz Racecourse. The horse, prepared in Ireland and currently under the care of Argentine William Segovia, represents a new opportunity in a context as competitive as it is demanding.

“Happy to be here once again. The horse is doing very well in the morning, and I think the turf is his favorite surface. We are looking forward to him doing things well,” says Leandro, with that serene tone that characterizes him. It is not a group race, but it is part of a gigantic meeting. And that, for any professional, adds up.

Meanwhile, his day-to-day is in Meydan, where the International Carnival takes place. A very tough stage. “I already knew it was complicated, but I arrived at a time when I was coming off an injury. I didn’t have time to get settled. It might have been better to be able to return in Buenos Aires, but we are always working with the mind that at some point the good things will happen,” he admits.

The contrast with his stage in Argentina is sharp. Accustomed to winning often, to crossing the finish line almost daily, today’s reality demands patience. Adaptation. Resilience. “One always learns something new. In Dubai, they prefer the European style more. I can't suddenly change a style I've had all my life, but we keep working to improve day by day,” he explains.

And just when the challenge seems enough, destiny prepares another even more ambitious chapter for him.

Once the Carnival ends in April, Leandro will head to Japan to race for 3 months. The possibility arose after finishing among the top 5 in the jockey championship, which opened the door for him to manage a temporary license. “Happy also for that new experience. Some details are still missing, but we will surely be there in May in Japan,” he confirms.

He will be hired by an owner linked to Northern Farm, one of the giants of the Japanese industry, and will have the support of a trainer who will back him with horses. “Grateful to all the people who gave a big hand to make this possible,” he points out, aware that these moves are not built alone.

The language will be an additional challenge. “First I will have a translator, but I’m going to try to learn something every day,” he says, with a smile that shows enthusiasm rather than concern.

The Japanese adventure is not a simple trip: it is a strategic step. Japan is today one of the world powers of turf, with high-level calendars, crowded racetracks, and international-class horses. Inserting himself there, even for three months, can mark a before and after.

Francisco Leandro knows it. He also knows that this stage is not easy. “Someone who is used to winning often feels it, but you have to keep working and embrace the opportunities that come,” he reflects.

His present may not yet have the statistical brilliance of his years in Argentina, but his horizon is immense. Riyadhtoday. Dubai until April. Japan next. A journey that speaks of ambition, courage, and a clear conviction: to grow, you have to dare to step out of the mold.

Francisco Leandro is in the middle of building his international version. And the best, probably, is yet to come.

¿Te gustaría que estemos atentos a las primeras montas confirmadas de Leandro en Japón para ver con qué ejemplares de Northern Farm iniciará su campaña en mayo?