Francisco Leandro scored a victory at Tokyo Racecourse, where he also competed in the Victoria Mile Stakes
- Turf Diario
- 17 may
- 3 min de lectura
In the Grade 1, the Brazilian jockey finished ninth aboard Ma Puce behind Embroidery, but still enjoyed a highly successful afternoon that also included one runner-up finish and two additional thirds
TOKYO, Japan (Special to Turf Diario).- Francisco Leandro’s Japanese adventure continues to add important chapters, and Sunday brought one of the most special moments since his arrival in the country. At Tokyo Racecourse, the main stage of the powerful central circuit of the Japan Racing Association (JRA), the Brazilian jockey scored a stylish victory and once again showcased all his ability on a high-class card that also included his participation in the prestigious Victoria Mile Stakes (G1-1600m, turf).
The day will be remembered especially for his victory in the 10th race aboard El Mago (Saturnalia), a maiden race for horses aged four and older over a mile on turf. Leandro rode with great composure aboard a horse with a close connection to South American racing, as he is out of Argentine mare Holly Filly (Tawqeet).
For the rider, the win meant far more than just another statistic. Winning at Tokyo means succeeding at the very heart of Japanese racing, within the country’s most competitive and demanding circuit, a stage reserved for some of the best professionals in the world.
The card also confirmed that Leandro continues to gain ground during his Japanese experience. Alongside the victory with El Mago, he added a runner-up finish and two thirds, results that reflect the growing confidence local trainers and owners are placing in his work, with mounts across almost the entire program.
The centerpiece of the day was the Victoria Mile Stakes (G1), the major 1600-meter turf event for older mares, where Leandro partnered Ma Puce (Mind Your Biscuits) and finished ninth, still close to the main body of the field in a race of tremendous quality.
Victory went to the exceptional Embroidery, who confirmed all her class by securing the third G1 victory of her career. The overwhelming favorite, the daughter of Admire Mars reaffirmed her outstanding form after arriving off a win in the Hanshin Himba Stakes (G2).
Trained by Kazutomo Mori and ridden by the relentless Christophe Lemaire, the champion once again delivered a top-level performance. After settling in a stalking position for much of the race, she advanced wide around the final turn and struck the front inside the decisive 200 meters before drawing clear with complete authority.
“It was a perfect race. She broke well and that allowed us to secure an ideal position. She responded beautifully up the hill and I felt confident the whole way,” said Lemaire, who earned his fifth Victoria Mile victory and his 60th JRA G1 success.
Embroidery defeated Kamunyak (Black Tide) by 1 1/4 lengths, while Queen’s Walk (Kizuna), runner-up in last year’s edition, completed the podium after edging pacesetter Erika Express (Epiphaneia).
The Victoria Mile is part of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series – Win and You’re In, qualifying Embroidery for the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1) at Keeneland in late October, with entry fees and travel expenses covered.
Within such a demanding competitive environment, Francisco Leandro’s presence once again carried enormous symbolic value for South American racing. The Brazilian continues to earn opportunities, deliver solid results, and respond positively in a setting that is extremely difficult for foreign jockeys.
Step by step, race by race, Leandro keeps building his place in Japan. And what happened Sunday at Tokyo was, without question, another sign that his progress there is very real.
