Francisco Leandro to Continue Riding Career in Japan on the NAR Circuit

A Significant Shift in Plans for the Leading Jockey, Who Secures a Fresh Three-Month License Effective this August

TOKYO, Japan—A significant shift in plans has altered the immediate professional future of Brazilian rider Francisco Leandro. Following the conclusion of his initial short-term license with the Japan Racing Association (JRA), his highly successful results in the saddle have cleared the path for a fresh contract, this time granted by the National Association of Racing (NAR). The rider is set to join the local circuit beginning this August for a three-month tenure.

As previously reported, following a positive maiden campaign in the United Arab Emirates, Leandrinho originally landed in Japan on the strength of his fine performance in the World All-Star Jockeys championship at Sapporo. His subsequent results on the JRA circuit were excellent, as he registered 13 victories from 142 mounts—operating at a strong strike rate near 10%—while bankrolling nearly 221 million yen ($1,371,000) in purses for his connections, in addition to competing in several elite fixtures such as the G1 Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) and the G1 Victoria Mile.

Originally, Francisco Leandro was scheduled to return to South America this month, making a brief stop in São Paulo, Brazil, before re-establishing his base in Argentina while awaiting a potential return to Japan in 2027. However, this major breakthrough has reshaped his calendar, allowing him to extend his stay in the Far East. Looking further down the road, the rider is also evaluating additional, highly lucrative international proposals, which he intends to consider carefully.

Established in 1962, the NAR operates as the government-affiliated racing authority in Japan, conducting its racing calendar parallel to that of the JRA. The circuit comprises fifteen racecourses, including Funabashi, Urawa, Oi, Obihiro, Mombetsu, Morioka, Mizusawa, Kawasaki, Nagoya, Kasamatsu, Kochi, Kanazawa, Sonoda, Himeji, and Saga. Illustrating the circuit's prestige, Oi recently hosted the G1 Teio Sho on Wednesday, where Mikki Fight (Drefong) secured a 1 3/4-length victory over Outrange (Regalo) under the guidance of top local rider Keita Tosaki.

The NAR circuit has served as the launching pad for world-class dirt performers such as UAE Derby hero Forever Young(Real Steel {Jpn}) and Dubai World Cup champion Ushba Tesoro (Orfevre {Jpn}). Its marquee events include the international G1 Tokyo Daishoten, the Kawasaki Kinen, the Tokyo Derby, the Japan Dirt Derby, and the Japan Dirt Classic.

Francisco Leandro's extended stay in Japan represents fantastic news for South American racing, keeping one of its finest exports on the global center stage.