JRA Announces Retirement of Jockey Shigefumi Kumazawa
In a statement released on October 30th, the Japan Racing Association (JRA) announced that jockey Shigefumi Kumazawa has submitted a request to cancel his jockey license. As a result, his license will be revoked effective November 11th.
Kumazawa, who is affiliated with Kuritou and is currently a freelance jockey, made his debut in 1986. He is well-known for being the main jockey for Stay Gold and has had a successful career in both flat and obstacle racing. On the flat, he won the Oaks in 1988 and the Hanshin Juvenile Fillies in 2005. He also achieved a remarkable victory in the 1991 Arima Kinen with the 14th favorite, Daiyusaku. In obstacle racing, he won the Nakayama Daishogai in 2012 and holds the record for the most wins in obstacle races.
As of last weekend, Kumazawa had a total of 1,051 wins (including 33 graded stakes wins) in his JRA career. Even at the age of 55, he celebrated a victory this year on March 5th in the Hanshin 4R race for 4-year-old and above obstacle horses, riding Celrian Runetta.
The retirement ceremony for Kumazawa will take place on November 11th at around 4:40 pm in the Winner’s Circle at Kyoto Racecourse. Additionally, a retirement panel exhibition will be held near pillar 22 on the second floor of the goal side of the racecourse starting from the same day.
(Source: JRA official website)
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How will the JRA bid farewell to jockey Shigefumi Kumazawa and celebrate his retirement
JRA Bid Farewell to Jockey Shigefumi Kumazawa
Breaking news from the Japan Racing Association (JRA)! Legendary jockey Shigefumi Kumazawa has officially announced his retirement. In a heartfelt statement released on October 30th, JRA confirmed that Kumazawa has requested to cancel his jockey license, leading to its revocation on November 11th.
Kumazawa, a highly respected freelance jockey associated with Kuritou, began his remarkable career back in 1986. Renowned as the go-to jockey for Stay Gold, he achieved immense success in both flat and obstacle racing. Notable victories include the Oaks in 1988 and the Hanshin Juvenile Fillies in 2005. And who can forget his unforgettable triumph in the 1991 Arima Kinen, where he made history with dark horse, Daiyusaku? In obstacle racing, Kumazawa’s prowess shone through, winning the Nakayama Daishogai in 2012 and holding the record for most wins in obstacle races.
As of last weekend, Kumazawa had an impressive 1,051 wins under his belt, including 33 graded stakes wins, solidifying his status as a racing legend. Even at the age of 55, he showcased his unbeatable spirit by claiming victory earlier this year in the Hanshin 4R race for 4-year-old and above obstacle horses, riding Celrian Runetta.
To bid farewell to this racing icon, a grand retirement ceremony will take place on November 11th at around 4:40 pm in the Winner’s Circle at Kyoto Racecourse. Fans will also have the opportunity to appreciate Kumazawa’s illustrious career through a retirement panel exhibition, located near pillar 22 on the second floor of the goal side of the racecourse, starting from the same day.
Join us in celebrating the extraordinary career of jockey Shigefumi Kumazawa as he embarks on a new chapter after years of thrilling horse racing moments. It’s the end of an era in the world of horse racing, but Kumazawa’s legacy will forever be etched in our hearts.
(Source: JRA official website)
