The Japan Racing Association (JRA) announced on the 10th that Taiga Tsunoda, a jockey in his third year of professional career, has passed away at the age of 21.

Taiga Tsunoda was the son of JRA trainer Koichi Tsunoda, a former jockey who achieved ten Group 1 titles, including the 2001 G1 Japanese Derby win aboard Jungle Pocket. Following in the footsteps of his elder brother, Yamato Tsunoda, Taiga also chose the path of a jockey, just like his father. In a sorrowful statement, trainer Koichi Tsunoda said, "Taiga was supported and cheered on by so many people. He had just begun his dream of becoming a jockey, a dream he had cherished since childhood. It is deeply regrettable, and the pain of this loss is immeasurable. However, our family will continue to stand strong together."