Jockey Kohei Matsuyama made history by becoming the first jockey to win back-to-back titles of the Summer Jockeys Series. On September 8th, he further marked a milestone by leading Strength to victory in Race 12 at Chukyo Racecourse, achieving his 1,200th Japan Racing Association career win, becoming the 31st jockey in history and the 15th active rider to reach this feat. To date, his career tally includes 46 graded stakes wins and five G1 victories.

Matsuyama secured his Summer Jockeys Series title by claiming three key victories in the Yonago Stakes, Kitakyushu Kinen, and Sekiya Kinen. With this win, he earned a prize of 1 million JPY. "I wasn't aware it was a first in history, but I knew I was close this year and really wanted to win it. I'm grateful to all the horses who ran hard in the heat, and to all the fans who have been cheering us on," he said with a smile.

On his 1,200th career win, Matsuyama added, "I knew I was just one win away and wanted to achieve it as soon as possible. I've had the chance to ride so many good horses, and I'm glad I could reach this milestone."