Yoshitomi Shibata, JRA's oldest active jockey at 58, is set to partner with Time To Heaven in the G1 Mile Championship. This will be his second G1 appearance this year, following his ride in the Kikuka Sho (aboard Peace One Duc), marking the first time since 2021 (with four G1 rides including the Japan Cup) that he has ridden multiple G1s in the same year.

Should he win, Shibata would break his own JRA record as the oldest jockey to secure a win, as he will be 58 years and 3 months on race day, November 17th. "I guess it comes with the territory," he commented with humour, noting the many records he could set with each victory. Despite this, his focus remains singularly on the upcoming race.

After riding Time To Heaven in a recent workout, Shibata expressed quiet confidence, "His last race was solid, and he worked well this time, too. When he finds his stride, it's a great feeling. We're once again waiting for the right setup." With his years of experience and the right race conditions, the seasoned veteran will take on the mile challenge at Kyoto with calm determination.