Trainer Yoshito Yahagi has announced that his stable-apprentice Naho Furukawa, currently serving a 30-day JRA suspension for the prohibited use of a phone in the weigh room area. Furukawa will be applying her trade in the lower level of racing in the NAR at Oi Racecourse. It will be for three weeks beginning from May 15th. In a reciprocal move, NAR licensed rider Sho Yoshii will be riding in the JRA Ritto Training Centre under Yahagi's tutelage.

"This is a 'short-term arrangement' between the JRA and NAR" commented Yahagi. "I hope Furukawa will continue to work hard and gain more riding experience. It will also be an invaluable opportunity for Yoshii. I look forward to his feedback on the JRA experience, riding turf horses and the different type of training." Yahagi further discussed the transfer between the two Japanese racing jurisdictions, "It is entirely a new project between the JRA and NAR, specifically at Oi Racecourse. I hope this can provide a valuable lesson for both riders and raise their level of expertise."