Kazuo Yokoyama lauds Titleholder in Ascot interview
Friday, 18 August, 2023 17:46
On August 12th, the Shergar Cup took place at Ascot Racecourse in the United Kingdom. JRA jockey Kazuo Yokoyama secured victory in the first race and finished fourth in the final overall standings. He provided his thoughts during an interview with the local media, including his perspective on the world's best horse and the race he most desires to win.
When asked about the current world's best horse, Yokoyama responded firmly, "Titleholder!" The jockey formed his initial partnership with this horse in the 2021 Arima Kinen. In 2022, they went on to win the G1 Tenno Sho (Spring) and the Takarazuka Kinen. They duo contested the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, solidifying his position as one of his flagship rides.
When the star rider was asked about the best horse he has ridden, Yokoyama, seemingly in deep thought, replied, "The best one, huh..." then added, "Is it okay if I mention two?" before going on to name both Titleholder and Ushba Tesoro. Yokoyama teamed up with Ushba Tesoro in November of last year and together they achieved back-to-back victories in the Tokyo Daishoten and Kawasaki Kinen. This partnership established Ushba Tesoro as Yokoyama's best regular ride on a dirt surface.
However, when the interviewer pressed further by asking, "If you had to choose just one," Yokoyama replied, "Titleholder." This response highlighted the deep emotional attachment and affection he has forTitleholder.
The questions subject the shifted towards races and jockeys, and when asked about the race he most wants to win in the world, Yokoyama responded after a long pause, "The Japanese Derby." He has ridden in the Japanese Derby twice in the past and achieved a fourth place finish this year when partnering Bellagio Opera. He vowed to aim for victory in the Japanese Derby in coming years.
Lastly, a pointed question arose: "Between Takeshi Yokoyama and Kazuo Yokoyama (brothers), who is the better jockey?" Yokoyama responded with a playfully , "Are you talking about our personalities?" quickly declaring, "Of course! Kazuo Yokoyama!".
Article credit: At The Races
When asked about the current world's best horse, Yokoyama responded firmly, "Titleholder!" The jockey formed his initial partnership with this horse in the 2021 Arima Kinen. In 2022, they went on to win the G1 Tenno Sho (Spring) and the Takarazuka Kinen. They duo contested the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, solidifying his position as one of his flagship rides.
When the star rider was asked about the best horse he has ridden, Yokoyama, seemingly in deep thought, replied, "The best one, huh..." then added, "Is it okay if I mention two?" before going on to name both Titleholder and Ushba Tesoro. Yokoyama teamed up with Ushba Tesoro in November of last year and together they achieved back-to-back victories in the Tokyo Daishoten and Kawasaki Kinen. This partnership established Ushba Tesoro as Yokoyama's best regular ride on a dirt surface.
However, when the interviewer pressed further by asking, "If you had to choose just one," Yokoyama replied, "Titleholder." This response highlighted the deep emotional attachment and affection he has forTitleholder.
The questions subject the shifted towards races and jockeys, and when asked about the race he most wants to win in the world, Yokoyama responded after a long pause, "The Japanese Derby." He has ridden in the Japanese Derby twice in the past and achieved a fourth place finish this year when partnering Bellagio Opera. He vowed to aim for victory in the Japanese Derby in coming years.
Lastly, a pointed question arose: "Between Takeshi Yokoyama and Kazuo Yokoyama (brothers), who is the better jockey?" Yokoyama responded with a playfully , "Are you talking about our personalities?" quickly declaring, "Of course! Kazuo Yokoyama!".
Article credit: At The Races