Yutaka Take wins 6th Kikuka Sho amid controversy over jockey conduct

Yutaka Take secured his sixth Kikuka Sho victory, steering Go Into Sky to a narrow win after a fierce battle with Bastard. The race was marked by the failure of the heavy favorite, Robchen, who finished 14th after a poor start.

The victory was overshadowed by controversy involving jockey Yuga Kawada, who rode Bastard. During the fourth corner, Kawada’s maneuver caused the horse Audacia, ridden by Akihide Tsumura, to be forced outward. The Japan Racing Association (JRA) ruled the move as improper, penalizing Kawada with a 50,000 yen fine.

The incident drew significant criticism on social media, with some fans labeling the move a ‘diagonal tackle.’ While some supporters argued that Audacia had moved inward, the JRA identified Audacia as the victim. This marks a recurring issue for Kawada, who received a similar penalty during the Japanese Derby five months prior involving the same rider.