Japan: Juryoku Pierrot takes Japanese Oaks as jockey achieves milestone

Juryoku Pierrot seemed like another runner toward the back of an 18-filly field at the top of the stretch in Sunday’s Grade 1 Japanese Oaks at Tokyo Racecourse.

Instead, she was on the verge of an historic rally through the final 5/16 of a mile. Juryoku Pierrot passed the rest of the field under jockey Seina Imamura, who became the first Japanese-born female rider to win a race at the highest level.

“It’s like I’m dreaming,” Imamura told Japan Racing Association publicity.

Juryoku Pierrot, the fifth choice, paid $26 in American pools.

A winner of 4 of 6 starts, Juryoku Pierrot finished a neck in front of 3-1 Dream Core, who also closed well. Laughterlines, who started from the outside post, finished third at 3-1.

Star Anise, the champion 2-year-old filly in Japan in 2025, was the 3-2 favorite. She raced in traffic in the final half-mile and failed to recover, finishing 12th. Star Anise won the Grade 1 Japanese 1000 Guineas in April. The Japanese Oaks was her first start beyond a mile.

Juryoku Pierrot, who is by Orfevre, won her third consecutive race in the $2.03 million Japanese Oaks. She won two races at 1 1/4 miles earlier in the season - an allowance race in Kyoto in January, and the listed Wasurenagusa Sho Stakes at Hanshin on April 12.

Juryoku Pierrot showed a similar closing style to win on April 12.

Sunday’s race was Juryoku Pierrot’s first start at 1 1/2 miles.

“She did get a little bit excited early in the stretch, but calmed down nicely,” Imamura said. “I was careful not to pull her back or shift lanes. She responded with such power. She’s one tough girl.”

Imamura, 22, began riding in 2022, the year she was honored as Japan’s best newcomer jockey.

“While I’m still not satisfied with my riding, I am so grateful to have been able to claim such a big title,” she said.

Juryoku Pierrot, who is owned by Kensuke Kondo, was trainer Ryo Terashima’s first Grade 1 winner.

:: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.