Toshikazu Ishigami rode his final race on April 26, finishing seventh aboard the favorite Fujifonte in the fourth race at Kyoto over 2910 meters of dirt.
The 43-year-old jockey, who announced his retirement effective April 30, had already held his farewell ceremony at Nakayama the previous week but chose to compete in one last steeplechase event. Despite tracking in a good position early, he dropped back around the fourth corner and could not sustain his challenge to the finish.
After crossing the line safely, Ishigami received a warm round of applause from the crowd and was presented with bouquets of flowers by legendary jockeys Yutaka Take and Norihiro Yokoyama, both of whom he cited as childhood idols.
“I felt relieved,” Ishigami said, noting a fallen horse nearby had reminded him of the dangers inherent in jump racing. “Seeing Take and Yokoyama again brought back strong emotions. I entered this world because I admired them, and it meant a lot to receive their gesture.”
He added that while his earlier retirement ceremony had carried lingering tension due to one more week of riding, this moment felt more relaxed, to the point of bringing tears to his eyes.
Ishigami debuted in March 2001 from the Naritaya stable in Mihama and went on to become the primary rider for the legendary Ojuuchosan, with whom he won nine Grade 1 races, including five consecutive Nakayama Grand Jump titles.
His career totals stand at 4101 starts with 218 wins, including 140 victories in 1395 steeplechase starts. He captured 26 graded stakes wins, 11 of which were at Grade 1 level, and became the first jockey to win all major hurdle races at every JRA track — Nakayama, Tokyo, Niigata, Kyoto, Hanshin, and Kokura — later adding Kochi to complete a sweep of all seven venues.
Transitioning to a new role, Ishigami will work as an assistant trainer at the Ezaki stable in Mihama, where he hopes to contribute to the growing popularity of jump racing.
“Interest in hurdle races is increasing, and media coverage is improving,” he said. “I want to support the sport in any way I can while remaining at the training center.”
His final mount, Fujifonte, had been the public favorite but lacked the late kick needed to challenge for a higher placing, ultimately settling for seventh.
The scene after the race highlighted the respect Ishigami commanded within the riding community, as he was lifted onto the shoulders of fellow jockeys in a traditional gesture marking the end of his active career.
What were Ishigami’s major achievements in jump racing?
Ishigami won nine Grade 1 steeplechase races, including five consecutive Nakayama Grand Jump titles, and became the first jockey to win all major hurdle races at every JRA venue, later completing a sweep of all seven tracks.
What role will Ishigami take after retiring from riding?
He will work as an assistant trainer at the Ezaki stable in Mihama, where he aims to support the growing popularity of jump racing from behind the scenes.
