Yutaka Take, JRA’s iconic figure for over three decades and the winner of multiple Group 1s around the world, set another record on Saturday at Hanshin Racecourse, winning his 4,000th career JRA race. In his 31st year as a jockey, Take became the first JRA rider ever to reach the 4,000 win plateau.

Heading into last weekend, Take was three wins away from the big record and won Races 3 and 5 on Saturday’s card at Hanshin, before reaching the mark aboard fourth-favorite Meisho Kazuhime in Race 10, a 1,200 meter turf race.

“I am relieved at reaching the (4,000 win) mark today,” Take said during a ceremony held immediately after Race 10 at Hanshin. “I wasn’t especially focused on the record, but this is all thanks to the people and horses that I was fortunate enough to be with and I am greatly happy to have come this far in my career. It’s also an honor that I was able to accomplish this feat at Hanshin Racecourse, where I made my debut. Also, I am especially grateful that this win came with the horse of an owner (Mr. Yoshio Matsumoto) who has been looking after me from my father’s days (as ex-jockey & trainer).

“(The 4,000 win mark) is a result of embracing and giving it my best in each ride and victory, but this is not the end – I know there is much more I can do to become a better jockey.”