In a historic achievement, Australian jockey Rachel King became the first female rider to secure a Grade 1 victory in Japan Racing Association (JRA) flat racing. She piloted Costa Nova to triumph in the February Stakes (G1) at Tokyo Racecourse on February 23, 2025.

Costa Nova, a 5-year-old son of Lord Kanaloa, clinched his first G1 title and maintained a perfect record of six wins on Tokyo's dirt track. This victory follows his recent success in the Negishi Stakes (G3) earlier in February.

Trainer Tetsuya Kimura celebrated his 12th JRA-G1 win, his first since the Arima Kinen with Regaleira. King, riding under a short-term license since January 5, expressed her gratitude: "I'm very proud to be the first female jockey to have won a G1 title but also proud that Japan has welcomed me as a jockey and not just a 'female' jockey."

In the race, Costa Nova overcame a slightly slow start, quickly positioning himself among the front runners. Under King's guidance, he advanced with 400 meters remaining, taking the lead at the furlong pole and fending off a strong inside challenge from Sunrise Zipangu to secure a 3/4-length victory.