The Japan Racing Association (JRA) is set to host the 2025 World All-Star Jockeys (WASJ) at Sapporo Racecourse on August 23 and 24, 2025, bringing together an elite group of jockeys from around the world. This prestigious event, a highlight of the global racing calendar, features four races over two days, testing the skills of riders on turf and dirt tracks across varying distances. The lineup includes 12 top jockeys from Hong Kong, Argentina, Germany, the United States, Australia, and Japan, each vying for the coveted WASJ title. With a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars, the competition promises thrilling displays of horsemanship and strategy.

On Saturday, August 23, the first two legs of the WASJ will unfold with the 10th race (1,200m turf, 2 Wins Class) and the 11th race (2,000m turf, 3 Wins Class), challenging jockeys to adapt to sprint and middle-distance formats. Sunday, August 24, continues with the third leg (1,700m dirt, 2 Wins Class) and the fourth leg (1,800m turf, 2 Wins Class), testing versatility on different surfaces. Held at the scenic Sapporo Racecourse, these races will showcase the riders’ ability to navigate diverse conditions, making every moment a test of precision and tactical prowess.

The international contingent features standout talents like Alexis Badel from Hong Kong, who brings experience from a fifth-place finish in the 2023 WASJ and a recent G3 National Day Cup win. Argentina’s Francisco Goncalves, an eight-time champion with nearly 4,000 wins, makes his WASJ debut aiming to follow Joao Moreira’s South American triumph. Germany’s Thore Hammer Hansen, a 25-year-old sensation, enters after topping his country’s rankings with G1 victories in 2024. From the United States, Cristian Torres, a Puerto Rican star, seeks to emulate Jerry Bailey’s 1996 success, while Australia’s Craig Williams, with over 80 G1 wins worldwide, returns for his 11th WASJ appearance.
Hong Kong’s Karis Teetan, dubbed the “Mauritian Magician,” adds flair with his 2025 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (G1) victory and a third-place WASJ finish in 2019. Japan’s representatives include legendary figures like Yutaka Take, a two-time WASJ champion with nearly 4,600 JRA wins, and Norihiro Yokoyama, who at 56 became the oldest Japanese Derby winner in 2024. Young talents like Takeshi Yokoyama and Ryusei Sakai, both with recent G1 successes, alongside veterans Keita Tosaki and Christophe Lemaire, who holds the record for the fastest 2,000 JRA wins, bolster Japan’s formidable lineup.

The NAR representative, Masashige Honda, makes his WASJ debut after clinching the 2025 NAR Jockey’s Championship, aiming to be the first NAR-based winner in 21 years. Yuichi Kitamura, another JRA star, joins the fray with his first Japanese Derby win in 2025, marking his resilience after overcoming serious injuries. Each jockey brings a unique story, from global triumphs to personal milestones, creating a narrative-rich competition that transcends borders and showcases the universal language of horse racing.

Fans can expect intense rivalries, strategic brilliance, and unforgettable moments as these jockeys compete for supremacy. Whether it’s Take’s pursuit of a third title, Goncalves’ quest for a historic debut, or the young guns like Sakai and Hansen pushing the boundaries, the WASJ will captivate audiences worldwide.