From NZ Stables to World's Richest Horse Race

A young jockey who once struggled to find his place in New Zealand racing is now part of one of the most successful teams in world horse racing.

Yuto Kumagai spent three years as an apprentice at Wexford Stables in New Zealand, where he rode 11 winners before losing his motivation after his close friend Taiki Yanagida died in a racing accident in 2022. He moved to Cambridge to work as a trackwork rider for trainer Andrew Forsman, unsure of his future in the sport.

When his work visa neared expiration, Kumagai returned to Japan and found work as a translator for international jockeys. That decision changed everything when leading trainer Yoshito Yahagi needed someone who could both ride horses and speak English.

Now Kumagai travels the world with Forever Young, a champion racehorse who has won the Saudi Cup twice. The Saudi Cup is the world's richest horse race with a $20 million prize.

His journey has taken him from Saudi Arabia to Dubai, the United States for the Kentucky Derby, and South Korea. Last week, he watched Forever Young win at Belmont Park in New York, preparing for next month's Breeders' Cup Classic at Keeneland.

Kumagai rides two other top horses in morning workouts, including American Stage and Shin Emperor. He translates for international jockeys and helps the stable navigate racing in different countries.

Why This Inspires

Kumagai's story shows how staying connected to what you love can lead to unexpected doors opening. After losing his friend and stepping away from race riding, he could have left horses behind completely. Instead, he found a different way to stay in racing by combining his language skills with his riding experience.

His New Zealand connections proved vital to his success. Trainer Lance O'Sullivan gave him his start at Wexford Stables, and Andrew Forsman kept him involved in the sport during his difficult period of grief and uncertainty.

The young man who once wondered if he belonged in racing now works with horses competing at the highest level. He admits he never imagined having this opportunity and describes himself as "just happy as" to be where he is.

Kumagai will spend the next month at Belmont before moving to Keeneland for the Breeders' Cup, continuing a journey that started with a struggling apprentice in New Zealand and led to the biggest stages in world racing.