NEWS
Espinoza edged out in World Jockey Series in Japan
Posted: Sunday, December 02, 2001
Japanese-based rider Katsuya Samejima rode a pair of winners during the two-day World Jockeys Series at Hanshin racecourse in Japan to narrowly defeat Southern California-based jockey Victor Espinoza 56-51. Four other American and European riders were among the 14 competing in the 15th renewal of the event. Edgar Prado finished sixth, Michael Kinane was eighth, while Kieren Fallon and Olivier Peslier tied for 10th.
Espinoza, led the standings after Day One on Saturday with a victory aboard 13.90-to-1 longshot Zenno Spirit in the Golden Saddle Trophy and a runner-up finish aboard 22-to-1 King Fidelia in the Golden Whip Trophy.
Samejima trumped that effort on Sunday, however, with victories aboard the short-priced Dragon Max in the Golden Spur Trophy and 9-to-1 shot Marubutsu Global in the Golden Boots Trophy.
Espinoza could tally only a third-place finish aboard Ragione in the Golden Spur and a ninth with Set Play in the Golden Boots to just miss winning the title.
"We broke slow (in the Golden Boots) and had to race from the rear," Espinoza said of the finale. "I was top in the series until the third race, so I'm a little disappointed with the result."
Espinoza is currently ranked tenth among leading riders in the United States' in terms of earnings.
Samejima, who was making his first appearance in the series, said winning against the world's best jockeys was fulfilling.
"It was an honor for me to race with outstanding jockeys from around the world, and I am extremely happy to have been able to win this title," Samejima said. "These past two days have been very fulfilling for me."
