JRA (Japan Racing Association) jockey Seina Imamura will appear on the NHK program "Kansai Netsumi: The Path Opened Up at the Last Moment - G1 Jockey Seina Imamura" (NHK General TV), which will be broadcast in the Kansai region from 7:30 p.m. on June 19th.
The program features a long interview with jockey Imamura, who became the first female jockey in Japan to win the G1 race, the Oaks. As she reviews the race in detail while watching camera footage from the jockey's perspective, she explains how she and her horse "communicated" with each other, waiting and waiting and waiting until the last 400 meters, when a "beautifully opened" path appeared, allowing her to seize victory in one swift move. Furthermore, she reveals her strong desire for victory, stating that "my next dream is to win tomorrow."
Regarding his next dream, he said, "When you cross the finish line, it's a special feeling, a special time. I'll never forget that moment, and it was a moment that made me want to work hard as a jockey because I want to experience that moment again."
Furthermore, we interviewed his father, Yasunari, who inspired him to become a jockey; trainer Ryo Terashima of his stable; former jockey and trainer Hitomi Miyashita, who was active in local horse racing; and trainer Yuichi Fukunaga, who was a top jockey himself.
Trainer Fukunaga said, "I think she made a remarkably calm decision. You have to steel yourself in an instant, but she was able to do that on that stage. Not everyone can do that. Her mental strength is extraordinary." "Horse racing is a sport that can move people's hearts, and for that, a 'charismatic competitor' is needed. I think that's what jockey Imamura Seina is. It's not something everyone can do, but there aren't many competitors who can move people who watch them like that." He spoke of the greatness of jockey Imamura.
Trainer Miyashita also spoke about the significance of jockey Imamura's achievement, saying, "There were many times when I was told, 'If a man had been riding, we could have won, it's no good because she's a woman, change it to a man.' In the world of horse racing, even if you put in the same effort as a man, you won't be recognized. I think Imamura's G1 victory was the moment she was recognized in the world of horse racing."
The program will be available for streaming on NHK ONE for one week after its broadcast.
