Hitomi Miyashita, Japan’s most successful female jockey, has announced her retirement from riding at age 48, the National Association of Racing confirmed Nov. 20. Her departure marks the end of a celebrated career spanning decades and opens a new chapter as she transitions to horse training.
Miyashita’s retirement closes a significant era for Japanese racing, inspiring generations of female jockeys and achieving unprecedented success in a traditionally male-dominated sport. She leaves behind a legacy of 1,381 victories and numerous accolades, and her move to training promises to continue her influence within the industry.
Miyashita’s connection to racing began in childhood on her grandfather’s breeding farm in Kagoshima, kyushu, where she first learned to ride ponies. She earned her professional jockey’s license in Nagoya in 1995 and secured her first win that October.
Throughout her career, Miyashita demonstrated remarkable resilience and dedication. She paused her riding career in 2011 to start a family, welcoming two children with fellow jockey Nobuyuki Oyama, before successfully re-obtaining her license in Nagoya five years later.
Her return to racing proved fruitful, culminating in a career-best year in 2024 with 106 wins. Significant milestones included reaching 100 wins in 2020 and riding her 1,000th winner on June 29,2021.
Miyashita’s achievements have been widely recognized, earning her nine NAR Female Jockey Awards and three NAR Awards of Merit. In 2024, she was honored with the Yellow Ribbon Medal at the Spring Conferment Decorations.
Having already secured her trainer’s license in Nagoya, Miyashita plans to launch her own stable in the coming months. A retirement ceremony will be held at Nagoya Racecourse on Nov. 26 to celebrate her distinguished career.
