Kyoko Maekawa’s trailblazing journey in Japanese racing enters a global spotlight this month, with the Saudi Cup firmly in her sights just a year after making history at home. The 48-year-old, who became Japan’s first licensed female trainer in March 2025, is set to saddle Sunrise Zipangu (JPN) in the world’s richest race at King Abdulaziz Racecourse on February 14.
Appointed to the Japan Racing Association’s training ranks last spring, Maekawa wasted little time announcing her arrival. Her first victory came within weeks when Sunrise Ares (JPN) struck at Kochi on March 18, a confidence-boosting moment that set the tone for a rapidly unfolding debut season.
Saudi Cup target marks bold first international step
Sunrise Zipangu has raced just twice under Maekawa’s care, but his profile suggests a horse ready for the international stage. Last seen finishing a respectable two lengths from the winner in the Arima Kinen over 2500 metres on turf, the five-year-old now faces a significant shift in conditions, switching to dirt and dropping back to 1800 metres for his first appearance outside Japan — all in the Saudi Cup.
“Sunrise Zipangu has mainly been racing on turf recently, but he has the speed to perform well on dirt,” Maekawa explained. “That type of horse suits Saudi Arabia, and he also prefers racing anti-clockwise.”
The race itself headlines the global calendar, attracting elite runners from multiple jurisdictions, and represents a defining moment not just for the horse, but for his trainer’s young career.
From dressage arenas to the world stage
Maekawa’s route to the top level of training has been anything but conventional. A university background in dressage riding eventually led her to part-time work at the Miho Training Centre, where she gained her first meaningful exposure to the professional racing environment.
“Training was always an option in my mind, but I didn’t take the trainer’s exam for nearly 15 years,” she said.
A turning point came during a visit to Newmarket, where a conversation with Hanako Varian helped crystallise her ambition. “She told me, ‘Why don’t you try? Don’t overthink it.’ One of the biggest hurdles for me was understanding the responsibility trainers carry, especially toward their staff.”
Since stepping out on her own, Maekawa has found encouragement rather than resistance. “I’ve received a great deal of support, and the media attention has helped people notice the stable. But attracting good owners and good horses is essential for my staff. I have to keep working at that.”
Lessons learned from Yahagi influence approach
Before receiving her licence, Maekawa spent formative years as an assistant to Yoshito Yahagi, a dual Saudi Cup-winning trainer whose global outlook left a lasting impression. She accompanied the stable across six countries, attending international meetings and sales — experiences she describes as invaluable.
“It was a very full and meaningful time,” she reflected. “Opportunities for that level of international travel are rare.”
She was particularly struck by Yahagi’s tactical flexibility. “Sometimes the stable decides which race to enter at the last minute after carefully studying the field. I tend to race my horses quite frequently — probably more than most new trainers — and that’s something I learned directly from him.”
Yahagi himself claimed the Saudi Cup with Panthalassa (JPN) in 2023, adding a subtle narrative thread as his former assistant now prepares her own runner for the same stage.
Familiar colours, historic opportunity
Like Sunrise Ares, Sunrise Zipangu carries the colours of Life House Co. Ltd, the ownership group that delivered Maekawa her first training success. Should the partnership produce another landmark result in the Saudi Cup, it would represent a fitting continuation of a story already rich in symbolism.
For Maekawa, the moment goes beyond personal achievement. “It is a great honour to represent Japan at such an event,” she said. “My first experience in Saudi Arabia left a deep impression on me. To return now in this role is very special.”
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