Japanese jockey Kosuke Matsumoto died at Sonoda Racecourse in Amagasaki after falling from his horse during a training session. According to reports, the horse Matsumoto was riding was struck by another horse that had bolted while returning to the stables, leading to the 43-year-old’s horrific fall where he hit ground head first. After the accident, Matsumoto was immediately rushed to a local hospital in Amagasaki City, where he was pronounced dead six hours later, it is also reported that he suffered a cardiac arrest. The tragedy occurred on January 13th around 6:00 A.M., and two other riders also sustained minor injuries in this incident.
Notably, Kosuke Matsumoto was a well-known rider who had won over 260 races in his career, and his untimely death has sent shockwaves through the horse racing community, with condolences pouring in from around the world. Matsumoto, from Kyoto, was a passionate jockey and, according to Japanese media, participated in over 7,500 races. His dedication to the sport was evident not only in his racing achievements but also in his commitment to mentoring younger jockeys, sharing his vast experience and love for horse racing. Many remember him for his sportsmanship, his infectious smile, and his unwavering love for his equine partners.
On Tuesday, Sonoda Racecourse in Amagasaki held a moment of silence to pay tribute to the fallen hero, Kosuke Matsumoto. In the wake of this tragedy, the racing community is discussing the need for enhanced safety measures during training sessions to prevent such accidents in the future, ensuring that the sport remains as safe as possible for both riders and horse.
