On February 23, 2025, the Tokyo Racecourse witnessed history as Costa Nova, ridden by Rachel King, clinched victory at the prestigious February Stakes, marking his first Group 1 win. The race proved to be thrilling, with the five-year-old horse crossing the finish line with an impressive time of 1:35.5, comfortably outpacing his rivals.
Costa Nova, trained by Tetsuya Kimura, was the second favorite going intο the race. Being bred from the lineage of renowned thoroughbreds, with his father being Lord Kanaloa and his mother Colorful Blossom —who has Heart's Cry as her sire— he has built quite the impressive resume, now boasting seven wins from ten starts.
The February Stakes serves as the opening G1 event on the Horse Racing calendar, recognized as the top race for dirt horses and has been pivotal in determining leading contenders for future races. Since its inception as the February Handicap back in 1984, and its transformation to G1 status later on, it has become synonymous with high-stakes competition.
During the race, King strategically guided Costa Nova through the pack. Starting conservatively, they maintained position among the leaders, waiting patiently for their moment. When the opportunity arose, Costa Nova displayed agility and speed to surge forward, securing the lead and securing victory.
Finishing behind Costa Nova was Sunrise Zipangu, who, at fifth odds, made a strong bid for the win but could only manage second place. The favorite, Mickey Fight, rounded out the top three after showing solid form throughout the race. King’s performance not only showcased her skills as a jockey but also highlighted Costa Nova's remarkable form, especially considering their unbeaten streak at the Tokyo course.
While celebrating the milestone victory, Rachel King expressed her heartfelt emotions. "I'm extremely moved. I am grateful to all the supporters," she stated. This victory is particularly momentous as it cements King’s position as the first female jockey to secure victory at the JRA G1 flat racing level, thereby breaking longstanding barriers within the sport.
King's win is expected to inspire aspiring jockeys, especially women hoping to enter the male-dominated field. This win is poised to spark conversations about the increasing diversity and inclusion within horse racing.
"Costa Nova demonstrated exceptional ability on his preferred Tokyo course," remarked the winning team after the race, acknowledging the horse's talent and readiness for upcoming challenges.
The February Stakes has long been positioned as the top race for determining the top dirt horse, also serving as the launching point for many contenders heading toward international events like the Dubai World Cup. With this win, Costa Nova and Rachel King have firmly established themselves as serious contenders in the racing world.
Looking forward, the exciting celebrations from this remarkable race assure fans and bettors alike of more thrilling performances to come from Costa Nova, along with the anticipation of future challenges facing Rachel King as she continues to rewrite the record books.