Kensei Yagi claimed victory with Eishin Fencer at the Silk Road Stakes 2025, marking the jockey's first win at this level and the horse's inaugural graded stakes triumph.
On February 2, 2025, at Kyoto Racecourse, Yagi rode the 9th favorite, Eishin Fencer, to victory after executing a smart race strategy and hoping for the horse’s latent speed to shine on the final stretch. Eishin Fencer, a 5-year-old mare trained by Keiji Yoshimura, won decisively by 1.5 lengths, with the final time clocked at 1:08.2.
The Silk Road Stakes saw 16 entrants but was not without its surprises, as the popular horse Sonshi was scratched shortly before the race began, leaving fans astonished. For Kanyo Yagi, who is now in his 9th year of riding, this victory has been long-awaited. He expressed sincere gratitude post-race, stating, "I am filled with gratitude to all the owners, staff, and everyone at the stable. I believed Fencer could win on this day and it surprisingly came true."
Yagi showcased his tactical prowess, letting Eishin Fencer find her rhythm mid-pack before unleashing her powerful kick down the straightaway, overtaking the leading competitors including Gran Testo, ridden by Daisuke Danou, who finished 2nd, and Win Carnelian, piloted by Kousei Miura, who came 3rd.
After stepping onto the track with high expectations, Yagi admitted he was anxious about his horse's performance, fearing they might not secure the best position but also recognizing Eishin Fencer's capabilities: "This was our first graded win, and she’s still capable of more development." His insights reflect his belief in Eishin Fencer, build from their previous rides together. He aims to continue progressing with the mare, emphasizing their potential to grow and succeed even more in future races.
The win is not only significant for Yagi's career but also for Yoshimura's training yard, representing the stable's 11th graded stakes win. Horses like Eishin Fencer exemplify how patience in training can lead to success on the biggest racing stages, and the partnership between horse and jockey showed promise for the upcoming races such as the Takamatsu Kinen scheduled for March 30, where they hope to stake their claim to another victory.
Overall, the Silk Road Stakes delivered excitement and drama, culminating with Yagi's celebration and aspirations for the future. The racing scene continues to evolve, with new stars like Eishin Fencer capturing the hearts of fans and jockeys alike. With plenty of opportunities still to come, both horse and rider look to conquer the tracks with grace and power.