A memorial tree planting ceremony was held on February 13, 2023, at Hanshin Racecourse to honor the late jockey Sugita Harutaka, who tragically passed away on April 10, 2022, following a fall during a race. The event was organized by the Japan Jockeys’ Club and attended by numerous prominent figures from the racing world, including Takeyuki, the club's president, and many fellow jockeys.
The ceremony took place adjacent to the horse head Kannon statue, where attendees paid their respects and shared their fond memories of Sugita. "Today, with the support of many people, we have been able to plant the cherry tree and build the monument for Sugita Harutaka. I hope this place will make many people think of him,” Takeyuki expressed during his remarks. His words encapsulated the sentiment shared among the gathered crowd, reflecting how Sugita's memory continues to resonate within the racing community.
Yuusuke Fujioka, Sugita's brother and also a jockey, shared the mixed emotions felt over the past year. He stated, "I feel both the time has gone by quickly and also slowly, as we reflect on the year since his passing. We want to provide enjoyable races for everyone, which was something Harutaka worked hard at." His tribute highlighted the commitment among jockeys to uphold the spirit of competition and camaraderie Sugita embodied.
Participants silently commemorated Sugita's life before the ceremonial planting of cherry blossoms, selecting the 'Beniyutaka' variety. These trees are known for their large, dark pink flowers, and the choice reflected Sugita's personal preference. The cherry blossoms, scheduled to bloom around mid-April, are expected to symbolize the enduring legacy and beauty of Sugita's life, echoing the traditions of renewal and remembrance.
Another racing official remarked, "I hope this planting will give the fans the opportunity to always cherish the memory of Jockey Sugita Harutaka." Such sentiments spoke to the community's desire to keep Sugita's legacy alive, not just within the closed circles of racing but among enthusiastic supporters who revered him during his career.
The planting ceremony served as both tribute and reminder of the risks inherent within the sport, emphasizing the importance of safety and fraternity among jockeys. It underscored the commitment to ensuring the joyful experience of racing as they honor the memory of their fallen colleague.
With the successful completion of the memorial, the attendees left with the hope and spirit of Sugita Harutaka firmly rooted within the Hanshin Racecourse. This lasting tribute to his life will not only provide physical beauty but will serve as a site for reflection and remembrance for generations of racing fans to come.