Superstar Japanese hoop set to make a shock Australian return

Most jockeys can only dream of being as well-known as Yutaka Take. The winner of more than 4500 races in his career, few have ever had the quality of clock that Take possesses in his head. It has made him a master of his trade over all distances and continents.

The Early Years

With a jockey for a father, it was only natural that Yukata Take would follow in his stirrups and make a name for himself in the same industry. He looked a natural from day one, having his first ride back in 1987. It did not take him long to land a Group 1 victory, an accomplishment he managed in five decades.

Worldwide Phenomenon

The stats that Take has put down the years are up there with any jockey in any jurisdiction. Japan is currently home to some of the top thoroughbreds anywhere on the planet, but when Take started, racing in Japan was very different.

Europe has always held sway in racing terms - even now, when they do not hold the same power dynamic as they once did, the prestige is immeasurable despite the lack of prize money compared to the rest of the world.

When Take lit up Europe in the 1990s, the rest of the world finally sat up and noticed what Asian racing fans had known for almost two decades. Wins in England and France at Group 1 level helped to cement his place as one of the top jockeys of his generation.

Golden Eagle

The horse tempting Take back to Australia is Obamburumai. The Golden Eagle is in Sydney on Derby Day, and his mount has some Group 1 form to his credit when third in the NHK Mile in Tokyo back in May.

There is little in racing that attracts more attention than a Japanese raiding party. The Prix De l’Arc de Triomphe at Paris Longchamp shows that with a vast fan base making the trip. Sydney can brace itself for the same when Take comes to town.

Obamburumai is not among the best in his home country, but this slightly shorter trip should suit him, having travelled up well in Tokyo before his effort flattened out late on.

Melbourne Cup

There is no ride in the Melbourne Cup yet for Take, but he has put it into the open that he is searching for a ride. Take has shown, especially in Europe over the years, that he is supremely talented when riding in races of 2,500m or further.

He has a raft of Group 1 winners to his credit, and while many punters will be looking for an Australian jockey in the biggest race of the year, a lack of local knowledge is not a concern for a jockey who has the career resume of Take.

If there is no ride for him in the race, Take has said that he will be in Melbourne as a spectator instead. That would be a shame but also a massive opportunity for the crowd to have a chance to meet the man himself.