RIYADH: Kyoko Maekawa broke new ground last year when she became the first female to hold a training license in Japan, and just 12 months later she is eyeing the world’s richest race with Sunrise Zipangu (JPN) in the group one $20 million Saudi Cup at King Abdulaziz Racecourse on Feb. 14.

The Japan Racing Association added her to the training ranks in March of 2025. And the former assistant to dual Saudi Cup-winning trainer Yoshito Yahgai made an immediate impact by landing a first win in her new role when Sunrise Ares (JPN) hit the target at Kochi on the 18th of that month.

Sunrise Zipangu has had only two starts for his new trainer. Last seen beaten by only two lengths over 2,500 meters on turf in the Arima Kinen, the 5-year-old will switch surfaces and drop to 1,800 meters for his first run outside Japan.

“Sunrise Zipangu has mainly been racing on turf recently, but he has the speed to perform well on dirt. I think that type of horse suits Saudi Arabia, and he also prefers racing anti-clockwise,” said Maekawa in a recent press release.

“The Saudi Cup was my first international race meeting with Yahagi two years ago, and I was deeply impressed by the hospitality — there was nothing to complain about. It is a wonderful country to be in, and it is a great honor to represent Japan at such an event.”

Having ridden dressage horses while at university, the 48-year-old then worked part-time at the Miho Training Centre, one of the two JRA training centers, which was her first real introduction to the horseracing industry.

“Training was always an option in my mind, but I didn’t take the trainer’s exam for nearly 15 years,” she said.

“I met Hanako Varian (wife of UK trainer Roger) in Newmarket, and she said to me, ‘Why don’t you try? Don’t overthink it.’ One of the barriers for me was the level of risk and responsibility trainers carry, especially toward their staff members.

“I am often asked if it is tough, but to be honest, I have received a great deal of support from many people. I have also gained much more media attention, which is essentially free advertising.

“That said, I still need to attract good owners and good horses for the sake of my staff. I must work hard on that, as I am not naturally a strong salesperson.”

Reflecting on her experience with the colorful Yahagi, who also landed the Saudi Cup with Panthalassa (JPN) in 2023, she said: “It was a very full and meaningful time.

“I traveled abroad nine times across six different countries, including Saudi Arabia. It was a precious experience for me to attend international race meetings and sales.

“Of course, my domestic experience with Yahagi Stable was also extremely valuable, but opportunities for that level of international travel are rare. I was also fascinated by how Yahagi Stable sometimes decides which race to enter at the last minute, after carefully studying the fields and form to give their horses the best possible chance.

“I race my horses quite frequently, probably more than most rookie trainers, which is something I learned directly from Yahagi.”

Like Sunrise Ares, Sunrise Zipangu races in the colors of Life House Co. Ltd. And it would be fitting should the owners who provide Maekawa with a first success were also behind the biggest of all should she strike in The Saudi Cup.