Suraj Narredu to Make Historic Debut at Japan's World All-Star Jockeys 2026

Indian jockey Suraj Narredu is set to make his much-anticipated debut at the World All-Star Jockeys in Japan on August 22-23, 2026. This prestigious event, organized by the Japan Racing Association, features elite jockeys from around the world. Narredu's selection is a significant milestone in his career, fulfilling his long-held dream of racing in Japan. With a remarkable track record, including over 2,500 career wins, Narredu is excited to compete alongside the best in the sport. This event not only represents a new challenge for him but also enhances India's presence in global horse racing. Read on to discover more about Narredu's journey and the history of this prestigious competition.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 21, 2026, 14:23 IST

A New International Challenge

Suraj Narredu, a prominent jockey from India, is gearing up for his debut in Japan at the 2026 World All-Star Jockeys (WASJ) event, scheduled for August 22 and 23 at Sapporo Racecourse. This prestigious competition, organized by the Japan Racing Association (JRA), gathers elite jockeys from around the globe.

Prestigious Invitation

Narredu is among six international jockeys invited to participate this year, joining Richard Fourie from South Africa, Canada's Rafael Hernandez, Australians Damian Lane and Zac Lloyd, and France's Marie Velon. This invitation is a significant milestone for Narredu, fulfilling his long-held dream of racing in Japan. The JRA has highlighted this event as his 'much-desired debut in Japan,' marking another important chapter in his expanding international career.

Event Details

The 2026 WASJ will consist of four races over two days, with the first two races occurring on Saturday, August 22, and the final two on Sunday, August 23. Additionally, jockeys from overseas and NAR will form Team WAS (World All-Star) to compete against Team JRA in a separate team event.

A Landmark Career

Narredu's selection follows a remarkable phase in his career. Earlier this year, he became the first Indian jockey to achieve over 2,500 career wins, alongside more than 250 domestic graded-race victories and over 100 classic titles. He has also been honored as Champion Jockey of the Year four times from 2020 to 2023.

International Experience

His international racing experience includes stints in Macau, Mauritius, Malaysia, Dubai, France, Ireland, the United States, and Australia. In 2025, he captained Team Asia at the Shergar Cup in Ascot, securing a win and contributing to his team's overall title. This year, he participated in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup at Ascot on August 8, representing the Rest of the World Team. Now, he is focused on his upcoming challenge in Japan, where he will face some of the best jockeys in a new racing environment.

A Dream Come True

Ahead of his debut in Japan, Narredu expressed his excitement, calling it a dream come true. He stated, 'Riding in Japan has been a dream of mine for many years, so receiving this invitation to the World All-Star Jockeys is a very special moment in my career. Competing alongside some of the world's best jockeys is an incredible opportunity. I look forward to experiencing Japanese racing, learning from my peers, and representing India on this stage.'

History of the World All-Star Jockeys

The World All-Star Jockeys was founded by the JRA in 1987 as the World Super Jockeys Series and was renamed in 2015 when it adopted its current summer format at Sapporo Racecourse. The competition has featured over 270 top jockeys from Europe, North America, South America, Oceania, and Asia.

Another International Milestone

For Narredu, the upcoming event in Sapporo is not just another international competition; it is a chance to immerse himself in Japan's esteemed racing culture, compete against an elite field, and enhance India's visibility in the global horse racing arena. With his international journey transitioning from Ascot to Sapporo, Narredu is eager to embrace this new challenge and represent India on one of the most respected stages in horse racing.