jockey-kota-fujioka-35-dies-after-falling-from-horse-tokyo-shimbun-tokyo-web/” title=”Joint funeral held for jockey Kota Fujioka, 35, dies after falling from horse: Tokyo Shimbun TOKYO Web”>Kota Fujioka, a jockey with the Japan Racing Association (JRA) who had been hospitalized after falling from a horse during a race, passed away on the 10th. He is 35 years old. Born in Shiga Prefecture. JRA announced on the 11th. On the 6th, he fell from his horse in the seventh race riding Sweet Scar at Hanshin Racecourse in Takarazuka City, Hyogo Prefecture, injuring his head and chest. Officials said he remained unconscious.
According to the JRA, this is the 20th death of a Chuo Horse Racing jockey since 1954 due to an accident during a race. It was the first time since 2004, when a 20-year-old jockey died in a fall from a horse.
Fujioka debuted in March 2007 and has a total of 803 wins in the JRA. His major wins marked 22 wins. GI won the NHK Mile Cup with Joe Cappuccino in 2009 and won the Mile Championship with Namur last year for their second win. His father, Kenichi, is a racehorse trainer, and his older brother, Yusuke, is also an active JRA jockey.