One of Japan's top trainers has issued a public apology for a fatal road accident involving his stable's rising star jockey.
Rui Funayama, 20, made his debut as a Japan Racing Association jockey in 2025. He rode his first winner on his ninth start and has progressed impressively, riding 42 winners in 2026 to reach 16th place in the jockeys' championship.
Accident details
Funayama was driving his car near the racecourse in Hakodate on August 19 when his vehicle went straight through an intersection and collided with a car driven by a man in his 50s. According to police, the other driver was attempting to make a right turn from the opposite side at the time.
The drivers of both cars were injured in the accident and taken to hospital. The man in his 50s subsequently died of his injuries. Funayama suffered a fracture to the top of his right foot and damage to his left knee joint, and remains in hospital.
Trainer's apology
His boss Tanaka, 40, best known as the trainer of Godolphin star Lemon Pop and Sixpence, winner of Japan's Yasuda Kinen in June, addressed the accident on Friday and offered an apology in a post from the stable's social media account.
He said: "We would like to sincerely apologise for the traffic accident caused by Rui Funayama, a member of our stable, which resulted in the passing of the victim.
"At present, relevant authorities are conducting their investigation, and we will refrain from commenting on the details at this time.
"Moving forward, we will confirm the facts and respond appropriately. We extend our deepest apologies to the victim and all their bereaved family members."
