Jockey Kazushi Kimura Set to Return After Injury Layoff

Kazushi Kimura, the jockey, has been confirmed to return for competitive racing on March 21, marking the end of a difficult recovery process of over two months. The 25-year-old rider suffered a lower leg injury while the horses were in the starting gates earlier this year, suffering therefore a long recovery.

Kazushi Kimura’s return to race riding is completely anticipated, although it comes just in time for the new condition book running through the end of Santa Anita Park’s Classic Meet on April 6. His agent, Brian Beach, confirmed the comeback plan; he is as devoted to his recovery as Kazushi Kimura has been to his horse racing injury.

“He’s a hard worker and has been diligent in his physical therapy,” Beach said on March 9. “He’s doing everything known to man trying to get back.”

Kimura Kazushi has a horse racing injury to his left ankle, and while the first prognosis was that he would recover in a short period, complications arose, namely prolonged swelling which kept him off the racetrack further. Eventually, the doctors had to insert two screws into his ankle to maintain stability during healing. To further help with the speed of his return, Kazushi Kimura flew to Costa Rica last week for stem cell therapy, a treatment now used by many athletes for faster tissue regeneration and healing.

Beach revealed that Kazushi Kimura will begin riding horses during morning training sessions towards the end of the upcoming week. The structured approach allows the jockey to regain his strength and refine his balance before making his competitive return. His comeback will align with the next condition book, positioning him to compete in high-profile races as the Classic Meet nears its conclusion.

Kazushi Kimura’s absence was keenly felt in the jockey standings. At the time of his horse racing injury, he ranked third in earnings and fourth in wins at Santa Anita’s Classic Meet. His success included several notable victories, demonstrating his growing reputation as one of the top riders on the circuit.

Before his setback, Kazushi Kimura had already secured multiple graded stakes wins. Among his triumphs were a Grade 1 victory in the La Brea Stakes with Kopion for racehorse trainer Richard Mandella, as well as graded scores in the Las Flores Stakes (G3) aboard Richi and the Blue Norther Stakes with Casalu. Both Richi and Casalu are trained by Hall of Fame conditioner Bob Baffert.

His steady pace of improving and executing precise race tactics made for a perfect combination somewhat spoiled for most of the top racehorse trainers. Being imminently and currently returned, many expect him to regain his position among the top jockeys of the circuit just as quickly.

Kazushi Kimura has become a name to watch in North America from Japan. He won the Sovereign Award as Outstanding Apprentice Jockey in Canada for 2018 and 2019, and soon thereafter moved into the senior ranks, quickly establishing himself as one of the top riders at Woodbine Racetrack and extending his riding success to the various U.S. circuits, including those in California. Recently, a racehorse injury cast shadows on the young jockey’s season about the upcoming race program.

Kazushi Kimura continues to pull great quality mounts due to his work ethic and commitment to improving his skills and adaptability to varying conditions on the racetrack. His return to riding is considered a true milestone within the racing community. The trainers and owners of racehorses exhibit trust in him due to his unique capabilities.

All eyes are on Kazushi Kimura’s imminent return in the remaining weeks before taking it to the last. With the Santa Anita Classic Meet’s closing stretch coming up, many opportunities will be available for him to push himself hard and recover the momentum he lost, as well as to reestablish himself among the leading contenders.

On account of the sheer perseverance and success behind the history, Kazushi Kimura’s much-anticipated comeback will add another chapter to his ever-expanding career. Judging from past walks, he could be making some ripples rather soon after the return to being back in the irons.

Their focus right now is on his preparations and making sure that he’s ready when the competition returns on March 21. His determination throughout the recovery process has been commendable, which is sure to resonate as he resumes his track quest for glory.