In the land of the rising sun, bharath ka Suraj nikla. Wow. Amazing feat, spectacular achievement.  You need to doff your hat to the man. Last year he booted home Fireblade to become the first Indian jockey to win at Ascot, competing in the Shergar Cup and on Saturday, Suraj Narredu in his maiden appearance in Japan, again made all India proud, piloting the Kensuke Ogura-trained Fier Chanter to a splendid victory at Sapporo. In Japan too, Suraj was the first Indian saddle artiste to uncork champagne performance. Soon the bubbly flowed, and it was time to rock & roll, family and friends celebrating the huge moment. 

After his historic win, a delighted Suraj revealed that it was a dream come true. "Winning on the very first day was special and I'm happy that I made India and my family proud," said Suraj adding that 30 years ago his uncle Mallesh Narredu, a leading trainer in Mumbai, rode in Japan and as a kid he was fascinated watching his uncle and top jockeys of the world parading their skills here."Today on my first visit to Sapporo, I chalk up a win and it's a unbelievable feeling," said the top Indian saddle artiste, who to his credit has booted home 2500 winners on the Indian racing circuit. 

"The moment I gained invitations to ride at Ascot again this year in the Shergar Cup and the Japan Racing Association (JRA) invited me to participate in the World All-Stars Jockeys Championship, I really prepared hard, particularly on fitness and I was fighting fit for the two big-ticket events. In addition I was in good frame of mind and all I was hoping was to get a couple of good mounts to showcase my skills. I was lucky, I got to ride Fier Chanter and the filly did it for me," said Suraj, immensely pleased with his effort in the energy-sapping 2600 metres event. 

In the WASJ championship, Norihiro Yokoyama (JRA) emerged winner with 63 points to his credit. The top Aussie, Zac Lloyd (58) finished second ahead of another Australian jockey Damian Lane (56). 

In the team championship, the JRA riders again beat the World All-Stars team accumulating 261 points against the 158 earned by WASJ.