[Samantha Collett (NZ)]

“Obviously, Japanese racing is world class and I've seen very good stayers that raced in the Melbourne Cup, so it's a privilege to be here and represent my country. I'm also happy my father is with me in my first challenge. There are many successful female riders in New Zealand but we all have to work hard to compete at the same level with the male jockeys, and I too, have continued to work hard, always trying to improve my performances which probably led to my first champion jockey title.”

[Shane Foley (IRE)]

“I really enjoyed it when I was here in Japan a few times (under short-term license) and I was quite successful here as well against the top class jockeys. It’s a privilege to be asked and to be invited here (for the WASJ)—it’s always a great occasion, it’s been won by some fantastic jockeys down to the year. Obviously, this will be a tough competition against the top class as well, but (from my experience here) I know the tracks and I know the jockeys so it will be a help. It’s great to be competing and I’ll do my best and hope I can get a winner somewhere along the way.”

[Ioritz Mendizabal (FR)]

“I am happy to have been able to come this time because before, I used to come here during the winter to ride over a three-month period but it is difficult to be away from my family now that we have two daughters. To be riding here in Japan (in the WASJ) is important for me because you have all these great jockeys from around the world. I don’t know many of the jockeys that I will be competing against but of course I know Take and Fukunaga from before. Mirco (Demuro) and Christophe (Lemaire) I know also because we’ve ridden together in France.”

[Joao Moreira (BRZ)]

“It’s going to be a pleasure to take part in the event once again and I’m certainly looking forward to it. I’m still getting used to the Japanese horses—I had some good fun with some horses here and they showed me that they’ve got a lot of abilities. What is going to be the final result, we’re going to have to wait and see, but I’m quite confident that I’ll be able to deliver a better form as a jockey this year. I’m looking forward to riding with all the star jockeys. (Regarding the announcement to apply for the license to become a regular JRA jockey), I will do my very very best not just to go through the test but to make it happen. I believe I still have a lot to improve but I’m quite comfortable where I am right now and fortunately I still have plenty of time to prepare for the test.”

[Chadley Schofield (HK)]

“I’ve always wanted to ride in Japan and I’m so happy to get this opportunity. I can’t wait for the weekend and hopefully I can win the series. I’ve spoken to Zac Purton and Joao Moreira before I came here. I know many Hong Kong jockeys have come and won this series so hopefully I can add my name to that list. I’m really looking forward to riding with Mirco Demuro and Yutaka Take. I want to enjoy the event, ride well and hopefully get a few wins.”