Horse Racing Jockey for Roger Varian: Who is Yuga Kawada?

UK Horseracing attracts the best jockeys from across the world. Think back to the days of Steve Cauthen, when riding for Henry Cecil as he was known before his knighthood. 

So who is Yuga Kawada? 

Well, you may have seen him gain his first win in the UK when partnering Off Piste, trained by Tim Easterby, who won ''comfortably'' at Ripon by three-and-a-half lengths. Clearly owners Qatar Racing Ltd. 

At the time of writing, he has had 16 rides with the sole winner being Off Piste. In addition, one second, third and two fourth positions. 

Roger Varian has been singing the praises of the Japanese rider who is noted as one of the top three in his country. Kawada is spending the summer at Carlburg Stables in Newmarket. He spent time with Varian last year but had just five rides. 

As Varian said: We'd like to give him some ride. He's a very good rider'' 

Those words are ringing true in his native land as many are hailing him as the new Yutaka Take. 

The 32-year-old has won Classic races in Japan partnering exceptional talents Gentildonna, Harp Star & Makahiki. 

Varian said: ''He spent a couple of weeks with us last summer, but didn't ride here," said the Classic-winning trainer. "I think he had a ride in France, but we've cleared his visa and his licence and he can ride, so I think he'll stay for six to eight weeks. "We'd like to give him some rides. He's a very good rider – one of the top three in Japan.''

Varian continues: "He's very good. He's got good hands and balance and is riding lots of Grade 1 winners in Japan, which tells its own story. "He rides for my brother-in-law Mitsu Nakauchida, and Mitsu rates him, and he's not a bad judge."

Kawada will hope to show his boss he's a winner as he vies for rides with number one jockey Andrea Atzeni, David Egan & Jack Mitchell.

Related stories: Legendary Japanese rider Yutake Take, 48, takes our weekly grilling