Toshio Uchida, the jockey known throughout Japan as ‘Mr. Pink’ on account of his bright-coloured riding silks, brought down the curtain on a 46-year riding career with a retirement ceremony at Urawa Racecourse on Friday [March 21].
Uchida, 63, retires with a career total of 3,613 victories (including 80 stakes) from 26,021 rides on the second-tier NAR (National Association of Racing) circuit, where jockeys are identified by their colours.
Having made his debut at Utsonimiya Racecourse in October 1978, he also has three wins on the JRA circuit, plus 158 wins overseas including graded stakes in Korea and Macau.
"I wanted to continue riding for a while longer,” he said. “But I felt it would be difficult, both physically and mentally, to continue riding any longer, so I have decided to retire as a jockey. I have no regrets or regrets. Thank you very much for your support of Mr. Pink over the years.”
This was a retirement ceremony with a difference, as Uchida treated fans to a rendition of the song ‘Akane’, which dates back to a spell as a vocalist for the rock band Himawar under the name ‘Richard Pink’.
“I’ve never had such a happy life as a jockey,” he added. “I feel so refreshed.”
Uchida’s new career will be to coach young jockeys as an instructor at the NAR Education Centre in Nasushiobara City.
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