Yuichi Fukunaga

is a Japanese horse trainer and former jockey who has won 29 Grade 1 races in Japan and abroad. He is affiliated with the Japan Racing Association (JRA) in RittÃÂ. His father is former jockey who was said to be a "genius" during his active career, and his uncle is Takashi Kitamura, also a former jockey. His wife is former Fuji TV announcer . Since July 2016, he has a management contract with Horipro together with Yuga Kawada, the entertainment production with which his wife is also affiliated.

On December 8, 2022, following his trainer license being issued by the JRA, Fukunaga announced that he would retire as a jockey at the end of February next year and make a transition in to becoming a horse trainer. Two months later, Fukunaga rode his final races in Japan at the February Stakes on 19 February, and finished his racing career at the Riyadh Dirt Sprint on February 25, 2023, where he rode Remake which finished 3rd behind Elite Power. Retirement ceremonies of Fukunaga were held at Tokyo Racecourse on 19 February and on the Hanshin Racecourse on March 4.

Fukunaga officially opened his stable on 6 March 2024. Upon opening his stable, he received a number of horses from outgoing trainers, including Danon Scorpion and from .

Achievements

Grade 1 race victories

Japan

Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes - (3) - Eishin Preston (1999), Eishin Champ (2002), Fusaichi Richard (2005)
February Stakes - (2) - Meisho Bowler (2005), Cafe Pharoah (2022)
Hanshin Juvenile Fillies - (3) - Peace of World (2002), RÃÂªve d'Essor (2010), Joie de Vivre (2011)
Hopeful Stakes - (1) - Contrail (2019)
Japan Breeding farms' Cup Classic - (1) - K T Brave (2018)
Japan Breeding farms' Cup Sprint - (1) - Sterling Rose (2002)
Japan Cup - (1) - Contrail (2021)
Kashiwa Kinen - (1) - Wide Pharaoh (2020)
Kawasaki Kinen - (1) - K T Brave (2018)
Kikuka ShÃÂ - (2) - Epiphaneia (2013), Contrail (2020)
Mile Championship Nambu Hai - (2) - Best Warrior (2015), Cafe Pharoah (2022)
NHK Mile Cup - (1) - Rhein Kraft (2005)
Oka Sho - (2) - Primo Ordine (1999), Rhein Kraft (2005)
Queen Elizabeth II Commemorative Cup - (1) - Fusaichi Pandora (2006)
Satsuki Sho - (2) - Contrail (2020), Geoglyph (2022)
Shuka Sho - (1) - Vivlos (2016)
Sprinters Stakes - (1) - Pixie Knight (2021)
Takamatsunomiya Kinen - (3) - Sunningdale (2004), Big Arthur (2016), Mr Melody (2019)
Teio Sho - (1) - K T Brave (2017)
Tenno Sho Autumn - (1) - Just A Way (2013)
Tenno Sho Spring - (1) - World Premiere (2021)
Tokyo YÃÂ«shun - (3) - Wagnerian (2018), Contrail (2020), Shahryar (2021)
Yasuda Kinen - (2) - Strong Return (2012), Indy Champ (2019)
Yushun Himba - (3) - Daiwa el Cielo (2004), Cesario (2005), Robe Decollete (2007)