Flicker Jab won the Kitakyushu Kinen GIII at Kokura Racecourse in Fukuoka Prefecture on July 5, 2026 [1, 2].
The victory is significant as it marks the first graded stakes win for Flicker Jab and represents the fourth graded stakes victory of the year for jockey Kohei Matsuyama [1, 2].
Starting as the first favorite, Flicker Jab overcame a handicap difference of eight kilograms [1] to outpace the competition. The race took place over a 1,200-meter turf course [1]. This event serves as the second leg of the Summer Sprint Series [1, 2].
Matsuyama's performance in the race contributed to his rising tally of major wins for the season. Regarding the horse's performance, Matsuyama said the animal was "very strong" [2].
The victory at Kokura Racecourse reinforces Flicker Jab's position as a competitive sprinter in the GIII category. The horse managed to navigate the field effectively despite the weight disadvantage imposed by the handicap conditions [1].
“Flicker Jab won the Kitakyushu Kinen GIII”
This result establishes Flicker Jab as a primary contender in the Summer Sprint Series and highlights Kohei Matsuyama's current form in graded stakes races. The ability to win while carrying a significant handicap suggests the horse possesses a high level of raw speed and stamina relative to its peers in the 1,200-meter sprint category.
