Jason Collett has been granted a short-term Japan Racing Association riding licence, clearing the New Zealand-born Sydney jockey for a two-month spell in Japan from June 27 to August 26, 2026.
The JRA confirmed the move on Friday, naming Haruki Sugiyama, based at the Ritto Training Center, as Collett’s sponsor trainer and KR Japan as his contract owner.
It is a notable international step for Collett, who has built a strong profile in Australia and now gets access to one of world racing’s deepest and most competitive riding circuits. The official notice lists no previous JRA short-term licences for him since 2024 and no prior JRA race record, making this his first formal stint under the Japanese system.
Collett Gets Kokura Opportunity
The timing points Collett towards the summer JRA programme, with the licence beginning on Saturday and running through the late-August window. For Japanese owners and trainers, a short-term licence brings in a proven overseas rider at a stage of the season when race opportunities can move quickly.
Collett’s immediate task is to convert that outside reputation into Japanese results. The Japan Racing Association announcement gives him the platform; the next two months will decide how strongly he can establish himself with local connections, especially if early rides arrive at the right tracks.
