Another Japan stint for jockey King

Group 1-winning jockey Rachel King has returned to Japan following the Magic Millions carnival, but the rider will be back in time for the major Sydney autumn carnival races.

King flew to Japan on Tuesday to complete a month-long short-term contract, 11 months after she became the first female jockey to ride a Grade 1 winner in the country.

On that occasion she won the Grade 1 February Stakes on Costa Nova for trainer Tetsuya Kimura.

“Japan presents a valuable opportunity for my ongoing development as a rider, and I look forward to building on previous year’s results,” King said.

“I’m looking forward to returning ahead of the Autumn Carnival and continuing to work closely with my support network as I build momentum in Australia.”

King rode the well-bred John Stewart and Coolmore part-owned Home Affairs two-year-old Lady Moscato into second in the Magic Millions The Debut at the Gold Coast on Saturday.