In an official statement today, Stephex Stables announce the departure of long-time rider Eiken Sato. The Japanese rider, who has been with the established Belgian sport stables for a number of years, has elected to leave Europe for Japan due to family reasons.
Olympian Eiken Sato is Japans top-ranking rider on the Longines World Rankings at 65th in the world. Sato is also one of the youngest riders in the world to represent his country at top level. He was just 18 years old when he competed in the 2006 World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Germany on Cayak DH. Two years later, Eiken Sato rode the same horse, Cayak DH, at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
“We sadly announce that Eiken Sato went back to Japan due to family reasons. It is with deep regrets that we lose such a talented rider. The Stephex Group wishes him the best for the future.”
The Japanese Federation officially announced last week the team for the World Equestrian Game in Normandy! The team is as follows; Japan’s top-ranked rider Eiken Sato, Takashi Utsunomia, Tadahiro Hayashi and Taizo Sugitani.
Source: Stephex Stables