Aged 51, Ando started his riding career in the regional association NAR (National Association of Racing) in Japan back in 1976, and is one of the most successful regional jockeys to have joined JRA's jockey ranks in recent years. He has ridden more than 4,000 winners in both his NAR and JRA career, which include no less than 29 G1 titles and great partnerships with top gallopers such as Buena Vista, Daiwa Scarlet and Daiwa Major. His latest G1 success came with Marcellina in the Oka Sho (Japanese 1000 Guineas) at Hanshin Racecourse in April.