Among Christophe Lemaire’s long list of accomplishments as a jockey in Japan are the following: four Tenno Sho (Autumn) victories, three Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks) wins, three Victoria Mile triumphs and three Japan Cup wins. At the time of this writing, the 43-year-old Frenchman has amassed 42 Grade I victories in Japan Racing Association races.
After winning the Autumn Tenno Sho for the fourth time on October 30 aboard Equinox and before he geared up for the Japan Cup on November 27, Lemaire and I had a wide-ranging conversation for JAPAN Forward‘s Sports Talk podcast about his remarkable comeback victory with Equinox. We also chatted about the autumn racing season in Japan and some of the biggest G1 races, including the Japan Cup.
What makes the Japan Cup so special on the Japanese racing calendar? Lemaire eloquently explains why it’s such a big deal for him and his fellow jockeys.
Lemaire also shared insights on measuring a horse’s confidence, and stamina and overall abilities during a race. He spoke enthusiastically about competing in the Kentucky Derby for the first time this May.
Listen to my podcast interview with Christophe Lemaire here.
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Ed Odeven Reporting 