January 3, 2025

(Fujii) Happy New Year, Christophe. I look forward to working with you in 2025.
First, could you please look back on 2024? You had a fall in Dubai and took a break from racing. But you still managed to win your seventh title as leading jockey and three G1 races.

(Lemaire) There were ups and downs throughout the year. I was able to win many races every weekend, earn the leading title, and win many graded races. For me, it's very important to create a good rhythm where I can ride winning horses every week. I'd like to thank my owner and trainer for their support.


(Fujii) With Equinox retiring, you must have felt lonely, especially during the 2024 G1 season.

(Lemaire) I felt a little lonely during the G1 season. It was a similar feeling to when Almond Eye retired. But I'm glad I was able to win big titles with Cervinia and Urban Chic.


(Fujii) In addition to the horses he rode, Christophe also felt sad that his fellow jockeys had left the turf.

(Lemaire) There were some sad events. They were teammates who fought alongside me. Memories will last forever, so please don't forget them, fans.


(Fujii) It's true that this year has been tough. Jockeys have to produce results at the races every week, so they have to manage their mental health, their weight, and deal with injuries. Has your wife, Barbara, who supports you in your life as a jockey, also played a big role?

(Lemaire) Of course. Family and friends are a big help. Spending quality time in your private life is the key to being happy on the horse.


(Fujii) You always try to keep your mind fresh. In addition to being in charge of the biweekly blog for CL by C. Lemaire, I have also participated in talk shows and been interviewed in the US. I have had many experiences through the brand. From your perspective, what kind of year was last year for CL by C. Lemaire?

(Lemaire) Our fans have purchased many "CL by C. Lemaire" items. What has given me the most satisfaction from creating the brand is seeing more and more people wearing the brand at the racetrack and in their private lives. We've also received a lot of positive feedback. This motivates us to create even better products. You may not show it much, but when you see us in the paddock, you think, "Whoa!"


(Fujii) I often saw fans wearing it at the racetrack. Sometimes I thought, "They're wearing the same thing as me!" (laughs). Now, I saw the news that you'll be riding in India this year. It's not a familiar sport in Japan, but I've actually ridden Indian horses in Singapore. Christophe, you also spoke with Indian officials at the Asia Conference in Sapporo.

(Lemaire) Yes!! I am planning to go to India to ride in the Derby. I have had offers for the past few years, but I was unable to go due to the schedule of Japanese horse racing. Some of you may be wondering, "Horse racing in India!?", but this was the first place I rode overseas after leaving France.


(Fujii) Finally, what kind of year do you want this to be?

(Lemaire) We challenged Urban Chic in the Arima Kinen, but we were unable to win due to the slow pace. However, I look forward to seeing this horse and Cervinia grow even more next year. Of course, I'm also aiming for my eighth leading title in Japan, and I'll work hard every day to find a champion horse!!


(Fujii) Thank you very much. Christophe's challenges are still ongoing. I'm sure he will entertain us again this year! Starting with the next blog, we will also be accepting questions for Christophe. Please send in as many questions as you like in the comments section of X, and we will choose some of them to ask directly to Christophe. We look forward to your continued support this year!!