September 13, 2024

Autumn horse racing has begun, and the G1 season is about to get into full swing. Christophe says, "Local summer horse racing is refreshing, like a working holiday. But from now on, there are many important step races leading to the G1 races, so the pressure is on. Achieving results in big races is very rewarding, so I like to take on big races with popular horses." As always, we are impressed by his strong mentality.

In last week's Keisei Hai Autumn Handicap, Ascoli Piceno lived up to expectations and achieved a stunning victory. He stayed in the middle of the pack throughout the race, then made an early move from the outside. In the straight, he showed great racing, pulling away from the other horses. "I had a really good feeling about him in his previous race, the NHK Mile Cup, so I rode him with confidence this time. In that race, he couldn't get ahead in the straight, and it wasn't a smooth race, but he still used his great legs to come in second. This horse has truly amazing explosive power!" said Christophe excitedly.

This week, he is scheduled to ride Regaleira in the Rose Stakes and Urban Chic in the St. Lite Memorial. "Regaleira is a horse with great potential. In the Derby, he had a tough start from the inside, and when I moved him to the outside and gave the go-ahead, he was far behind the winning horse, Danon Desail. But he made sure to stretch out at the end. This will be my first time riding Urban Chic, but I've heard he has potential, so I'll be watching the replays of the race carefully to study him," he said. Afterwards, he is also scheduled to ride Delmasotogake in the Nippon Television Hai.
Incidentally, one of Christophe's most memorable summer memories seems to be meeting Equinox. Equinox began his life as a stallion this year and has already mated with nearly 200 horses. "I was glad to see him looking healthy at Shadai Stallion Station. Looking at the beauty of his body, you can see that he's been well cared for at the ranch. Even now, the sensation of riding him in races remains vividly in my mind. I've collaborated with Equinox on the "CL by C. Lemaire" brand shirts, and I'd like to create new items again in the near future," he said. It was a fulfilling summer, and we look forward to seeing Christophe in action this fall.

Speaking of brands, a pop-up store will be opening at Nagoya Matsuzakaya for a week starting this Wednesday. I heard that many people came to the autograph session yesterday. Tomorrow, Saturday, from 2pm, there will be a talk show with me and Tetsuzo Sato in the store, so please come along.