Hello everyone.
It's been cold lately. At Ritto Training Center, where I visit for reporting, even though the temperature doesn't drop below zero, the wind makes it feel even colder. Still, when I see the horses after their workout, they're slightly sweaty, and I sense a connection between their quick metabolism and that of human athletes. This weekend, Christophe will be taking a break from Japanese horse racing to ride in the Indian Derby. In this blog, I'll share Christophe's enthusiasm for Indian horse racing, the recent JRA Awards ceremony, and the donations made by "CL by C. Lemaire" to retired horses.
Christophe's connection with Indian horse racing dates back 20 years. It began when he obtained a short-term license from France and had the opportunity to ride in Mumbai. At the time, he made a major impact on Indian horse racing, winning major races like the Invitation Cup and seven weekend victories. "Although the number of horses has decreased compared to the past, there are still approximately 500 horses being trained at the racecourse. Mahalaxmi Racecourse is a large course, similar to the outer tracks at Tokyo and Niigata Racecourses. The fair conditions allow for racing, which suits my riding style of taking my time and not rushing," Christophe says. Horse racing is so popular that the stands are packed with spectators on Indian Derby day. Christophe will be riding the mare Psychic Star this time. She won the Indian Oaks in January 2025 and is highly regarded locally. "I plan to ride Psychic Star on Thursday to get a feel for him. Before I arrive, I'm simulating the race by watching race footage of the leading horses that have won the Indian Guineas and other preliminary races. I'll have more information when I get there, so I plan to prepare thoroughly. I'm looking forward to it as Psychic Star, the jockey I'll be riding, has a good chance of winning. I'll also be doing some extra riding, so I'll be able to get back into the feeling of riding in India for the first time in a while before the big race," he said enthusiastically. Outside of the race, he is also scheduled to have dinner with the owner and tour the farm, and has promised to provide information on Indian horse racing, which is not very familiar to Japanese fans.
At the JRA Awards Ceremony held on January 27th, Christophe was awarded the Leading Jockey title for the seventh time, and the Jockey of the Year award for the second time. The Jockey of the Year award is a prestigious award given to the jockey who achieves the most wins, the highest winning percentage, and the most prize money. "This award has only been won by four people: jockeys Yukio Okabe, Yutaka Take, Masayoshi Kawada, and myself. Just looking at this group of jockeys, I think you can get a sense of the importance of this award. The highest winning percentage category is particularly difficult to win," he said, paying tribute to Kawada's style of placing emphasis on quality.
"CL by C. Lemaire" made a donation to retired horses through Japan Stud Book International. The donation presentation ceremony was held at Shadai Race Horse's Tokyo office. Christophe commented, "We donated 5% of the sales from the Heart's Cry collection. President Teruya Yoshida, a highly influential figure in the horse racing world, also participated, and we hope that this kind of charity work will help spread the appeal of horse racing." Additionally, the brand continues to collect donations for Old Friends Japan, and by insisting that all products are made in Japan, they are also contributing to Japanese industry. Every item you pick up contributes to the horse racing world and Japanese industry.
The cold weather continues, so please take care of your health. We hope to hear good news about Christophe from far away India!
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こんにちは、藤井勘一郎です。このたび『CL by C.ルメール』のホームページでクリストフ・ルメール騎手のブログを担当させていただく事となりました。毎週金曜日、私からの視線でルメール騎手の魅力や競馬の話、そして『CL by C.ルメール』に対しての情熱を書いていくつもりです。文章を書くことは私にとって新しいチャレンジですが、引き受けたからには皆さんにも楽しく読んでもらえるように頑張ります。よろしくお願いします！
