August 1, 2025

-You had an amazing result with six wins in the week you returned. You also came in a close second in the Sekiya Kinen. Tell us about Bond Girl's running.

(Christophe) This was our first time pairing, but Bond Girl was able to run the race at her own pace. She was very relaxed throughout the race, which probably contributed to her final burst of speed. She found a path on the inside and made a sharp burst, but the winning horse moved to the outside and used an even better finishing kick. It was a shame!! However, the track conditions were very good in the opening week race at Niigata Racecourse, making it a fair race where you could win from any position.

-Speaking of being able to win from anywhere, I was surprised when Isla Corazon won from the inside rail in a 1000m straight race.

(Christophe) You never know what's going to happen at horse racing (laughs)!!

- I'm also interested in the two-year-old horses that Christophe rode this week. He rode them in a maiden race, and some horses that won maiden races. Were there any two-year-old horses that made a particularly strong impression on you?

(Christophe) In the maiden race, I taught him to race in a way that would lead to the next race, so even though he didn't win, he will have made improvements for the next one. I felt that all the horses had good qualities, but the one that made the biggest impression on me was Zoroastro. This horse has a great personality, and ran relaxed throughout the race without biting the bit. I like the type of horse that is quiet and calm, but responds when I give the go-ahead. He still has a bit of a childish side, but I felt that he has a good sense for horse racing.

-That's something to look forward to. Now, I noticed some horse tack in a photo that you posted on social media. I heard you sent some horse tack to the Thai Jockey Club. Could you tell us how that came about?

(Christophe) Yes. I once visited Thailand on my own and visited a racecourse in Bangkok. A racecourse staff member showed me around the jockey room and facilities, and the jockeys' tack I saw there was very old, which made me worry about their safety. Some jockeys were even wearing rowing vests when racing.


- I've been to the racecourse in Bangkok, and although the racecourse itself is impressive, I got the impression that there are still many areas that can be improved. In addition to helmets and vests, you also sent belly bands.

(Christophe) I thought there might be a lot of horse tack that Japanese jockeys no longer use that could still be used, so I consulted with the Japanese Jockey Club. As a result, we decided to donate the usable horse tack to Bangkok Racecourse. I hope that this will contribute to the development of horse racing in Thailand, even if just a little.

-It's great that you're always keeping your ears open to new things. Now, following on from last year, you'll be holding a fan meeting in Sapporo this year as well.

(Christophe) Yes. Last year, we held the event after the World Super Jockeys Series, and the French female jockey Santiago participated. Many fans came, and it was a very happy event for me. We are planning to have a guest again this year, but I can't tell you yet (laughs). Please look forward to the surprise.


- To participate in this fan meeting, please see the application method in the "POPUP" section at the bottom of the brand's official website. Finally, horse racing is now in the second half. Do you have any goals?

(Christophe) I'm in a position to become the leading jockey, so that's what I'm aiming for. I'm feeling fresh after my vacation, so I want to win a lot in the second half of the season!!