Lemaire set for triple G1 assault in Hong Kong as eight Japanese runners head overseas
Tuesday, 09 December, 2025 17:05
Christophe Lemaire
With four G1s on tap in Hong Kong this weekend, eight Japanese runners make the trip-and Christophe Lemaire, the runaway leader in Japan's jockey standings, has the call on three of them. Fresh off an autumn hat-trick in the Shuka Sho, Kikuka Sho and Tenno Sho (Autumn), the 46-year-old aims to extend his purple patch abroad, headlined by dual classic heroine Embroidery in the Hong Kong Mile, plus two other standouts.
Carrying the Hinomaru into the Hong Kong International Races, the 170-time JRA graded-stakes winner is targeting major silverware with all three mounts.
The hottest hand is Embroidery, who tackles the G1 Hong Kong Mile. Lemaire, who guided her to a polished Shuka Sho win, said: "She's a dual classic winner and has the ability. She ran very well last time, and she's more composed now. She's still only three, so it's a big challenge, but the mile suits her-she won the G1 Oka Sho-and the long straight in Hong Kong should, too."
For the G1 Hong Kong Cup, he partners Rousham Park, with whom he's notched four wins including the Hakodate Kinen and All Comers; this will be the gelding's second start since throat surgery. "He was good in the G1 Breeders' Cup Turf, but Australia didn't go to plan-his throat was the issue. Ten furlongs is perfect for him, but the opposition looks strong," Lemaire said, acknowledging the formidable four-peat bid of Romantic Warrior.
In the G1 Hong Kong Vase, Urban Chic reunites with Lemaire after their Kikuka Sho triumph. "A mile and a half is just perfect. He ran very well in the G1 Tenno Sho (Autumn). The Takarazuka Kinen was more about his condition than the ground, and he's been better since the fall. He was terrific in the G1 Kikuka Sho, and I'm expecting a good run in Hong Kong as well," the jockey said.
On December 10th, Lemaire also represents Japan in the LONGINES International Jockeys' Championship at Happy Valley-his first appearance since 2018. "It's been so long-should be fun. The lineup this year is incredible. Night racing, skyscrapers all around-the atmosphere is unique. I'm thrilled to be invited," said Lemaire, who shared the title in 2009 and will be chasing the top step on the podium once again.
Carrying the Hinomaru into the Hong Kong International Races, the 170-time JRA graded-stakes winner is targeting major silverware with all three mounts.
The hottest hand is Embroidery, who tackles the G1 Hong Kong Mile. Lemaire, who guided her to a polished Shuka Sho win, said: "She's a dual classic winner and has the ability. She ran very well last time, and she's more composed now. She's still only three, so it's a big challenge, but the mile suits her-she won the G1 Oka Sho-and the long straight in Hong Kong should, too."
For the G1 Hong Kong Cup, he partners Rousham Park, with whom he's notched four wins including the Hakodate Kinen and All Comers; this will be the gelding's second start since throat surgery. "He was good in the G1 Breeders' Cup Turf, but Australia didn't go to plan-his throat was the issue. Ten furlongs is perfect for him, but the opposition looks strong," Lemaire said, acknowledging the formidable four-peat bid of Romantic Warrior.
In the G1 Hong Kong Vase, Urban Chic reunites with Lemaire after their Kikuka Sho triumph. "A mile and a half is just perfect. He ran very well in the G1 Tenno Sho (Autumn). The Takarazuka Kinen was more about his condition than the ground, and he's been better since the fall. He was terrific in the G1 Kikuka Sho, and I'm expecting a good run in Hong Kong as well," the jockey said.
On December 10th, Lemaire also represents Japan in the LONGINES International Jockeys' Championship at Happy Valley-his first appearance since 2018. "It's been so long-should be fun. The lineup this year is incredible. Night racing, skyscrapers all around-the atmosphere is unique. I'm thrilled to be invited," said Lemaire, who shared the title in 2009 and will be chasing the top step on the podium once again.
Article Creds:Daily Sports