C.Lemaire aiming for his fourth Arima Kinen victory with Stars on Earth
Tuesday, 19 December, 2023 17:30
C.Lemaire (photo:Kousuke Ishiyu)
Leading Jockey, Christophe Lemaire, is aiming to win the Arima Kinen once again, gave an interview before the hugely popular race. With the retirement of last year's partner and winner, Equinox, after the Japan Cup, this year Lemaire will be teaming up with Stars on Earth. If he wins, it will be his fourth Arima Kinen win, tying him with Ikezoe for the most in history. He expressed his thoughts on the Grand Prix and his confidence in his victory.
-First of all, how do you feel when you look back on this year?
-It was a good year. Equinox was the biggest thing. Also, there was no suspensions, and I didn't get injured. However, Skilfing's collapsing due to acute heart failure after the Japan Derby race was a shock. Other than that, it was good.
-Now, the big race at the end of the year, What kind of race is Arima Kinen for you?
-For me, this is the first G1 race I won in Japan, so it is a special race and also for Christians because it is held every year during the Christmas holidays. I'm a little disappointed that I can't have a party with my family, but the atmosphere at the racecourse is so nice!
-You won on Equinox last year. This year you're teaming up with Stars on Earth, how is she doing?
-Stars on Earth is easy to ride and is a very capable horse. In her last race, Japan C, she finished third behind Equinox and Liberty Island, so I think she performed very well.
-This race will be her first time to run on the tricky 2500-meter Nakayama turf race, how will she fare?
-I rode Stars on Earth before, she has stamina so I think she can handle 2,500 meters. Nakayama is also no problem. If it is smooth race, she can finish well.
-You have ridden her grandmother, Stacelita, and her aunt, Soul Stirring, to G1 wins. How do you feel about this pedigree with which you are so closely associated?
-Interesting. Stacelita didn't have much stamina, and even at 2,400 meters it was a bit long. They are both long striding horses.
-If you win this time, it will be your fourth Arima Kinen victory, tied for the most in history as a jockey.
-I think I have a big chance. Because there is no more super horse left in the field. Justin Palace, Tastiera, Harper, Through Seven Seas all have ability but everyone has a chance this year. But I think Stars on Earth also has a good chance, because she has been racing very well at the G1 level.
-First of all, how do you feel when you look back on this year?
-It was a good year. Equinox was the biggest thing. Also, there was no suspensions, and I didn't get injured. However, Skilfing's collapsing due to acute heart failure after the Japan Derby race was a shock. Other than that, it was good.
-Now, the big race at the end of the year, What kind of race is Arima Kinen for you?
-For me, this is the first G1 race I won in Japan, so it is a special race and also for Christians because it is held every year during the Christmas holidays. I'm a little disappointed that I can't have a party with my family, but the atmosphere at the racecourse is so nice!
-You won on Equinox last year. This year you're teaming up with Stars on Earth, how is she doing?
-Stars on Earth is easy to ride and is a very capable horse. In her last race, Japan C, she finished third behind Equinox and Liberty Island, so I think she performed very well.
-This race will be her first time to run on the tricky 2500-meter Nakayama turf race, how will she fare?
-I rode Stars on Earth before, she has stamina so I think she can handle 2,500 meters. Nakayama is also no problem. If it is smooth race, she can finish well.
-You have ridden her grandmother, Stacelita, and her aunt, Soul Stirring, to G1 wins. How do you feel about this pedigree with which you are so closely associated?
-Interesting. Stacelita didn't have much stamina, and even at 2,400 meters it was a bit long. They are both long striding horses.
-If you win this time, it will be your fourth Arima Kinen victory, tied for the most in history as a jockey.
-I think I have a big chance. Because there is no more super horse left in the field. Justin Palace, Tastiera, Harper, Through Seven Seas all have ability but everyone has a chance this year. But I think Stars on Earth also has a good chance, because she has been racing very well at the G1 level.
Article Creds:Daily Sports