Christophe Lemaire makes move to Japan
Thursday 5 February 2015 13:50, UK
Leading French jockey Christophe Lemaire has been granted a permanent licence in Japan from March 1.
Lemaire, 35, started riding in 1999 and has been a regular on the Japanese circuit in the winter months with a short-term licence since 2002, winning the Japan Cup on Vodka in November 2013.
He has won a host of big races throughout the world, including the 1000 Guineas on Natagora in 2008, the 2000 Guineas on Mafki in 2010 and the Melbourne Cup on Dunaden in 2011.
He also held one of the biggest jobs in European racing when retained by the Aga Khan from 2010 to 2013.
"He's going to be staying permanently in Japan now," said his agent Helen Barbe.
"He's had to pass two exams and it's the first time a foreign jockey has been authorised a full-time Japanese licence so he's delighted."
Italian rider Mirco Demuro has also been granted a licence to ride in Japan.
