French-born jockey Christophe Lemaire is looking forward to returning to the 2026 LONGINES International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC), which will take place at Happy Valley on Wednesday, 9 December. The experienced rider will make his eighth appearance in the prestigious competition, joining 11 other leading jockeys from around the world for one of Hong Kong’s major winter racing occasions.
Lemaire previously shared the championship title in 2009 with Johnny Murtagh and Ryan Moore. He also competed alongside fellow Japanese rider Yutaka Take in 2018 before returning to the competition in 2025, when he finished joint eighth.
Speaking about his selection for the 2026 edition, Lemaire expressed his appreciation for another opportunity to compete at the Hong Kong venue. He described the invitation from The Hong Kong Jockey Club as a significant honour and recognition, highlighting the prestige associated with being selected for the international contest.
The 47-year-old arrives in Hong Kong following another highly productive season in Japan. He currently leads the Japan Racing Association (JRA) jockey standings in total victories, winning percentage and top-two finish rate. His record this year stands at 153 winners from 511 rides, including 11 graded victories, three of which came at Group 1 level.
Reflecting on his achievements, Lemaire highlighted his success aboard Satono Reve in the Takamatsunomiya Kinen (G1) over 1,200 metres. The victory carried particular significance as it marked his first success in the prestigious sprint contest. He is also pursuing a ninth jockey championship title in Japan.
Christophe Lemaire Brings Outstanding Japanese Record to LONGINES IJC
Born in 1979 near Chantilly, France, Lemaire grew up in a family closely connected to horse racing. His father, Patrice Lemaire, was an accomplished jump jockey who recorded more than 500 career victories.
Christophe began his own riding career as an amateur before turning professional in 1999. He initially established himself in France, making his debut with the stable of renowned trainer André Fabre. His career subsequently took a significant turn in 2015, when he successfully passed the JRA jockey licensing examination and moved to Japan with his family.
Since becoming a fully licensed JRA jockey, Lemaire has built an exceptional record and established himself among the most successful riders in Japanese racing history. His consistency at the highest level has made him a familiar presence in major international competitions.
At 47, he will be the oldest participant in this year’s LONGINES International Jockeys’ Championship. However, Lemaire believes the age and experience of the competing riders will add another dimension to the occasion.
He praised the strength of the 2026 line-up, describing it as an opportunity to see three generations of outstanding jockeys from different parts of the world compete against one another. He also pointed to the rarity of bringing such a collection of international riding talent together in a single competition.
Happy Valley’s Unique Challenge Awaits International Riders
The LONGINES IJC will once again be contested at Happy Valley, one of the most recognisable racecourses in international racing. Situated amid Hong Kong’s striking urban surroundings, the venue is particularly known for its night racing atmosphere and compact, technically demanding circuit.
Lemaire holds the racecourse in high regard and believes its distinctive characteristics demand exceptional awareness and quick decision-making from jockeys. The tight turns and emphasis on speed leave little room for hesitation, making tactical judgement an important part of riding successfully at the venue.
For Lemaire, the return to Happy Valley represents another opportunity to test his skills against some of the world’s leading riders. With an impressive Japanese season behind him and the experience of seven previous appearances in the competition, the French-born jockey will be among the notable names to watch when the 2026 LONGINES International Jockeys’ Championship takes place on 9 December.
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