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Lemer Jider “Almond Eye and I want to thank you all”
■ Christoph Lemer, who will ride Almond Eye
――How do you feel now that the last lap is over?
I am happy about the condition of the Lemer horse. It is always special for me to mount an almond eye. In the last second lap this time, I concentrated a lot. I enjoyed it all the time. I think I will soon feel lonely.
――Is there a difference compared to Friday last week?
Only the pace of Lemer’s overtaking was different. Especially at the end, it gave me a little more speed. But I wanted to get rid of her without overdoing it, so I kept her power. The almond eyes have not changed at all, but conditions have improved. The state looks good.
――It has been 3 weeks since the Emperor’s Prize (Fall). Is the condition different from the previous breed?
I think Lemer has turned on. It was the end of the last day off, so maybe the condition was 80%. The distance will be greater but the condition has improved so I don’t think it’s a problem.
――It was 80% last time, but this time?
Lemer 99? (LOL). 99%. Mr. Kunieda and the Kunieda Stables staff did a very good job. The almond eyes routine was perfect, and this time I was in top condition.
――What’s your tension?
Lemer’s tension hadn’t increased, he was calm and quiet. That is also important.
“You won Japan C two years ago with a great record time, but expectations are also rising this year.
Lemer I want to hope you have a good horse race. But two years ago, he was three years old and weighed 53 kilograms. This time I am 5 years old, so it is different. This year’s 3-year-old horse is incredibly strong. I think it will be a good race.
――There will be three crowned horses, a stallion and a mare, that you’ve never lost, right?
Lemer is great. (Two) did a very good horse race. They both showed speed, stamina, and instant power, and their abilities are high. That is why Japan C this time is difficult. I really don’t know who will win.
– Are you planning a strategy?
Lemer: Not yet. Maybe think a little two days before the race.
――This is the last race with Almond Eye, how do you feel?
Lemer For three years, we ran together in the maximum race. Of course, the almond eyes were very strong. It was pressure in every race, but I felt really good. His speed and running was really cool, so it was like a rider’s dream.
――When you won the Emperor’s Prize (Autumn) in the previous race, you were crying. Is there any pressure this time?
I am always nervous before Lemer Japan C. It is a great race in the world so I want to get good results. He’s a particularly popular horse and there’s a bit of pressure, but since I set a new record at the Emperor’s Award last time, this time I’d like to enjoy the farewell race.
Almond Eye is the last race and of course the most important thing is to get back safely. I am very happy if I win. But it is a horse race. I think I will have strong children after Japan C. It is a ranch to rest slowly. I think that’s the right thing to do.
――If you win the last race, you’ll be happy and the tears will come out this time.
Lemer, I don’t know that (laughs). I don’t know if there will be emotions.
――It would be nice if you could have a good run as Almond Eye in the last race.
Lemer Yes. She still wants to run. His condition will be at the top (this time), so I think we can get good results again.
――What kind of existence is Almond Eye to Mr. Lemer?
Lemer I have taken GI 8 times so far and of course he will be a special horse. Also for the family. Finding such a strong horse is a rider’s dream. The Almond Eye race is over and I miss it, but I’m glad I won a lot of big races without injuries. I was worried about every race, but I was relieved after the race.
This year there was influence from Corona. I would like to see the Almond Eye race in front of many fans.
Lemer This year is really disappointing. It was good to be able to run horses. That’s the most important thing. Japanese fans often supported horse racing in front of the television and at the racetrack. It’s probably only in Japan.
But the social network … Everyone commented on horse racing on Twitter and Instagram. I really want to thank all the fans for their support of the horses and riders. I want to forget about Corona next year. But it can’t be helped. Everyone is doing the best they can. I could feel the support of the fans.
――Finally, do you have a message for many fans?
Lemaire fan from Hello everyone. He supported me well from the beginning. I am really grateful to you. Almond Eye and I want to thank you all. Almond Eye wants to get good results in the last race. Everyone, please support us well in front of the television or at the racetrack.
Soon I will feel lonely, but Almond Eye was able to do a great horse race. It was very good. Please support the new horse this time. Thanks a lot.
(Interview / text: Yoshie Sasaki)
