Granted a two-months licence to ride in Japan this winter, Aurélien Lemaitre talks to us about daily life, organisation, and success.

How did the first month go?

Well. I was immersed in it straight away, taking in three meetings on the first weekend, a perfect way to get into it. I was fortunate enough to ride a winner, which will have helped to build trust.

How do you manage your week with just two or three meetings?

The gallops are shorter but a lot more lively. There are no gallops on Mondays, so we’re off. Work is normally done on the Wednesday or Thursday, and sometimes on a Friday. At the weekend, it’s busy with one race after the other, with 12 races on a programme.

What has struck you the most so far?

The packed stands! Just this weekend, I couldn’t get over the number of people. They love their racing. They’re everywhere…at the parade ring, trackside.

With a dozen wins and a good place-rate (37% in the first 3, 53% in the first five), did you expect such results?

I had never expected to have the weekends I have had; I even won four last weekend, 2 on Saturday and another 2 the following day, and I’m often thereabouts at the finish.

What’s the biggest difference from French racing?

It’s the pace, by far, and that’s no surprise.

Are you enjoying it?

I’m really enjoying riding every week. I have learned a lot which will help me to develop certain areas of my game.

How do you see your return to France after an excellent 2023 [5 Gr.1 wins] and a stint in Japan?

We’ll see how the start of the season goes. It will be hard to repeat [the 113 victories of] 2023.