Christophe Lemaire eyes Arc challenge for Tenno Sho winner Fierement

Report, Japan, Sunday

Kyoto: Tenno Sho (Spring) | 2m, 4yo+, Grade 1, turf

Fierement won his second Grade 1 after coming out on top for trainer Takahisa Tezuka and jockey Christophe Lemaire after a long duel with runner-up Glory Vase in the Tenno Sho, the pair six lengths clear of the third Perform A Promise.

The win means Lemaire is only the third jockey to win all eight of Japan's elite races, which includes their five editions of the Classics along with the Tenno Sho Spring, Tenno Sho Autumn and Arima Kinen. Fierement's sire Deep Impact also won all eight.

Lemaire, who has won three Grade 1 in four weeks, said: "It was a hard battle but he fought well and held out to the finish when Glory Vase came to duel with me from the outside."

Lemaire, also the regular rider of Japanese Triple Crown and Dubai Turf winner Almond Eye, added: "I'm looking forward to his next run and I guess he'll have a good chance in the Arc. I'm sorry Almond Eye will not go to the Arc, but I want to go with Fierement."

William Hill introduced Fierement at 33-1 for the Arc.

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