Fierement lands second Spring Tenno Sho under masterful Christophe Lemaire ride

Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe flop Fierement bounced back to his best at Kyoto on Sunday, becoming the fifth horse to win back-to-back runnings of the Grade 1 Spring Tenno Sho under a brilliant Christophe Lemaire ride.

The Takahisa Tezuka-owned five-year-old restored his reputation as one of Japan's finest stayers, pulling out all the stops to deny 63-1 outsider Stiffelio by a nose.

Unsuitably testing ground counted against Fierement when trailing the Arc field as a 36-1 chance last October, but his fourth behind Lys Gracieux in the Arima Kinen last December was much more like it from the Japanese St Leger hero.

The imposing son of much-missed champion sire Deep Impact, who won the Spring Tenno Sho in 2006, could have settled better in the early stages of the 2m contest but was ridden with supreme confidence by Lemaire, who positioned him well off the pace.

The even-money favourite made gradual headway approaching the straight as Stiffelio took command at the head of affairs from the aggressively-ridden Kiseki.

Lemaire, who partnered Makfi to win the 2,000 Guineas on the first weekend of May ten years ago, did not get serious with Fierement until the final 200 yards, and was able to deliver his mount right on the line to deny rider Yuichi Kitamura a major upset.

"A strong horse has won the race for a second straight year," Lemaire told The Mainichi. "Because the horse in front of us was also strong, we had to fight hard all the way to the finish."

Japan became one of the first major racing nations to host meetings behind closed doors, making the decision back on February 27, and has been operating under those restrictions since then.

Jockeys have to serve their pre-race quarantine in personal certified adjustment rooms, rather than in communal co-ordination quarters at the tracks.

Lemaire, who was winning his fourth consecutive Tenno Sho (Spring and Autumn), said: "It is sad having to race in these circumstances.

"Everyone is facing a tough situation, but let's all do our best."

Read more:

Japan star Almond Eye back in full training with Victoria Mile next target

In-form Hugh Bowman records remarkable 2,810-1 five-timer at Kensington

Top jockeys Zac Purton and Joao Moreira go toe to toe at Happy Valley

Place bets on international races with the Racing Post app. Log in to your bookmaker accounts in the Accounts tab in the bottom right and then click cards to view the racecards