French jockjey Christophe Lemaire partnered Hong Kong sprinter Rich Tapestry for the first time in a turf track gallop on Thursday ahead of Sunday’s G1 Sprinters Stakes (1200m) at the Tokyo track.

Lemaire was pleased with the Michael Chang-trained Rich Tapestry, who this time last year was preparing to make history with victory in the G1 Santa Anita Sprint Championship in Los Angeles as the first and only Hong Kong horse to win a race in North America.

“I was asked to give him an 800m gallop this morning and to give him a good blow in the last 200m, nothing too special,” said Lemaire, who is one of only two foreign jockeys licenced full-time by the JRA.

“The horse is so easy to ride and the work went very well.

“He was looking around a bit but then when I put him under pressure in the last 200m he reacted nicely.

“He strode out well and was well-balanced, which is most important. The race is only two days away so the horse didn’t need fast, hard work and I was happy with him.”

Olivier Doleuze, Rich Tapestry’s regular partner, is on a career sabbatical at present as he attempts to overcome a troublesome shoulder problem.

Lemaire revealed that Doleuze has been in touch to give him some insights into the Holy Roman Emperor gelding.

“Olivier is a very good friend of mine,” said Lemaire. “He told me that the horse is a super ride and a very easy ride for any jockey.

“He said I can settle in any position, either in front or a little bit more behind. He said the horse is genuine and always gives 100% in his races.”