Arrived on our soil in 2013 after starting his career in his country of origin, Italy, Cristian Demuro realized his dream this Sunday, October 4th.
The jockey had only one aspiration from a young age: to win the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, considered the greatest race in the world.
He came very close to the feat last year, finishing third with
Sottsass,
and achieved his goal this Sunday at ParisLongchamp with the 4-year-old male by winning this legendary Group I.
What was your spirit after your splendid victory?
CRISTIAN DEMURO.
As I passed the post, I thought I was going to feel uncomfortable, but it was (laughs…).
Even though there were not many people in the stands, I won the Arc de Triomphe and the emotion was still very present.
I heard the 1000 people screaming on the racetrack and the return to the scales was triumphant.
I knew I had won when I dismounted.
I thought a lot about my family.
To my wife, who is still there, my daughter, my mother and my father who passed away a few weeks ago.
It is my father who pushes me and gives me strength.
I won a Group III with
Glycon
on the day of his death (September 6) and today (Sunday) I win the race which is, in my eyes, the most beautiful in the world… I offer him the best gift that I could give it to him.
How did your journey go?
On leaving, it helped me to come to a good place.
I forced him a little to be there quickly, because I suspected that the race was not going to be rhythmic (the time of 2'39''30 is the slowest for forty years).
I got behind
Persian King
.
I spun it and shifted it gently.
When I came, he accelerated perfectly.
"I knew this was going to be my day"
We felt confident in our Saturday edition.
For what reasons ?
He really seduced me on Tuesday during his last gallop.
I found him transformed.
He climbed over his outings.
He had taken life on the safe side and needed a real race, like he had in England in September.
He was 100% today.
I knew this was going to be my day ...
You have had the opportunity to ride very good horses during your career.
How do you position Sottsass?
It’s the best I’ve driven.
He really is a champion.
La Cressonnière
also holds an important place for me.
It's a shame that I didn't have the opportunity to ride it in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
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You form a duo of shock with Jean-Claude Rouget, the trainer of
Sottsass
.
Can you tell us about your collaboration?
I am really very happy that we won our first Arc.
I thank him very much, because it is he who wanted me to be associated with him.
He did a great job with
Sottsass
.
He's a great trainer.
We wanted to make history together and we did.
It's really awesome.
I will celebrate my victory with him tonight.
"