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mentally. In 2022, I hand-cycled 140 miles as part of a charity event. Afterwards, I felt a bit lost and consulted a psychologist through associations specialized in spinal cord injuries, completely free for 35 sessions. We could talk about anything: work, family, friends, my disability. It helped me a lot. It’ s important to get support, and time plays a big role. I realized I wasn’ t alone in this situation and that it was normal to feel angry. I understood that it was going to be difficult for the rest of my life, but I had to accept it. Take a deep breath and move forward! Being supported helped me realize how far I’ d come. Before, I rode with little chance of success, and now I do things I’ d never have imagined. I probably have a better life now. I travel, I work for Sky Sports and other media, I’ m a bloodstock agent, all of this because of an accident. I’ m lucky to be surrounded by family and friends. Many people help and encourage me every day. I tell myself it could have been worse. In the first days after the fall, my left arm was also paralyzed. I try to see the positive side of things.
G. France vs. United Kingdom?
J. P-W. I think there are more structures and support systems in England. Thanks to associations, there are now psychologists, and if I were still riding, I would see them. There are now three rehabilitation centers in England, funded through donations, charity events, or fundraising. Professional and amateur jockeys have free access. They usually have a pool, a gym, massage facilities … and psychologists. The issue is that you have young people who, from childhood, dream of becoming jockeys. It takes years before that dream comes true, for those lucky enough, and overnight, it can all stop. Many people don’ t achieve what they hoped for and don’ t have a fulfilling career. It’ s often said in this sport that you die twice: the first time when you retire, the second when life leaves you. We need more structures and support both during and after a jockey’ s career. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Injured Jockeys Fund and the Matt Hampson Foundation, who supported me.
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CHRISTOPHE LEMAIRE:
� PAGE 60
By Paul Casabianca
“ JOCKEYS ARE LEFT TO FEND FOR THEMSELVES”
Seven-time Golden Whip winner in Japan, star jockey Christophe Lemaire speaks candidly about the mental side of his profession, in a country where jockeys are idolized but lack psycholog- ical support within racing institutions.
Galorama. You arrived in Japan more than ten years ago and, like anyone else, have experienced both doubts and moments of glory. How is mental health managed for jockeys over there?
Christophe Lemaire. Whether in France or abroad, I don’ t know of any institutions that provide specialized units for jockeys to specifically address mental health. I don’ t want to point fingers, but it’ s simply not part of the culture or the mindset to bring up this subject. It’ s the same in other sports, like rugby. But jockeys, in this case, are truly left on their own. You can become a star at 17 and earn a lot of money, which is not always easy to handle. During low periods, doubt can creep in very quickly, even when things are going well. All it takes is two bad days in a row, and doubt sets in. And for a jockey, doubt is deadly.
G. Have you ever had the opportunity to consult a mental coach or psychologist during your career?
C. L. Yes, I have had the chance to work with a mental coach. I had read a book by Mr. Vaillant about tennis players. I had two or three sessions with him, and I remember one day, after signing a big contract, I went to see him. He asked me:“ What have you lost by getting this contract with the owner?” I didn’ t know what to say. He told me:“ You’ ve taken away your right to
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