Special Exhibition of the Legendary Melbourne Cup in Kyoto by Christophe Lemaire's Fashion Brand 'CL by C. Lemaire'

CL by C. Lemaire Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Sakyo-ku, Kyoto; President: Chihiro Hiraoka) held a special exhibition event for the '2026 Lexus Melbourne Cup' at its first directly managed store, 'CL FASHION & CAFÉ' (Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto). CL FASHION & CAFÉ was selected as the only exhibition venue in Japan for this year's Melbourne Cup International Tour. This recognition was due to the presence of Christophe Lemaire, the 2011 Melbourne Cup-winning jockey and co-founder of the brand, and the store's status as a symbolic space for disseminating horse racing culture. The event at CL FASHION & CAFÉ began with a special unveiling ceremony of the Melbourne Cup, followed by special exhibitions and video screenings commemorating two historic achievements in Japanese horse racing history: the 20th anniversary of the first and still only victory by a Japanese-trained horse, Delta Blues (ridden by Yutaka Iwata, owned by Sunday Racing) in 2006, and the 15th anniversary of Christophe Lemaire's victory on the French horse Dunaden in 2011. Footage of both races was shown, accompanied by special commentary from jockeys Christophe Lemaire and Yutaka Iwata, as well as Mayumi Yoshida, Director of Sunday Racing. Notably, the 2011 Melbourne Cup is still known as the 'closest finish in Melbourne Cup history.' In the latter part of the event, a special public event was held for the CL by C. Lemaire customer community, where attendees enjoyed commemorative photos with the actual Melbourne Cup and viewed the special exhibitions on Delta Blues and Dunaden. Furthermore, it was announced that a fashion capsule collection by CL by C. Lemaire and the Melbourne Cup is scheduled for release at the end of October 2026. Details will be announced later. Comment from Leigh Jordon, Chief Racing Officer of the Victoria Racing Club (VRC): 'It is a great honor to officially start the Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour here in Kyoto in this milestone year, the 20th anniversary of Delta Blues becoming the first Japanese-trained horse to win the Melbourne Cup. Celebrating this significant milestone with Christophe Lemaire, the 2011 Melbourne Cup-winning jockey, at his store CL FASHION & CAFÉ makes it even more special for us. Starting this tour from Japan also symbolizes the true international nature of the Lexus Melbourne Cup. We are proud to celebrate this global connection while bringing the Cup's charm to fans around the world.' Comment from Christophe Lemaire, 2011 Melbourne Cup-winning jockey: 'Winning the Melbourne Cup is undoubtedly one of the most memorable highlights of my career. Seeing this trophy again today brought back many emotions. I am also very happy to share this special time with Yutaka Iwata, another Melbourne Cup-winning jockey. And I am delighted to announce the special capsule collection with the Melbourne Cup today. The release is planned for the end of October 2026.' CL FASHION & CAFE Store Overview: Address: 690-3 Osaka Zaimoku-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-8182 Tel: 075-600-9552 Business Hours: 11:00-18:00 Regular Holidays: Tuesdays and Wednesdays https://c-lemaire.co.jp/ About 'CL by C. Lemaire': 'CL by C. Lemaire' is a jockey-founded fashion brand launched in Kyoto in 2022 by top active jockey Christophe Lemaire. With the philosophy 'Wear the Race,' it expresses the colors, passion, and dignity of horse racing through modern fashion and Japanese craftsmanship. Redefining horse racing as a symbol of culture and aesthetics, the brand incorporates designs inspired by jockeys' silks and the energy of races into everyday items like polo shirts and T-shirts. All products are manufactured in Japan, contributing to the preservation and development of local industries. The brand also emphasizes social and sustainable aspects, such as donating to organizations supporting retired racehorses through its activities. Instagram: @cl_by_c.lemaire Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CLbyC-LEMAIRE Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clbyc.lemaire/ X: https://x.com/cl_by_clemaire About Christophe Lemaire: Born in 1979. French, resides in Kyoto. Holds a full-year JRA license since 2015. Has been JRA Leading Jockey eight times and achieved the world ranking number one. A top jockey with Grade I victories around the world, including France, Dubai, Hong Kong, Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom.