Italian Cristian Demuro has quickly become one of the most in-demand riders in France after deciding to base himself there in 2014. The 28-year-old is a go-to choice for top conditioners like Francis-Henri Grafford and Jean-Claude Rouget, for whom he won the Arc last year on Sottsass. He has also won the Prix du Jockey Club twice - 0n Sottsass in 2019 and Brametot in 2017, both for Rouget.
At #63, Demuro is the third-highest-ranked Italian in the TRC Global Rankings (behind #1 Frankie Dettori and his Japan-based older brother Mirco, who is #50).
That also makes him the fourth-highest rider based in France, behind #7 and current champion Pierre-Charles Boudot, #20 Mickael Barzalona and ten-time champion Christophe Soumillon (#32).
Who do you think is the most important figure in the history of racing around the world?
For me, I think at the moment it would have to be Jean-Claude Rouget. He has been a huge influence and help to my career since I moved to France, and as a trainer he has won races all over the world. I think he is proving his importance in the world of racing through the success he has achieved.
He is a very good trainer in my opinion, particularly in the way he picks each yearling himself at the sales. I think his campaign with Sottsass last year is proof of his talent as a trainer. He was so patient with him throughout the year, biding his time and planning his campaign with the Arc as his main objective, and it paid off for us on the big day.
What is your fondest memory in racing?
Winning the Arc on Sottsass is by far the best moment of my career so far (see video below). For me, the Arc is the most important race in the world and that feeling when I crossed the winning line was incredible. I thought about everything that led up to that moment, all of the hard work that I had put in over the years to become the best jockey I could be. It is even more special for me as I left Italy six years ago and moved to France, where I almost had to start my career all over again.
I have had so much success in France since that move and have been lucky to win most of the French Classics. The Arc was the last one that I had to tick off my list. It really was a dream come true for me.
What is your favourite racing venue and race?
I think the previous answer gives you a good idea that Longchamp is a very special place for me. It is a great racecourse to ride and the Arc was always an important race for me even before I won it last year. Tokyo is also a racecourse that I love riding at, and the Japan Cup is still on my list of races that I want to win.
What is the biggest challenge that racing faces today?
I think in France, sponsorship is a real issue. We don’t have as many top-end sponsors as in football and other sports. I think we are missing out on much-needed publicity for horseracing in this country by not being associated with well-known brands.
If you could change one thing in racing, what would it be?
We need to invite potential sponsors to come and spend a day at the races. That is a good way to start their association with the sport. It is a wonderful sport with beautiful animals; in my opinion it is one of the best sports in the world, and I’m not just saying that because I am a jockey.
Racing is an amazing spectacle to watch and, if we can just show that to a bigger audience, then we can assure the future of our sport.