Jockeys Florent Geroux and Antonio Fres are set to compete internationally come December.
Geroux has been granted a short-term license to ride at racetracks operated by the Japan Racing Association, according to Horse Racing Nation. His key upcoming race in Japan will be the nine-furlong Champions Cup at Chukyo Racecourse on December 7, where he will ride Luxor Cafe, who finished 12th in this year’s Kentucky Derby.
“Many jockeys arriving in the winter, myself included, come from Europe and lack experience on dirt tracks,” Geroux shared with Horse Racing Nation. “I’m hoping that will work in my favor.” Geroux secured 72 wins out of 506 starts in North America during 2025.
Meanwhile, Daily Racing Form reports that Fresch will spend a month racing in Dubai before heading back to the U.S. for the Santa Anita Winter/Spring Meet starting December 26. The 34-year-old jockey was based in Dubai until relocating to California in early 2023 and won the Grade 1 Dubai Golden Shaheen aboard Zenden in 2021. Through 2025, Fres has competed in 774 North American races, winning 134 of them.
This article first appeared in the News section of the Paulick Report on December 2, 2025.
Fan Take: This news is exciting for horse racing fans as it highlights top jockeys branching out globally, showcasing their skills on international dirt tracks. Their overseas competition not only raises the sport’s global profile but may also bring new techniques and heightened competition back to domestic racing.
