Despite having amassed 97 Group One victories across seven countries, Christophe Lemaire will ride in Sydney for the first time this weekend, marking a milestone in his decorated international career.

The French jockey, who claimed the 2011 Melbourne Cup on Dunaden, is set to make his Sydney debut on Day 2 of The Championships aboard Japanese contender Rousham Park in the prestigious Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m).

Lemaire revealed he jumped at the chance to ride at Randwick, choosing the opportunity over another key meeting abroad.

“I have never had the opportunity (before). With the French horses, no opportunity and with the Japanese, no opportunity,” Lemaire said.

“There is also a big race in Japan this weekend but for me to ride in Sydney will be a new experience and this is very important for me.

“I always like to travel around and I think riding in Sydney, at least once in a jockey’s career, it’s something important.

“I’m lucky enough, I won the Melbourne Cup once. Sydney is also a major city for horse racing in Australia and here are the best jockeys and the top horses so I’m really looking forward to riding here.”

Rousham Park, trained by Hiroyasu Tanaka, has had 16 starts, with Lemaire aboard in seven of them, including four victories. Among their best performances was a runner-up finish behind Rebel’s Romance in the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Turf at Del Mar.

“It was a very good experience for him travelling to America,” Lemaire said.

“He performed very well in the Breeders’ Cup. He is used to racing on a right-hand racecourse. He is quite adaptable.”

Lemaire flew into Sydney on Tuesday after riding in Dubai and linked up with Rousham Park for a final tune-up at Canterbury on Wednesday. The Queen Elizabeth Stakes will be his sole ride on Saturday.

“I have a very good souvenir from Australia winning the Melbourne Cup in 2011 with Dunaden,” he said.

“Hopefully this weekend it will again be a good result for Rousham Park and all the connections.”