Thanks to the incredible kindness of Shinpei Kawashima (we are actually distant relatives, brought together through Keiba!), Louis and I were treated to a look around the JRA Ritto Training Centre yesterday. With it being a rest day, we were allowed to see a lot more of the facilities than we'd usually be able to, and getting closer to the various tracks (with a combination of poly, dirt, woodchip and turf surfaces) is a real eye-opener. The scale of this place is truly amazing, and I can see the benefits in having so many tight curves, dips and rises in addition to the long straights and sweepers - every muscle will be finely tuned and the horse's overall balance can be improved along the way.
Each horse on Shinpei-san's roster is worked for about 90 minutes, and then it's back to the cool stables for a pampering. Interestingly, there are still a few old stables over the back of the site, doubtless full of history, but most of the facility looks almost brand new. As we drove past each stable block, Louis' excitement was obvious, as one famous name followed another. It was a magnificent day - one that will be remembered for a very long time...
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