YAMAZAKI STABLE 
The Yamazaki Stable is perhaps better known by the Hiromi Racing name, and the stylish 'HR' symbol worn on the horses from this well-kept Kawasaki-based establishment.

The stable was founded in July 1998 by Hiromi Yamazaki. Hiromi-san was born in 1957, and was a jockey between 1973 and 1997 before turning his hand to training horses instead of riding them. Hiromi Racing introduced a number of interesting things to the NAR scene, such as group training to calm nervous Thoroughbreds (horses are herd animals after all), new methods to encourage heart development, and a number of other unusual techniques, each programme being based on the horse's individual character.

Hiromi Racing was the leading stable at Kawasaki from 2000 to 2002, and had clocked up 300 wins by 2006; the 400 landmark was reached in 2009, and this year the stable moved beyond 500 wins. Interestingly, Seiji Yamazaki (Hiromi's younger son, born in 1984) celebrated 500 wins at the same time, riding alongside Hironori Sato, who was profiled a couple of weeks ago, as the second contracted jockey in the HR team.

Mention should also be made of the Assistant Trainer, Yuya Yamazaki, seen in black in this picture. Born in 1981, Yuya started his career within the Shadai Group, and went on to learn his trade at various European powerhouses, including the Ballydoyle Racing Stables, with Aidan O'Brien at the helm since 1995. He will make an excellent trainer when his father decides to retire.

On the 21st of this month, a little horse I have a stake in called Fairy Robe will be led out of the Yamazaki Stable. I shall be in Kawasaki cheering for her on her debut, knowing full well that she's been prepared to the highest standards...