A Pink Coventry

The 'Coventry Friendship Race' went like a fast dream on Wednesday. It was the fifth race at Funabashi, with 12 horses and their riders lining up to do battle over 1200m of dirt track. The extreme heat brought a touch of sweat to the horses even as they were walking gently in the paddock, but it darkened their coats and made them glisten beautifully in the sunlight.

Ultimately, Toshio Uchida ('Mr Pink') stayed cool to come through and pip Masashige Honda at the post. As the winner, he received a David Geenty sculpture of a Thoroughbred bust. I think he was pleased, but to be honest it's hard to tell with Mr Pink, as he's always smiling - he must be the most jovial jockey on the planet!

Unfortunately the winning horse was still in high-tension mode, making it difficult to get a picture of all the guests together. However, they were all horse folks in attend-
ance, so understood when we put the welfare of the four-legged beast first. The main thing is that everyone was happy, the runners all came home safe and sound, and the race had served its purpose. We will hold a similar race at Kochi in October or November this year, and in the future, I'd like to do the same thing at Sonoda (lots of crazy pals there!), Kawasaki and Urawa for starters. Racing brings people together, no matter what their colour or creed. We all belong to the same Keiba clan...