Had To Happen

The eagle-eyed amongst you will have spotted that Lourdes No Hitomi has been moved from the active JRA roster to the retired section. It had to happen, as a trainer has every right to question the feasibility of running a horse with a 0-0-0-8 record. She should have won the last race (shown in the picture), as it was the best chance she was going to get as we enter the all-or-nothing season, and she failed miserably. Okay, the ground didn't suit her, but when will it? It's a shame because she's a beautiful animal, and a real stayer. I love her dogged determination and attractive looks, but this is a sport where only winning counts...

Courtesy Carrot Club

On that subject, Agua De Vida should be racing again soon. Hopefully, we won't see a repeat of the tantrum she threw last time out, and she can get that first NAR win under her belt. Likewise, we can expect a fiery comeback from Tenshinramman in the JRA Shion Stakes on the 7th September at Nakayama. Interestingly, Miracle Rouge may well be joining her if she can secure a slot in the starting gate. Now that really would be quite something.

Irish Harp runs at Hanshin for her debut on the 7th, with Mephisto Waltz now joining her to make his debut in the 5R; he's been signed up for the 1600m turf race with Hideaki Miyuki in the saddle. True Motion is out again on the next day, and is well-fancied by the sound of things - at least Keiba Book seems to think so!

According to the trainer, Quick Bread should be running in one or two more races to determine his future - I hope he can translate all that power into speed. The only other news worth relaying at this stage is the moving of Sophisticate to his racing stable on the 30th. This means tomorrow evening is the deadline for buying more shares in him. Anyone interested?