Mission Accomplished

Although Divine Daughter ran awful in her race today, 'Jaguar' made a fine show-jumping debut winning a gold medal and the blue ribbon that comes with it, and Tenn-chan (Tempai) was magnificent in the gymkhana - first with Kumagai-san, and then myself. Having been out of any sort of competition for the best part of a year following his near-death experience (he had a severe case of colic that very nearly claimed his life), he was in high-tension mode being back in the arena. More than trying to ease him back into competition, today was more about creating a nice memory - that was certainly achieved, with the two blue ribbons he picked up being a real bonus. A more noble animal would be hard to find - a handsome Stakes winner (he won seven JRA races in his day), and a beautiful mover that reacts to the slightest input. Yes, my back hurts like hell. But I really don't care...