WHAT A HORSE!
No, I'm not talking about Jaguar and his gymkhana training, although he was as good as gold today, and looked to be enjoying himself, even during some of the tight turns. Actually, I'm talking about Tenshinramman, who has just come up on TV in a look back at the Artemis Stakes race. You may remember she got knocked about and blocked repeatedly, but seeing the finish from a new angle, she was absolutely stunning in the closing yards, as soon as she had a clear run. As a result of that race, other horses have gone up the ladder quickly while she's still trying to restore pride in her name, but I don't think any of them would beat her one-on-one...
Friday, February 8, 2013
Thursday, February 7, 2013
NEW KNICK-KNACKS If you look up the word 'knick-knacks' in the dictionary, it often states that it represents a small, worthless object, usually a household ornament. My interpretation has always incorporated the last bit, but I've never considered value to have any bearing on the word's use. Anyway, my latest knick-knacks picked up this week are very valuable to me, and that's all that really matters - a mug, signed by Shotaro Kawashima, one of the new FJ straps (I'll get the other one next month), and racing goggles signed by Ryo Sawada and Shogo Nakano. I'm going to need a bigger office soon...
CARROT CLUB LATEST
The new magazine arrived in the post yesterday, but even more welcome was the news that Tenshinramman is fine. The infection proved to be very mild, and the little pain she was showing in the hind quarters was just as likely to be from the knock she got from another horse in her last race. Next week, thoughts will turn toward her next entry.
Quadrille is still on for the 10th at Tokyo-Fuchu, as is Lourdes No Hitomi, with Miura Kosei signed up as the jockey. If things go to plan, Mistoffelees will run at Tokyo-Fuchu on the 17th in a 1600m turf race, but his berth has yet to be confirmed.
It's also quite funny to hear that Fairy Robe will be doing a lot more gate training before she runs again at the end of the month. The ability is there, and the stables are one of the best in the business, so it's only a matter of time - and perhaps just a little luck - before she's picking up silverware.
The new magazine arrived in the post yesterday, but even more welcome was the news that Tenshinramman is fine. The infection proved to be very mild, and the little pain she was showing in the hind quarters was just as likely to be from the knock she got from another horse in her last race. Next week, thoughts will turn toward her next entry.
Quadrille is still on for the 10th at Tokyo-Fuchu, as is Lourdes No Hitomi, with Miura Kosei signed up as the jockey. If things go to plan, Mistoffelees will run at Tokyo-Fuchu on the 17th in a 1600m turf race, but his berth has yet to be confirmed.
It's also quite funny to hear that Fairy Robe will be doing a lot more gate training before she runs again at the end of the month. The ability is there, and the stables are one of the best in the business, so it's only a matter of time - and perhaps just a little luck - before she's picking up silverware.
SHADAI SPIEL
This afternoon was spent with Jaguar, who was truly in top form today, possibly due to the weather and the slightly later than usual start time. Both of the kids took him around the outer track at a nice pace...
Meanwhile, some updates have come in on the progress of the Shadai Group yearlings, with the JRA contender (Sunday TC, no.126, pictured here) apparently having a real aura about her. Of the NAR challengers, the big no.82 Shadai TC colt is said to be calming down and rides well, while the Sunday TC no.188 colt is a little too explosive and difficult to hold back. I guess if he has the power to be a front runner, it's less of a problem - we'll have to wait and see, but he's already much better than he was on the response side. The no.190 filly, on the other hand, is a bit on the timid side, so training is being undertaken at a gentle pace to suit her character.
This afternoon was spent with Jaguar, who was truly in top form today, possibly due to the weather and the slightly later than usual start time. Both of the kids took him around the outer track at a nice pace...
 |
| Courtesy Sunday TC |
Meanwhile, some updates have come in on the progress of the Shadai Group yearlings, with the JRA contender (Sunday TC, no.126, pictured here) apparently having a real aura about her. Of the NAR challengers, the big no.82 Shadai TC colt is said to be calming down and rides well, while the Sunday TC no.188 colt is a little too explosive and difficult to hold back. I guess if he has the power to be a front runner, it's less of a problem - we'll have to wait and see, but he's already much better than he was on the response side. The no.190 filly, on the other hand, is a bit on the timid side, so training is being undertaken at a gentle pace to suit her character.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
LOVE IS... PART SIXA few people have asked to see the picture of me with Jaguar I mentioned a couple of days. Well, here goes - the sixth installment in the 'Love Is...' series.
Jaguar will be in competition again at the end of the month, first in a Dressage event at the Olympic Club, and then in gymkhana, which should be a laugh.
CARROT CLUB CHATTER
Nothing much to report, although it's worth noting that Quick Bread is now in the middle of some hard training and showing no signs of stress or strain. I have high hopes for this colt, who's the spitting image of Nijinsky...
Miracle Rouge, a Sadler's Wells cross that has sadly failed to deliver the goods so far, will be kept away from the tracks until March or April in the hope that she can become stronger and produce a real miracle somewhere down the line. Fingers crossed!
Nothing much to report, although it's worth noting that Quick Bread is now in the middle of some hard training and showing no signs of stress or strain. I have high hopes for this colt, who's the spitting image of Nijinsky...
Miracle Rouge, a Sadler's Wells cross that has sadly failed to deliver the goods so far, will be kept away from the tracks until March or April in the hope that she can become stronger and produce a real miracle somewhere down the line. Fingers crossed!
CONGRATULATIONS Congratulations to Taito Mori on passing the 900 wins landmark. Judging by his strong performances in the saddle today, it won't be too long before there's another ceremony to celebrate 1000 wins! His entire family was on hand to witness his special day, as well as a huge number of NAR fans who gathered at the winner's circle to hear his speech.
If one is to trust the weather forecasts, I should wake up to a foot of snow in the morning. With this in mind, I figured I'd make the most of today and have a full day at Funabashi. As usual, the racing was wonderful, but there were a couple of bonuses - a ceremony for Taito Mori after claiming his 900th win, and a chance for me to have my photo taken with Ryoya Sawada and Shogo Nakano. A good day...
Monday, February 4, 2013
LUCKY WITH WEATHER It makes a change, but today I was very lucky with the weather. I managed to see the first six races at Funabashi in a dry and warm atmosphere, without a cold wind blowing straight through you, despite rain both before setting out and on the return leg home. It was nice to be able to enjoy some good racing in good company, with the added bonus of some decent weather. Not sure what the gods will bring us in the next few days, though, so some planning is needed to make the most of the week...
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