Chilling In Chiba

Managed to spend a fair bit of quality time with the horses over the last couple of days. But, boy, was it cold! It seems odd that the Australians are complaining about the heat right now, although those in the northern hemisphere will know what I'm talking about - today was bitterly cold at Tokoro, to the point where it felt like I'd forgotten to put my coat on. With Sophie finishing school early tomorrow, there's another chance to ride 'Jaguar' as soon as the bell goes. I hope it's warmer than it was today...

Next Week's Runners

Sorry I dropped off the radar for a bit there - I've finally passed a big project that has been lingering around for far too long, and, of course, the proofs arrived at just the time I was in the middle of something else!

Anyway, nothing happening this weekend on the racing front, although Phosphorus will make his NAR debut in the meeting opener at Funabashi on the 9th, which is over 1200m. No word on the jockey as yet, but I'm assuming it will be Kota Motohashi. A couple of days later, Single Cask is in JRA action at Nakayama on the 11th, taking part in the 1600m turf 5R. I'm a little sad to see Tosaki-san is not in the saddle this time, but at least Uchida-san is a good alternative.

Just waiting to hear back from the BHA on the registration of my own colours in England, which is rather exciting. If they get approved, I'll register them in Australia as well, and then a whole new world of possibilities opens up...

Winding Down

Well, 2013 is finally coming to an end. There have been highs and lows - for all of us, I'm sure - although my equine plans for next year are at least starting to take shape. I'd like to do more in England and Australia, if my race budget allows it, as well as throw further support into NAR racing in Japan. I also have to think about Louis' venture into the All-Japan Championships in the dressage category - an exciting prospect.

I'll be winding down the JRA racing side. I wrote a letter to a certain person at Carrot Club on the 21st December, and still haven't had a response, which makes me even less chuffed than I was when I first put pen to paper (or finger to keyboard, to be more accurate). English is certainly not the problem with this guy, so I can only assume that owning shares in a measly 22 horses with them doesn't warrant a reply. If you're not willing to take on what comes with being a figurehead or front man, you shouldn't take the job on.

Courtesy Sunday TC

Meanwhile, I have received a few condition updates on Japan-based yearlings, which all read much the same - training as usual, with trainers gently picking up the pace. Nothing much happening with the JRA two- or three-year olds either, although my one Sunday Thoroughbred Club JRA contender (most of my Shadai Group interest is in NAR horses) is about to start training again after some well-deserved post-race R&R. This is her (Divine Daughter) pictured on the right.

Enjoyed some time at the stables today and yesterday, with 'Jaguar' not really on form this afternoon, but he's allowed a quiet day, as he's had a relatively hard schedule recently. His release in the paddock afterwards seemed to brighten him up no end. As for Tempai, the little bugger gave me a friendly nip, but he was as good as gold straight after, almost falling asleep as I was stroking his muzzle. All is well, with both Louis and Sophie improving all the time - the boy doing a bit of jumping after lunch to keep his hand in.

PS. The number of visitors to the blog passed the 35,000 mark on the 29th December. Many thanks to everyone for your continued support...