Fabulous Funabashi

You've probably heard of 'Glorious Goodwood', but around these parts we have 'Fabulous Funabashi'! With the first two days of the Funabashi week falling on Bank Holidays this meeting, the crowds were amazing, despite the cold and damp weather. They were treated - as always - to some fine racing, as well as some sideshows put on to entertain those who were less hardcore than the regulars, and a wonderful jockey event on Monday in which all those not competing in the 12R turned out to sell Funabashi goods that help local charities. Tokoro's Megumi-san did lead-out duty for the main race, too, which added another angle of enjoyment. It was good to see so many old friends, and a few new ones were made, too - the folks that support NAR are a special breed, and very much my kind of people.

Phosphorus (pictured) ran on Monday, but he played up in the stalls, and the starter couldn't have picked a worse moment to let them go. As such, poor Kota was left trying to make up ground without a whip (Phos's antics in the gate had knocked it from his hand) and sand being kicked up from all angles - a scenario we know Phosphorus hates. In the end, to come fifth in a classy field was brilliant, and in some ways, the performance was even better than his win. Even so, he exerted so little effort, he'll be out again at Kawasaki, which I very much look forward to. What a remarkable beast! If we can find that button that unleases all he can give, he will be unbeatable. For myself, and especially Louis and Sophie, a couple of great days to remember...