Communication

'Bugatti' and Louis had a wonderful training session with Kelly Layne today. As one of the best dressage riders in the world, and with a super feel for what the horse is trying to say, the time she gave was a real benefit for Louis, taking on such a raw beast as his new partner. We seem to have found a new cog in his gearbox, although the power he puts down is still in a different league to the other Thoroughbreds at Tokoro, who seem dainty by comparison. But he seems to have the natural elegance of a born athlete, and watching him perform today another step closer to the goal of perfection, it really made me feel quite emotional. OK, we may never win top prizes, but the beauty of a Thoroughbred strutting with conviction and relative freedom - as one with the rider - has to be one of the most awesome sights there is...

On the racing front, there's a chance Pretty Gully is in action in Australia again next week, Porthos should be jumping, and River Spirit is booked for the 5:45 at Kempton on the 15th - a Class 6 RUK Nursery Handicap Stakes race (the 7f 2:30 at Redcar on the 17th has been named as a back-up). A few days later we have the annual 'Ganbatte Kochi' race to look forward to, too.