Missing You

Phosphorus is a bit under the weather in Hokkaido - he's not ill, but not his usual self either. I've got a feeling he's missing his regular crew in Funabashi! It could be a change in the seasons, too, for it's suddenly become very cold after an unusually hot summer up there. Whatever it is, I'm looking forward to seeing him back in Chiba soon. If he could give Yano-sensei his 600th win, that would be something really special...

Back In The Groove

Today, we went right back to basics, with Louis entering in the Chiba Dressage Test category - not so much for him, but because this was a competition debut for 'Bugatti' in anything outside flat racing. He was as mad as a hatter as soon as he arrived at Tomisato, but eventually settled to a level of high tension, which is certainly a lot better than the certifiable animal we had on our hands a few hours earlier. He amazed everyone once the chips were down, though. One of the judges even said it was a "moving" performance, which shows we're heading in the right direction. In the end, a blue ribbon and a gold medal for the pair, and a score of 61.166% once averaged across the judging papers. We've still got so much scope and raw material to work with, but this is a fine foundation to build on...

Last Farewell

Porthos Du Vallon was poorly supported in his Ayr Gold Cup Meeting race, and ultimately justified the lack of confidence shown in him by the punters. It seems odd lining him up for a race in which he was so obviously outclassed, although another horse with the same trainer actually came in last! Anyway, in the end, he simply made up the numbers to come home in tenth. Assuming plans don't change yet again, this should be my last race with him, as he should be in the sales next month. For numerous reasons, I can't say as I'm all that bothered to see him go.

In Japan, Single Cask has been confirmed for the JRA 8R at Niigata on the 21st - a 1000m turf run that should provide some fun at the very least. There's also a plan to enter Belle Plage there on the 27th in an 1800m dirt race, which is definitely something to look forward to.

At the other end of the scale, both Joyful Step and Glint Moment will be out next week with any luck, too, or the week after that if not. This will almost certainly be the last run for both of them, unless they win, of course. In reality, there's more chance of me getting a date with Keiko Kitagawa than either of these two winning...

In-between these JRA meetings, we have two good horses lining up, with Pop Label in NAR action on the 22nd, and River Spirit running in England on the 23rd, so plenty to keep us busy. We've also got 'Bugatti' making his competition debut at the weekend. There's nothing expected of the big fella at this stage - I'm simply treating this event as another step in his training programme.

PS. Mikamoto-san has been confirmed as the jockey for Pop Label on the 22nd.

Cracking Run

River Spirit was a fighting fourth, which is excellent considering her competition on the day and the awful gate draw she was lumbered with. Nobody claimed the girl, so she's still ours to run at Nottingham on the 23rd, unless it rains, and then Lord Ilsley has the all-weather track at Lingfield lined up instead.

Where We Stand

Today, River Spirit is in the biggest race of her life. Only at the end of it will a lot of questions be answered regarding her future. Whatever happens, though, I shall be standing by Mick Channon and his merry men - horse ownership has never been so much fun! Just in case she is still with us, she's already been provisionally booked for two 5f races on the 23rd - the Class 5 2:20 at Lingfield, and the Class 6 2:00 at Nottingham...

Tomorrow, Porthos Du Vallon is in the 7f 4:10 at Ayr, with Phillip Makin in the saddle. Interesting to think what might happen to Scottish racing if there's a yes vote on independence. It won't affect me, as I only have a few more weeks - six at the most - of Scottish involvement left, and there certainly won't be any more after that. But it is an intriguing question on what would happen, with the BHA almost certainly washing its hands of whatever goes on north of the border.

Not much happening on the JRA front, although Perfumer (by Heart's Cry) has passed his gate test, and is taking a bit of a break before the next stage in his race career. War Chronicle has arrived at the race stables, but is really hyper at the moment - a few days will be needed for her to settle in. True Motion might be out next week, while Single Cask should be in action on the 21st.

Big Day Coming

Pop Label will be making his long-awaited comeback on the 22nd in the 10R at Funabashi. Can't wait! By the way, following the loss of Masayuki Kawashima, Pop Label is now officially running with his son's equipe - the Masakazu Kawashima Stable. At least one of the Sunday TC newcomers will also get reassigned in due course, and the one Carrot Club horse that I'm banking on will doubtless have to find a new registered abode as well. At least we all have some super memories of the man behind MK Stable, and I'm glad that a good deal of our NAR campaign is still be related to the Kawashima family.

New Blood

After a false start with Porthos, I've at last secured the jumper I've always wanted in Danielle's Journey from the Realta Horse Racing Club of Ireland. This is a new club, and I like their enthusiastic style. The horse's name also tells you what the folks running it are like, as it's named after a beautiful young lady called Danielle who's battling away against a brain tumor with dignity and verve - some of the horse's winnings will be directed her way. I'll be doing a profile on this exciting filly as soon as my stake in her has been confirmed...

There are also three new Carrot Club horses in the pipeline (a fourth one was withdrawn due to an unforeseen health problem), and confirmation of those should be coming through on the 19th. I'm assuming their purchase should be okay, because none of them were particularly popular - or at least they weren't heavily oversubscribed, let's put it that way. The one that was withdrawn is a little sad, as it was with the Ritto stable my distant cousin works at, but the others all have a good reason for me wanting a stake in them. More on that in the next few days with any luck.

Lucky Boy

With Louis away on a school trip, then having an athletics meeting this weekend, things have been quiet at Tokoro RC. Sophie has been doing the main exercise work - thankfully he's calmed down a lot recently, which makes it possible - while Miho has been polishing her skills a bit, and now looks quite at home in the saddle. The highlight of the weekend as far as 'Bugatti' is concerned was a visit from Noguchi-san - his groom from his racing days, and the person responsible for making him into the lovely horse he is. Before he took him on, he had a reputation for being a bit naughty, shall we say, verging on downright dangerous! 'Bugatti' (or Segesta as he was then) was lucky to be teamed up with a proper horseman. Both of them looked chuffed to bits to see other, and that makes me a happy bunny, too...

Nothing much happening on the racing front at the moment, although River Spirit is booked to run at Beverley on the 17th. It's a claiming race, which provides a fascinating formula and a good deal of excitement for those who enjoy wheeling and dealing! Anyway, the race is the Class 6 Bet Totejackpot Claiming Stakes over five furlongs, and Joe Fanning takes up the reins. Let's see how she does, and whether or not she stays with us after the event. Good luck to all involved!