Opportunity Missed

Having started as a very firm favourite, and with me getting a decent gate draw for a change, Rush Attack was more than a bit disappointing only picking up fourth place. Tosaki-kun said the horse wasn't particularly well-balanced, and it's a damned shame that a golden opportunity was wasted - at 0.5 seconds off the pace, it was Rush Attack's worst performance to date. In reality, the positioning throughout the race was far from ideal, with Rush penned-in from the second corner onwards! At least Kalliopeia was sixth, nearly fifth, in a good debut, although it hardly makes up for missing out on what should have been an easy win on paper.

Another Clinic

Louis and Sophie have just got back from a two-day course with Ban-sensei - one of Japan's top dressage exponents. Louis was learning how to use twin reins like the current Grand Prix competitors, while Sophie was given a huge amount of tips to fine-tune her performance. With all this fresh advice from a top pro, and the noticeable improvements I've seen myself recently, it should be interesting to see what results she gets in the next event. She's also lining herself up for the Gymkhana GP, which should be really exciting, as she's never jumped with 'Bugatti' before. To give her a chance, we'll probably put Louis in first as an 'Open Class' rider to get 'Bugatti' used to the course and what is expected of him on the day. Unfortunately, no pictures, as the missus only took video!

Clash

Courtesy Carrot Club

Both Tenshinramman and Miracle Rouge have arrived back at Miho Training Centre, so should be in action again soon. News from Irish Harp's trainer, too, with a theory that the opposite track direction to what IH is used to could be the fault at the root of her bad performance last weekend. After a short break, there will be an attempt to restore some pride.

Two runners at the weekend, although the two of them are due to race together in the Nakayama 4R (1800m over turf) on the 28th. Kalliopeia, pictured here, makes her debut with Yutaka Yoshida in the saddle, while Keita Tosaki climbs aboard Rush Attack. This is the first time Tosaki-kun will team up with Rush Attack - let's hope his fine skills can give this horse the win he deserves.

Horseman

With the school holidays, Sophie can get out and ride every day. Louis will be able to soon, but without him around to get 'Bugatti' warmed through and ready to work without going into the ultra-high tension zone, Sophie is having to do everything herself. Granted, today Megumi took him for a quick spin to see what he was like, but basically, Sophie is taking him as he comes, straight out of the box nowadays.

A 12-year old slightly-built girl having the guts to do that is impressive enough, as this is no ordinary Thoroughbred - he's a firecracker, and a damned powerful one at that. However, today was her best ever day to date in terms of riding skills and horsemanship. He was jumpy coming across to the tacking-up area, but she held on nicely, with no sign of panic whatsoever, and walked him in without any drama. She saddled him up, and then had him doing a series of stops and starts, walking and trotting, turning every which way, all with precision and a delightfully soft touch that commanded respect but warranted absolutely no fighting back. Considering how green 'Bugatti' is as a riding horse, I think it's fair to say that today I saw a real horseman emerge. Watch out Louis - you've got some competition...