Compton Grace was supposed to be running on the 23rd, but was balloted out, although Macho Mover's debut is scheduled for the same day. Meanwhile, just had the HRI paperwork all confirmed, so watch out for the Godiva Racing colours in Ireland over the coming months and years. The Jazz Singer should be out soon, by the way, with the newcomer getting closer to a first run, too...
PS. Macho Mover sadly just made up the numbers at Newbury, so all we can do is wait and see if the experience can be put to good use next time out. We've thrown in the towel with Compton Grace, which is probably the right call. Terribly disappointing run from Dusty, maybe due to the heavy ground, so we're really suffering on the England front right now. By the way, the new one in Ireland is now officially registered as Godiva's Bay.
PPS. Jazz has picked up a slight injury, so joins Sayesse on the walking wounded list. Bad year all-round this one. Let's hope we get some better news on the 6th, which is our next outing in England... Sadly, it wasn't good news. Looks like Macho Mover will be used until the end of the month, and then given a break until next season.
PPPS. Another awful run with Macho Mover, ending what has been my worst flat season ever (and by a very long way), full of bad luck, and horses that just didn't make the grade. Well, I guess things can only get better, and hopefully we'll get some action out of the Irish ponies - also plagued with niggling maladies and bad timing all-round. Ummm.
Friday, September 22, 2017
Wednesday, September 6, 2017
Bad Runs
The Jazz Singer simply made up the numbers at Down Royal as September dawned. I'm just hoping that was a pure training run, with the trainer having something up his sleeve for the near future. To be honest, there's not much more can be said about the run, although I later learned that a diet change had been a bit part of the problem...
Compton Grace ran a stinker at Kempton Park, which must bring the horse's future into question I'd have thought, as Rockwell Lloyd was dismissed after four starts of similar quality and West Ilsley isn't the kind of outfit to keep throwing good money after bad. We'll have to wait and see, but getting that 75th win this year is looking increasingly unlikely.
Compton Grace ran a stinker at Kempton Park, which must bring the horse's future into question I'd have thought, as Rockwell Lloyd was dismissed after four starts of similar quality and West Ilsley isn't the kind of outfit to keep throwing good money after bad. We'll have to wait and see, but getting that 75th win this year is looking increasingly unlikely.
Tuesday, August 8, 2017
All Change
Sayesse was pretty dreadful the other day, missing the jump out of the gate completely. We now know he has picked up an injury, though, explaining a lot of things... Rockwell Lloyd was going well at Lingfield but got bumped out of contention on the run-in. Damn! Much the same scenario for Compton Grace at Windsor on the 7th August, and a cruise in at the back at Bath two days later. Meanwhile, Mirzam has gone, and with mild injuries in the same camp, it means nothing much is happening on the UK front at the moment.
Not sure about The Jazz Singer (he should be out again in three weeks), but a new Irish horse has arrived on the scene. This bay gelding, born in April 2014, is the 65th racer I've had a stake in (25% in this case). The little fella's father is Tobougg (by Barathea, out of Lacovia), meaning the same bloodlines on the sire side as The Jazz Singer, while the dam is the Irish mare, Ivy Lane. She passes on the DNA of Be My Native (more solid than outstanding in his performances), and Native Thistle from the female line. This brings in Ovac from Italy, and some fascinating French blood in the shape of Match and Tantieme. He looks a treat anyway, and should give us some excellent sport in the P2P arena. Will write more after he is named.
I've also made a firm decision on Australian racing following my break from the scene. I've decided to call it a day, as the races are simply too short. This puts too much emphasis on luck for my liking, often wiping out the good work of the trainer. So, goodbye Oz - thanks to a great bunch of folks, especially Jo Hassett and her family, I enjoyed my spell with you, but it's time to move on. The Singapore idea seemed a reasonable one at the time, but my first impression after trying to get a stake in a horse out there wasn't particularly favourable, so having slept on it that's a non-starter - if the feeling isn't enthusiastic before they have your money, what chance is there of a good service after they've got it? As such, we're left with England for flat racing, Ireland for jumping, and the possibility of my own nag in Japan's NAR arena at some stage - the club option, which is nothing more than a complete waste of time and money, disappeared a long time ago...
PS. A disappointing run from Rockwell Lloyd at Newmarket. Only one win away, but that landmark 75th victory looks very far away right now.
PPS. Another bad run from 'Rocky', this time at Goodwood... It looks like the distance didn't suit him on the day, but going for very short races will limit his entries, that's for sure. Not sure what the best way is to go with this one.
PPPS. A few minutes ago, it was noted that Rockwell Lloyd's racing career is over. You get the odd one that looks good but doesn't want to race, and this fella falls into that category. Hopefully he will find a job as a polo pony, as per one of the earlier LIR runners.
Not sure about The Jazz Singer (he should be out again in three weeks), but a new Irish horse has arrived on the scene. This bay gelding, born in April 2014, is the 65th racer I've had a stake in (25% in this case). The little fella's father is Tobougg (by Barathea, out of Lacovia), meaning the same bloodlines on the sire side as The Jazz Singer, while the dam is the Irish mare, Ivy Lane. She passes on the DNA of Be My Native (more solid than outstanding in his performances), and Native Thistle from the female line. This brings in Ovac from Italy, and some fascinating French blood in the shape of Match and Tantieme. He looks a treat anyway, and should give us some excellent sport in the P2P arena. Will write more after he is named.
I've also made a firm decision on Australian racing following my break from the scene. I've decided to call it a day, as the races are simply too short. This puts too much emphasis on luck for my liking, often wiping out the good work of the trainer. So, goodbye Oz - thanks to a great bunch of folks, especially Jo Hassett and her family, I enjoyed my spell with you, but it's time to move on. The Singapore idea seemed a reasonable one at the time, but my first impression after trying to get a stake in a horse out there wasn't particularly favourable, so having slept on it that's a non-starter - if the feeling isn't enthusiastic before they have your money, what chance is there of a good service after they've got it? As such, we're left with England for flat racing, Ireland for jumping, and the possibility of my own nag in Japan's NAR arena at some stage - the club option, which is nothing more than a complete waste of time and money, disappeared a long time ago...
PS. A disappointing run from Rockwell Lloyd at Newmarket. Only one win away, but that landmark 75th victory looks very far away right now.
PPS. Another bad run from 'Rocky', this time at Goodwood... It looks like the distance didn't suit him on the day, but going for very short races will limit his entries, that's for sure. Not sure what the best way is to go with this one.
PPPS. A few minutes ago, it was noted that Rockwell Lloyd's racing career is over. You get the odd one that looks good but doesn't want to race, and this fella falls into that category. Hopefully he will find a job as a polo pony, as per one of the earlier LIR runners.
Sunday, July 16, 2017
No Champers
Well, the All-Japan Championship was disappointing. Poor Louis had to deal with a crazy 'Bugatti' (pictured in his weekend home), who would be in high-tension mode anyway having travelled so far and being in new surroundings with a competitive atmosphere. But what didn't help this year was the self-defence force deciding to hold an exercise a few minutes down the road, firing cannon and other equipment, which is frankly mad when people are working with flight animals in the country's most important annual event. It's not like the SDF has a pressing schedule, or even a lack of places to practice, and the AJC dates are known by all and sundry. I hope someone in the FEI lodges a very strong complaint.Sophie did okay in the afternoon, but she was disappointed with the scoring of one of the judges - the others were reasonable enough. At least she has managed to team up with the big fella before jockey school beckons, and she has my respect - she can handle 'Bugatti' well (and few could, believe me!), but the finer points of dressage are a lot to ask for given that a rapid move up the classes means that a lot of the techniques are still new to both parties.
No bubbly on the racing front either, as the UK stuff hasn't ran for a little while, and The Jazz Singer could only muster a fourth at Perth last night. The 75th win (which would be my next) seems a long way off right now...
PS. All sorts of things happening on the Irish front. Will update you as soon as things firm up. Rockwell Lloyd did nothing on his debut at Newbury - the gate drama may or may not have made a difference, although this was always going to simply be a run for experience anyway.
PPS. Compton Grace ran a solid debut at Windsor - nothing spectacular but something to build on. We may have some news on Mirzam soon, and Sayesse is out again in a few days after a bit of a holiday. When everything has settled down, we can review the buying and selling spree.
Monday, July 10, 2017
Here We Go Again
Another sickening display of people with more money than sense showing off at the Hokkaido Sales this weekend. People celebrating $2m sales is not the way forward, especially when the same guy did the same thing last year (buying Satono Victory) and has been rewarded with a 7th, 13th and 14th for his investment - no mention of that in the hype, of course. By my reckoning, if he was an eskimo, he'd buy snow from a salesman knocking on the entrance to his igloo!
And now the Arabs have got in on the act, too - that will push Japanese prices that are already ten times (at least) too high even higher. They've totally ruined the market in Europe with their bulk buying tactics, throwing huge amounts of money at anything with four legs, distorting prices that had until recently allowed real enthusiasts to stay in the game. Although they seem to believe it is, bragging rights is not what racing is about...
And now the Arabs have got in on the act, too - that will push Japanese prices that are already ten times (at least) too high even higher. They've totally ruined the market in Europe with their bulk buying tactics, throwing huge amounts of money at anything with four legs, distorting prices that had until recently allowed real enthusiasts to stay in the game. Although they seem to believe it is, bragging rights is not what racing is about...
Friday, June 23, 2017
Galway Plate
The Jazz Singer was fourth at Down Royal in the Galway Plate Trial, but seemed to be baulked a little at the final run-in. In addition, the poor nag was carrying some serious weight thanks to the handicappers. As such, the result wasn't as disappointing as it looks on paper, given that only nine ran and there were two fallers, albeit unfancied horses.We shall have to wait and see if the race we were aiming for - the Galway Plate itself - is still on the cards. Hopefully it is, but if not there's always next year or other alternatives. With any luck, we have a big race in the pony...
PS. Not so good for Sayesse at Windsor, but it was a very hot race. A slow start didn't help his chances, but the handicapper is still not really playing the game in any case. Maybe now the nag will be given a fair crack of the whip having come in at the tail of the field? Mirzam failed to shine after being cooped in at Newcastle, and was cruised in at the end. At least Dusty was a handy third at Windsor, looking good, with the outside gate draw in a large field hampering her chances - a kinder draw may well have seen her win in my opinion.
PPS. Checked up on my old Japanese stuff after a gap appeared in my schedules, and boy am I glad I pulled the plug when I did! Just seen Raining Dollars had a bad run at Oak Park, too, although I do miss my Aussie campaign. Maybe we'll give it another whirl one day.
Sunday, June 18, 2017
Dusty
Dusty was sired by Paco Boy - a lovely horse that won 11 times, claiming three G1 victories amongst them, including the Queen Anne Stakes. Rated as one of the best horses in the world in 2010, his DNA is now starting to come through thanks to his new role as a stallion, with a fair bit of early success, such as a 2000 Guineas winner in his second crop. Of course, his ancestors were good, too, with Desert Style passing on Green Desert's bloodlines (Sir Ivor and Northern Dancer standing out further back in the male side of the family tree), while Red God and Tudor Minstrel add interest to Tappen Zee's side of the equation.
Dusty's dam is Hairspray, who won four times and passes on the blood of G1 winner Bahamian Bounty, who had the benefit of having Cadeaux Genereux as his own father. On the female side, Quickstyx passes on the DNA of Reference Point and the legendary Mill Reef. Add it all together, and Dusty should be quite a tool over the coming months - that first race was simply a warm-up!
Dusty's dam is Hairspray, who won four times and passes on the blood of G1 winner Bahamian Bounty, who had the benefit of having Cadeaux Genereux as his own father. On the female side, Quickstyx passes on the DNA of Reference Point and the legendary Mill Reef. Add it all together, and Dusty should be quite a tool over the coming months - that first race was simply a warm-up!
Saturday, June 17, 2017
Saturday Blues
Sayesse had a poor run at York, but the annoying thing is its handicap as it stands. When that gets adjusted to something realistic, we should have some decent results again. Dusty got a bad start at Lingfield, and in such a short race, that ruled out any hopes of a challenge this time around. Still, she should be better next time now she's had a run.
Tuesday, June 6, 2017
Horse Life
With Masterson now sold, 58 racehorses have passed through my hands onto the 'past' list, with five still running in England and one in Ireland (making a total of 64 racers I've had a stake in so far), plus the ex-racers, of course - 'Bugatti' (Segesta), 'Jaguar' (Mayano Time) and 'Tenn-chan' (Tempai), beautiful creatures that have given my family endless hours of fun and faithful service, to the point where the horses themselves are considered extended family. It will be interesting to see what the next couple of years brings, with future plans taking shape in my head, and the kids having their own equine vision, starting next April in Sophie's case and April 2019 in Louis'. Exciting times ahead, whatever happens...
PS. A new horse has arrived in the Box 41 camp - a 2015 filly called Dusty. Her debut is expected any minute, so we may as well leave our profile on her until then. Still no name allocated for the Box 41 colt, but watch this space.
PPS. Mirzam was a handy third at Nottingham on the 15th, and we have Sayesse and Dusty to come on the 17th - the latter's race also being its debut. Good luck to all concerned.
PS. A new horse has arrived in the Box 41 camp - a 2015 filly called Dusty. Her debut is expected any minute, so we may as well leave our profile on her until then. Still no name allocated for the Box 41 colt, but watch this space.
PPS. Mirzam was a handy third at Nottingham on the 15th, and we have Sayesse and Dusty to come on the 17th - the latter's race also being its debut. Good luck to all concerned.
Saturday, May 27, 2017
Spring Ramblings
The kids and 'Bugatti' have done some superb work over the last few days, both of them securing a berth in the All-Japan Championships with ease, despite Sophie making her debut in the L-series disciplines - she has every chance of being in the dressage finals alongside Louis at this rate. 'Bugatti' has really matured beautifully in his new role away from the tracks.On the 26th, Paul Townend rode a perfectly-paced 4000m race in The Jazz Singer's debut over big fences, claiming a tidy win at Down Royal (pictured). Nearly got my 75th win straight after thanks to Mirzam, who was a close second on Saturday evening. It seems like 'Jazz' is well suited to the big stuff, and my line I'd drawn in the sand regarding the need to see a good performance has been crossed, so I guess the Irish campaign continues...
PS. Poor Sayesse didn't do so well as Leicester, but certainly can't be written off. Masterson was then third at Wolverhampton - thought we had the win, but perhaps it was too much to ask for another start-to-finish victory against strong competition. Masterson has now been sold - sad to see such a great fighter go, but that's the race game. As for the race game out here, more shenanigans brought to my attention the other day confirm that I'm happy to be well out of it as an owner. Do miss the Aussie scene, though.
Saturday, April 29, 2017
Dressage Update
I might be a little disillusioned with my Irish campaign, but Louis and Sophie are making great progress with their dressage exploits. 'Bugatti' has come on in leaps and bounds of late, and the kids are making the most of his new-found ability. Having gone through the ranks (Chiba Test, A1, A2, A3, L1 and L2), Louis challenged the M1 test for the first time yesterday, and while I was disappointed that he made a silly miss on the route (extremely complicated though it may be), he still finished second with a more than reasonable 55.8 score - without the miss he would have won. Sophie has moved up to L1, used in the All-Japan Championship, and got a massive 58.1 points. Excellent! Let's see what they can do today...PS. Another good result on the Sunday for both kids, and a dead heat win for Masterson in the week, making it six for the grey, and 72 wins in all for me. Mirzam was fourth on the following day, hampered by a loose horse for most of the race. Then, on the 11th, Sayesse was third, but damned close to winning. A couple of days later, Masterson was fifth, but you can't win them all - he's still a superb horse! Finally, Mick's faith in Mirzam was rewarded via a super win at Chepstow on the 16th. Great stuff.
Friday, April 7, 2017
Another Win
Masterson won again on Thursday, flying out of the gate and staying out the front all the way to the finishing post - it was a remarkable show of power and strength! Sayesse was out yesterday, starting the new LIR season off, and finished a handy fourth. It doesn't look much on paper, but we were giving away a lot of weight, and all those involved are pleased with the performance. A fun season ahead...
PS. Masterson had a crack over the jumps again on the 17th, but could only manage fourth. Still, what a fantastic month the grey has had so far, with two flat wins and a none too shabby hurdles race as well.
PPS. Mirzam failed to shine at Newbury, but race-rust is a factor at this stage. Meanwhile, Sayesse ran a scorcher in a very fast sprint - despite giving away a lot of weight, had the start gone better, it was another win on the cards. As it is, I'll take the third place. No luck whatsoever with The Jazz Singer, with a poor run four months after its last outing - the Irish campaign is on notice.
PS. Masterson had a crack over the jumps again on the 17th, but could only manage fourth. Still, what a fantastic month the grey has had so far, with two flat wins and a none too shabby hurdles race as well.
PPS. Mirzam failed to shine at Newbury, but race-rust is a factor at this stage. Meanwhile, Sayesse ran a scorcher in a very fast sprint - despite giving away a lot of weight, had the start gone better, it was another win on the cards. As it is, I'll take the third place. No luck whatsoever with The Jazz Singer, with a poor run four months after its last outing - the Irish campaign is on notice.
Sunday, April 2, 2017
Spring Has Sprung
The flat season has started again in England, and has started extremely well as far as I'm concerned after Masterson delivered a superb win over two miles yesterday (my 70th overall). Ironically, Raining Dollars won Down Under, too, which is typical now I've given up my share in him LOL. I'm happy for Jo, though, and looking forward to a steady stream of entries from West Ilsley now we have got things rolling again after the winter break.
By the way, the Lord Ilsley Racing colt has been christened Rockwell Lloyd, while the filly with the same equipe has officially taken on the name of Compton Grace. The hunt for Godiva's Spirit is still on, with my trust being placed in the Channon family on that front - people I have immense respect for, and people that I can understand when it comes to their policy on racing and life in general.
Things have been quiet in Ireland, and, if truth be told, too quiet for my liking. We will have to take a serious look at next year's campaign if we don't get some more bang for the buck. But at least I'm pleased to be out of the Japan game - if I look down my list when I gave up, I see Phosphorus has been injured ever since that comeback win; Pop Label and Trovao haven't earned a penny since November, with Trovao's run last week a very bad joke; Another Door and Vertice last earned their keep in December; Magic Key hasn't run since a mediocre February; Kealoha hasn't run since early January; Lotus Blossom is running but not doing much; Larresingle has run once since returning to JRA, coming eighth, and otherwise, it has been a series of disaster zone specials. Next will be a long summer break, of course. Well out of it!
On the domestic front, Louis and Sophie have been incredibly busy, with 'Bugatti' continuing to improve at a rate that resembles a rocket trajectory. He simply loves work and learning new things, and it's a real pleasure to be able to watch him grow and improve in line with the kids. Sophie is now competing in L1 in dressage, with Louis challenging M1 next time out - considering this is being done with a horse that thinks he's still winning races, this is no mean feat. I'm proud of the three of them...
By the way, the Lord Ilsley Racing colt has been christened Rockwell Lloyd, while the filly with the same equipe has officially taken on the name of Compton Grace. The hunt for Godiva's Spirit is still on, with my trust being placed in the Channon family on that front - people I have immense respect for, and people that I can understand when it comes to their policy on racing and life in general.
Things have been quiet in Ireland, and, if truth be told, too quiet for my liking. We will have to take a serious look at next year's campaign if we don't get some more bang for the buck. But at least I'm pleased to be out of the Japan game - if I look down my list when I gave up, I see Phosphorus has been injured ever since that comeback win; Pop Label and Trovao haven't earned a penny since November, with Trovao's run last week a very bad joke; Another Door and Vertice last earned their keep in December; Magic Key hasn't run since a mediocre February; Kealoha hasn't run since early January; Lotus Blossom is running but not doing much; Larresingle has run once since returning to JRA, coming eighth, and otherwise, it has been a series of disaster zone specials. Next will be a long summer break, of course. Well out of it!
On the domestic front, Louis and Sophie have been incredibly busy, with 'Bugatti' continuing to improve at a rate that resembles a rocket trajectory. He simply loves work and learning new things, and it's a real pleasure to be able to watch him grow and improve in line with the kids. Sophie is now competing in L1 in dressage, with Louis challenging M1 next time out - considering this is being done with a horse that thinks he's still winning races, this is no mean feat. I'm proud of the three of them...
Monday, February 27, 2017
Quiet Spell
All quiet on the western front, with the Japanese campaign over, the Aussie one on hold, poor ground in Ireland holding us up, and the flat season yet to start in England. Masterson should be out in the week via Box 41, but not much else happening, other than the re-registration of my UK colours. Happy to be out of the Japan farce anyway, with a string of bad results and holidays ever since I gave up - glad to be out of it. By the way, I will be thinking about a race at Kochi next month, as it would be nice to hold a spring and autumn version of the 'Friendship Race' rather than just one a year...
Tuesday, February 14, 2017
2017 Newcomers #3
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| Courtesy West Ilsley Stables |
Born in April 2015, his father was Camacho, a solid performer bringing together Danehill and Zafonic DNA, while his mother, Fanciful Dancer, gives a dose of Blushing Groom via the successful Groom Dancer, and some classic blood in the dam line, such as Vaguely Noble, Ribot and Bold Ruler.
Looking forward to another great season with the Channon family, with Mirzam probably being the one to watch this year on the Box 41 side, and Sayesse should be a flyer in the Lord Ilsley Racing syndicate.
2017 Newcomers #2
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| Courtesy Lord Ilsley Racing |
Her father is G1 winner Compton Place, who took up the gauntlet from Indian Ridge and Ahonoora. Her mother was Janet Girl by Polar Falcon, the latter being an interesting horse that flitted around Europe challenging one big race after another, and often winning. General Holme and Habitat are the key players in the mother's dam line. Again, we'll come back to this profile as soon as we have a name for the beast.
2017 Newcomers #1
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| Courtesy Lord Ilsley Racing |
The first horse to introduce here in the Lord Ilsley Racing colt, which was born in April 2015. This beautiful looking animal has Fast Company as his father, who only raced three times, but won twice and came second in the remaining outing (a G1 race), so he was certainly no slouch. His DNA includes G1 winner Danehill Dancer by the legendary Danehill and Sharpen Up on the sire side, and Zafonic (bringing with him some lovely bloodlines) and Mill Reef on the dam side.
His mother was Lucy Liu (not the Lucy!), who didn't do much herself, but she has passed on some nice blood, including that of Secretariat and Northern Dancer via Grand Lodge, and legends like Sir Gaylord and Tudor Minstrel. We will update this as soon as he has been named, but he looks like an exciting prospect...
His mother was Lucy Liu (not the Lucy!), who didn't do much herself, but she has passed on some nice blood, including that of Secretariat and Northern Dancer via Grand Lodge, and legends like Sir Gaylord and Tudor Minstrel. We will update this as soon as he has been named, but he looks like an exciting prospect...
Monday, February 6, 2017
Direction
In amongst all the angst and other feelings that come with being T-boned by an old woman who decided to do a kamikaze job on my car, I have been thinking more and more about my future racing activities. More than any other outlet, the West Ilsley Stables in England have provided a constant flow of racing enjoyment, year after year. If you win, there's a true sense of joy. If you don't, there's a desire to improve that equals (or betters) my own drive to succeed, and there's never any bullshit.
That's why, win, lose or draw, you know everyone did their bit, and the result we got was the best we were going to get on the day, with a little luck adjusting things one way or the other off this solid base. This is in complete contrast to Japan, where they talk the talk but everything is down to luck or shady business in the end.
So, the decision is to run my own horse with Mick Channon and his lad, Mick Jr - people I respect in so many ways, and folks I can trust in a world that all too often seems to go out of its way to piss me off. Once procured, I will call the beast Godiva's Spirit in honour of my hometown when things get rolling, and whatever happens in the future, as a team, I know we will have given it our best shot. That's all you can ask for, as miracles tend to be out of the control of regular folk...
That's why, win, lose or draw, you know everyone did their bit, and the result we got was the best we were going to get on the day, with a little luck adjusting things one way or the other off this solid base. This is in complete contrast to Japan, where they talk the talk but everything is down to luck or shady business in the end.
So, the decision is to run my own horse with Mick Channon and his lad, Mick Jr - people I respect in so many ways, and folks I can trust in a world that all too often seems to go out of its way to piss me off. Once procured, I will call the beast Godiva's Spirit in honour of my hometown when things get rolling, and whatever happens in the future, as a team, I know we will have given it our best shot. That's all you can ask for, as miracles tend to be out of the control of regular folk...
Tuesday, January 24, 2017
Reviewing Options
Ironic that having ditched all my Japanese horses, within two days, I had the commemorative card for Trovao's Derby win and Lotus Blossom's victory photo arrive through the post. But I feel a lot better to be out of it, to be honest. At the end of the day, I may as well make a clean break and lose some money now, as lose the same or more through a drip feed.
Anyway, I was thinking about what to do next, and came up with a few options. Czech racing holds appeal, as there's lots of races and few runners, although sticking with tried and trusted countries like Australia and Ireland probably makes more sense - the language barrier doesn't have to be crossed either. There were thoughts of Singapore, but the folks I had in mind failed to respond to my last mail (earlier ones were answered, it should be said), and my theory is a lack of communication before they have your money doesn't bode well for the future. Kochi? Well, that's still in the back of my mind, but I'm not going to do anything on that front just yet. Some research maybe, but nothing more until the bitter taste left in my mouth from the Japanese club scene has disappeared.
PS. It looks like I was right pulling out when I did, for the unnecessary stress the runners from the last few days would have been the final nail in the coffin. Although Phosphorus won (frankly unbelievable given the time he was away from the track), Another Door started second favourite and came last, Pop Label started favourite in a race it should have won with ease and came seventh, and today Million Ways came last, over ten seconds adrift of the winner. Another Door and Pop Label have been shipped off to Northern Farm, of course, while what happens to Million Ways after such a disaster is anyone's guess! Glad to be out of it...
PPS. Just heard that Million Ways has been retired - a decision that has come far too late. Had they retired it when Kawashima Jr turned his back on it (as good a sign as any that it was going nowhere), I'd have probably still been a Carrot Club member - the silly bills Midway Farm were dishing out on that horse (and Trovao to be fair, albeit to a lesser extent) was one of the key factors in my decision to throw in the towel. To keep paying for something that was so far off the pace since March last year was a crazy idea.
Anyway, I was thinking about what to do next, and came up with a few options. Czech racing holds appeal, as there's lots of races and few runners, although sticking with tried and trusted countries like Australia and Ireland probably makes more sense - the language barrier doesn't have to be crossed either. There were thoughts of Singapore, but the folks I had in mind failed to respond to my last mail (earlier ones were answered, it should be said), and my theory is a lack of communication before they have your money doesn't bode well for the future. Kochi? Well, that's still in the back of my mind, but I'm not going to do anything on that front just yet. Some research maybe, but nothing more until the bitter taste left in my mouth from the Japanese club scene has disappeared.
PS. It looks like I was right pulling out when I did, for the unnecessary stress the runners from the last few days would have been the final nail in the coffin. Although Phosphorus won (frankly unbelievable given the time he was away from the track), Another Door started second favourite and came last, Pop Label started favourite in a race it should have won with ease and came seventh, and today Million Ways came last, over ten seconds adrift of the winner. Another Door and Pop Label have been shipped off to Northern Farm, of course, while what happens to Million Ways after such a disaster is anyone's guess! Glad to be out of it...
PPS. Just heard that Million Ways has been retired - a decision that has come far too late. Had they retired it when Kawashima Jr turned his back on it (as good a sign as any that it was going nowhere), I'd have probably still been a Carrot Club member - the silly bills Midway Farm were dishing out on that horse (and Trovao to be fair, albeit to a lesser extent) was one of the key factors in my decision to throw in the towel. To keep paying for something that was so far off the pace since March last year was a crazy idea.
Tuesday, January 17, 2017
Decision Time #2
Kept waking up with the cold last night, and when I finally gave up, staying awake but not moving from beyond the covers until the clock struck a more reasonable hour, I got around to thinking about my future racing plans with Sunday TC and Shadai TC out of my life for good, and more specifically the latest batch of grey Carrot Club reports.
Basically, War Chronicle is now in the greedy grip of Northern, so we won't see that again for months. More honesty has been used with Larressingle, where it has been stated that spring racing is in mind - there's nothing wrong with the horse, mind you, but NF needs to be funded at our expense as usual. Nothing on Rush Attack, despite having supposed to have been back at Miho TC for four days, but I think we can safely say it isn't going to race for a long time, and you can also bet it isn't going to keep up any momentum after that debut, despite the fact we've just paid out for almost a year for an injury that should realistically have spelt retirement. So, in conclusion (as we concluded a long time ago), anything in JRA is a waste of time and money.
Right now, the racing I really wanted to support - NAR - is looking no better. Vertice is away at Northern Farm (surprise, surprise!), and you can bet once they have their claws in it, it won't come back for months. It needs race experience, and it's not going to get that where it is. Trovao, too - same situation, with it being held back as a star, and then disappointing when it does eventually run. Lotus Blossom won on its long, long overdue debut, but it will have to fight stronger horses with a lot more experience as the year progresses. If it goes the way of Chocolat Sucre and Shine Tiara, meaning downhill fast, all that accumulated red ink will keep flowing in rivers. At least it is running now, and therefore giving something for our monthly 'investment', even if that return is almost half a year too late in coming. As such, its expense is just about forgiven... for now.
And this is where we come to Miracle Ways. It's supposed to be running at TCK, but 'Million' should have been retired ages ago in my opinion, as it hasn't performed well since March 2016. It is now floundering at a place that costs a fortune because it's literally halfway across the country rather than on the doorstep, and their training leaves a lot to be desired if the last run is anything to go by. There's certainly zero value for money in this one, with the expense added by the Midway Farm location making it feel even worse, and I've decided it will be this nag's forthcoming race that makes the final decision on whether to stay or go. Of course, if it doesn't run, that will also make the decision to quit Carrot Club an easy one. A line has been drawn in the sand for next week - no more drifting or rolling with the flow. If the result is inconclusive, it will be down to Lotus Blossom to give us a clearer answer in the second week of February.
One thing is for sure, my desire to support NAR has finally been outweighed by commonsense, having given it chance after chance - far more chances that my head would usually give anything or anyone. I will not be used as an ATM machine for a moment longer than necessary - I want to see something for my money beyond cut-and-paste reports, excuses for not running month after month, and a series of empty promises. I will take my custom to countries that appreciate my support, and where I feel I'm getting something worthwhile for my money.
PS. Million Ways is supposed to be out on the 27th. Looking at the bill that just landed, though, with Trovao in particular costing an amount that cannot possibly be justified, I have decided enough is enough. I no longer have any racehorses in Japan...
Basically, War Chronicle is now in the greedy grip of Northern, so we won't see that again for months. More honesty has been used with Larressingle, where it has been stated that spring racing is in mind - there's nothing wrong with the horse, mind you, but NF needs to be funded at our expense as usual. Nothing on Rush Attack, despite having supposed to have been back at Miho TC for four days, but I think we can safely say it isn't going to race for a long time, and you can also bet it isn't going to keep up any momentum after that debut, despite the fact we've just paid out for almost a year for an injury that should realistically have spelt retirement. So, in conclusion (as we concluded a long time ago), anything in JRA is a waste of time and money.
Right now, the racing I really wanted to support - NAR - is looking no better. Vertice is away at Northern Farm (surprise, surprise!), and you can bet once they have their claws in it, it won't come back for months. It needs race experience, and it's not going to get that where it is. Trovao, too - same situation, with it being held back as a star, and then disappointing when it does eventually run. Lotus Blossom won on its long, long overdue debut, but it will have to fight stronger horses with a lot more experience as the year progresses. If it goes the way of Chocolat Sucre and Shine Tiara, meaning downhill fast, all that accumulated red ink will keep flowing in rivers. At least it is running now, and therefore giving something for our monthly 'investment', even if that return is almost half a year too late in coming. As such, its expense is just about forgiven... for now.
And this is where we come to Miracle Ways. It's supposed to be running at TCK, but 'Million' should have been retired ages ago in my opinion, as it hasn't performed well since March 2016. It is now floundering at a place that costs a fortune because it's literally halfway across the country rather than on the doorstep, and their training leaves a lot to be desired if the last run is anything to go by. There's certainly zero value for money in this one, with the expense added by the Midway Farm location making it feel even worse, and I've decided it will be this nag's forthcoming race that makes the final decision on whether to stay or go. Of course, if it doesn't run, that will also make the decision to quit Carrot Club an easy one. A line has been drawn in the sand for next week - no more drifting or rolling with the flow. If the result is inconclusive, it will be down to Lotus Blossom to give us a clearer answer in the second week of February.
One thing is for sure, my desire to support NAR has finally been outweighed by commonsense, having given it chance after chance - far more chances that my head would usually give anything or anyone. I will not be used as an ATM machine for a moment longer than necessary - I want to see something for my money beyond cut-and-paste reports, excuses for not running month after month, and a series of empty promises. I will take my custom to countries that appreciate my support, and where I feel I'm getting something worthwhile for my money.
PS. Million Ways is supposed to be out on the 27th. Looking at the bill that just landed, though, with Trovao in particular costing an amount that cannot possibly be justified, I have decided enough is enough. I no longer have any racehorses in Japan...
Friday, January 13, 2017
Decision Time
Today, War Chronicle runs at Chukyo, and will be a deciding factor in whether Carrot Club gets a call from me saying I'm quitting the club as soon as the office opens next week. The result isn't as important as seeing effort, but what will be a huge thing to sway my mind one way or the other is what happens next. If we get the usual "oh it's tired, so we're sending it to Northern Farm" then I quit on the spot. This is a horse that has ran just nine times in its 58 months on Earth, and if it gets shipped off to NF, it will wipe out any progress that has been made in recent months and any financial help a decent result will give us to make up for years of frailty.
Larressingle is at Northern Farm, Rush Attack has been there a year, Vertice is at NF, Trovao is at NF, and Million Ways is at Midway Farm (after it has held at NF for ages, of course), which is just as bad, as the cost is mad compared to Nankan stables and potential winnings, especially when the last race was more attributable to a donkey than a Thoroughbred. To have Lotus Blossom and War Chronicle as the only decent runners capable of providing bang for the buck out of seven is bad enough, and if that count goes down to one, running once a month at best, it will be time to bring my entire Japanese 'racing' programme to an end.
On a lighter note, Masterson is jumping in England today, and that is the reality. The horse, even in its off-season, has never left the stable and the care of the groom and workout rider that know him best, and the odd jumps race is simply to to keep him in perfect fettle, mentally and physically. The contrast between a country that abuses the name of racing in order to make vast sums of money for the chosen few and one that has racing in its blood is too great to put into words.
PS. War Chronicle's run is hard to sum up. The result on paper was dreadful, but if one watches the race, it was down to the jockey's inexperience in an unusual scenario - effort was seen, and I would even be happy to give the jockey another go, as he tried, that much was obvious (he was also honest in his post-race report, which is important). So it's down to what happens next - a Northern Farm trip and I finish, or another run (or retirement, of course) and I stay on...
PPS. Ummm. Sure enough, War Chronicle will be going away for a 'refresh' session, which in Japan circles means three to six months, I guess - both unnecessary for the horse, and an unnecessary expense for us. Ridiculous! But hey, Rush Attack has apparently arrived at Miho TC, which takes the edge off my conviction to quit. Let's see what happens and make a decision when things become clearer this time next month.
Larressingle is at Northern Farm, Rush Attack has been there a year, Vertice is at NF, Trovao is at NF, and Million Ways is at Midway Farm (after it has held at NF for ages, of course), which is just as bad, as the cost is mad compared to Nankan stables and potential winnings, especially when the last race was more attributable to a donkey than a Thoroughbred. To have Lotus Blossom and War Chronicle as the only decent runners capable of providing bang for the buck out of seven is bad enough, and if that count goes down to one, running once a month at best, it will be time to bring my entire Japanese 'racing' programme to an end.
On a lighter note, Masterson is jumping in England today, and that is the reality. The horse, even in its off-season, has never left the stable and the care of the groom and workout rider that know him best, and the odd jumps race is simply to to keep him in perfect fettle, mentally and physically. The contrast between a country that abuses the name of racing in order to make vast sums of money for the chosen few and one that has racing in its blood is too great to put into words.
PS. War Chronicle's run is hard to sum up. The result on paper was dreadful, but if one watches the race, it was down to the jockey's inexperience in an unusual scenario - effort was seen, and I would even be happy to give the jockey another go, as he tried, that much was obvious (he was also honest in his post-race report, which is important). So it's down to what happens next - a Northern Farm trip and I finish, or another run (or retirement, of course) and I stay on...
PPS. Ummm. Sure enough, War Chronicle will be going away for a 'refresh' session, which in Japan circles means three to six months, I guess - both unnecessary for the horse, and an unnecessary expense for us. Ridiculous! But hey, Rush Attack has apparently arrived at Miho TC, which takes the edge off my conviction to quit. Let's see what happens and make a decision when things become clearer this time next month.
Thursday, January 12, 2017
Lotus Blossom V1
Well, the debut seemed to take forever, but at least Yuta Sato has created a horse that looks and runs like a horse during the period between leaving NF (something that at times looked as if it would never happen) and arriving at Funabashi. Credit where it's due, Yoshihara didn't panic too much when the pace looked too hot, and 'Lotus' was able to hold off the challenge from the other highly-fancied nag at the end. Effort was seen, potential was seen, and we had a fair fight - I never ask for anything more, as that is what we pay for, and therefore what we should receive without any questions. A win is just a bonus beyond those things, and I'm happy that Yuta has found an animal more in keeping with his stable than Chocolat Sucre was. Now, after all the time we've been paying out and getting nothing for it, hopefully we can get some monthly action out of her for the rest of the year.
An Amendment
Rush Attack's long-awaited report turned out to be a cut-and-paste special with no indication whatsoever of when (or even if) a comeback was in the making. Larressingle had a similar grey note on progress, and Trovao has picked up a fever. Great! Would it have picked one up in Tokyo, where it should be? And don't even get me started on Vertice - a very late debut, two mediocre races, and already off on holiday at huge expense.
I have withdrawn from both Sunday TC and Shadai TC, with the end result being that I have nothing to do with the races of the 10th. As such, I simply don't care what happened - it has no relevance to me, and if everyone else is happy with the status quo, let them get on with it. I shall be making a decision on the future regarding the Carrot Club nags on Saturday afternoon, when the results from Lotus Blossom and War Chronicle are in, with the level of effort seen dictating whether a phone call to quit is made on Monday or not.
I have withdrawn from both Sunday TC and Shadai TC, with the end result being that I have nothing to do with the races of the 10th. As such, I simply don't care what happened - it has no relevance to me, and if everyone else is happy with the status quo, let them get on with it. I shall be making a decision on the future regarding the Carrot Club nags on Saturday afternoon, when the results from Lotus Blossom and War Chronicle are in, with the level of effort seen dictating whether a phone call to quit is made on Monday or not.
Tuesday, January 3, 2017
Dates & Unwanted Patterns
Raining Dollars should be running Down Under on Saturday, kicking off a fresh Aussie campaign. Kealoha and Magic Key are out at Funabashi on the 10th (our Japanese first action of 2017), while Phosphorus makes a comeback on the 13th, and Lotus Blossom makes its debut on the same day (the latter with Yoshihara in the saddle, which is hardly a brilliant choice for me considering I've been against him ever since the Tokyo Derby). Let's hope we can start the New Year over here better than we finished the last one. In reality, it would be difficult to record even worse results, but I'm saying nothing until the racing is over. Oh, Vertice is off to Northern Farm, of course! Let's start funding the bloody place as early in the year as possible. Bollocks.
Larressingle is going back to JRA (with a new trainer due to the old one retiring), and I just hope we don't see the typical Carrot Club scenario of "okay, it's won now, so here goes with three years of no effort and easy money." This has happened all too often in the past, with Tenshinramman and Massabielle being perfect examples of wasted potential, so I shall be watching progress carefully with this one, as it's a damned good horse - if it doesn't perform like one, someone should take responsibility instead of keep taking our hard-earned cash for no racing and no return.
PS. On the subject of unwanted patterns, another bad race in Australia on Saturday. No news on Rush Attack since the 20th, which is concerning - the old saying of 'no news is good news' does not apply when Northern Farm are in the equation, especially when the thing has already clocked up ten months off the track.
PPS. Further to the last race report on Raining Dollars, I have made a decision to end my Australian race campaign for the time being. I don't really want to, as I know the results have not been the fault of the trainer, but the horse's run of bad luck has been seemingly endless in recent months. Sitting in bed awake due to the wind battering the window shutters, I decided a mark has to be scrawled in the sand somewhere along the line, especially when I moan like hell about Japanese results (the only difference is the poor results here are largely avoidable with more effort, which we should be getting without question considering the amount of money that goes out to the clubs each month!), and the New Year seems as good a time as any to draw that line. Thank you, Jo, for almost four years of fun through three different nags...
Larressingle is going back to JRA (with a new trainer due to the old one retiring), and I just hope we don't see the typical Carrot Club scenario of "okay, it's won now, so here goes with three years of no effort and easy money." This has happened all too often in the past, with Tenshinramman and Massabielle being perfect examples of wasted potential, so I shall be watching progress carefully with this one, as it's a damned good horse - if it doesn't perform like one, someone should take responsibility instead of keep taking our hard-earned cash for no racing and no return.
PS. On the subject of unwanted patterns, another bad race in Australia on Saturday. No news on Rush Attack since the 20th, which is concerning - the old saying of 'no news is good news' does not apply when Northern Farm are in the equation, especially when the thing has already clocked up ten months off the track.
PPS. Further to the last race report on Raining Dollars, I have made a decision to end my Australian race campaign for the time being. I don't really want to, as I know the results have not been the fault of the trainer, but the horse's run of bad luck has been seemingly endless in recent months. Sitting in bed awake due to the wind battering the window shutters, I decided a mark has to be scrawled in the sand somewhere along the line, especially when I moan like hell about Japanese results (the only difference is the poor results here are largely avoidable with more effort, which we should be getting without question considering the amount of money that goes out to the clubs each month!), and the New Year seems as good a time as any to draw that line. Thank you, Jo, for almost four years of fun through three different nags...
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