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.