Got the year off to a good start with Roscommon coming a very close second on the 2nd January in Australia, and then a handy third on the 25th. We'll be trying a bit more distance with him in early February, which should suit him nicely, although, having been blocked, he came fourth in his first effort over a mile on the 4th. Unfortunately, it looks like the second attempt isn't going to happen, as Jo has decided to retire 'Rosco' - he did some tendon damage that isn't bad if it's left, but might cripple him if it went again in a race scenario. He should have many more years in him as a dressage horse by calling it a day now, and that sounds good to me...
Alleviator has joined the Aussie line-up to take the place of Rosco. The 12th April debut at Townsville was a bit disappointing, simply making up the numbers, but race-rust was hopefully a factor, and at least Jo Hassett will do things right. Indeed, although it didn't look good on paper, the next race on the 23rd was much better. Another run on the 7th May, but nothing to write home about as the gate draw wasn't kind, and in a 1000m sprint, it has to be. No good again on the 21st, as yet again the gate gods were taking the piss. These short races, that rely on a bit of luck as much as preparation, were actually one of the reasons I thought about throwing the towel in Down Under. We'll see how next month goes, and then make a decision, as this one doesn't seem to be doing much, which is a little hard to stomach at the moment.
I haven't written about Ireland for ages, simply because we've had nothing but empty promises, week after week, month after month, and indeed year after year. The race that would have finally got us somewhere was cancelled the day before it was due to take place thanks to COVID-19. I have never had such a poor experience with racehorses, and this bloody nag (Godiva's Bay) has probably sucked up more funds than all my others put together. Another go at Irish racing later on? No. Everything I've touched out there turned to crap, and I want for bang for my buck, not stress.
PS. Alleviator was disappointing again on the 18th June, which marks the end of his career. I will probably have a break now. It should be noted that it's not really the horse's fault for my downer - and certainly not that of the trainer, who always tries hard - it's more the Aussie racing scene in general, with a majority of races that are too short for nags to stand a chance of getting free of a wall of fast starters. Many thanks to Jo for giving me many years of fun. Just a shame that we've finished on a low note...
