General
OTT Pharoah City excels at Grafton Jump day
Wednesday July 26th, 2023 General
I would like to share an update on Pharaoh City, who was under my stable’s care. During a race, Pharaoh City developed atrial fibrillation, which led to his retirement from racing. Currently, he has been cared by the local high school girl and is now competing in show jumping as a riding horse. We recently received delightful news that he achieved excellent results in the equestrian competition held in Grafton, NSW. It brings great joy and encouragement to our stable staff to see retired racehorses like Pharaoh City thriving in their second careers. We will continue to support Pharaoh City in his equestrian journey.
Saxon Brave runs well for his first up
Thursday July 20th, 2023 General
Saxon Brave (by Saxon Warrior) performed well in the Gold Coast racecourse, securing a commendable 3rd placings as his first up run. It was his first time racing on the Polytrack surface, which presented some unknown aspects. During the actual race, he showed signs of immaturity, being cautious of the kickback. Nevertheless, his stride was remarkably powerful, and he exhibited a strong turn of foot in the final straight. Judging by this performance, it seems he could get longer journey, making him a promising contender for the future.
Catching up with the best mate
Tuesday July 11th, 2023 General
Jockey Joe Fujii has been diligently undergoing rehabilitation since his fall at Fukushima Racecourse in April of last year. Having him originally been a jockey in Australia, I gathered everyone from here and sending videos of encouragement shortly after his injury. When I visited him a year ago, hospital visits were prohibited because of Covid restriction so our only means of communication was through the mobile phones, over the hospital glass wall. This time, being able to meet in person and spent time together, seeing his determination, I was actually encouraged to push myself harder.
Visiting Northern Farm Shigaraki
Tuesday July 11th, 2023 General
I visited Northern Farm Shigaraki through the kind invitation of Director Mr. Matsumoto. Stable foreman Mr. Suzuki guided us through the facility, showcasing the G1-winning horses and the promising young horses yet to debut. I felt their relentless pursuit of victory through aspects such as feed, treadmills, and information sharing among staff members. Despite being approximately a 40-minute drive from the Ritto Training Center, it is an environment surrounded by mountains where horses can relax. Both jockey Joe Fujii and Japanese comedian, who visited with me, mentioned that they learned a lot from their respective positions. I would like to apply the experiences from this visit to my own stable.
Visiting Ritto training center
Saturday July 8th, 2023 General
I visited Fujiwara stables at JRA Ritto training center where I had some experience working under Mr. Fujiwara four years ago. Mr. Fujiwara is one of the leading stables in Japan. He mixes equestrian methods into his racehorse training. I had the opportunity to observe the training on the courses and barrier training while I was following Mr. Fujiwara. He was more than happy to answer numerous questions I had. I was particularly interested in the comments made by the top Japanese jockeys after completing their fast work sessions. I also had the chance to speak with Mr. Fukunaga who finished his successful jockey career and gained the trainers …
Raceday schooling
Tuesday June 27th, 2023 General
Do It For You and Shawde went to the Murwillumbah Racecourse last week. In Do It For You’s previous race, he became highly excited before the race and couldn’t perform to his full potential. So he came along with Shawde at this race day as a companion horse which was the purpose of him getting used to the environment of the race day and alleviate his fears. At the saddling enclosure, Do It For You was still sweating excessively and hadn’t fully settled, but by consistently repeating this process, we aim to prepare him adequately for the actual race day. Shawde who is yet to make his debut had …
True Fairy progressing very well
Monday June 19th, 2023 General
True Fairy completed the morning jump outs smoothly and successfully participated in the barrier trial debut at Coffs Harbour racecourse. She finished 5th out of 9 horses, but she provided a promising performance competing against older horses. The jockey was happy with her effort, saying, “She’s progressing quicker than expected.” In Australia, the first crop of Real Steel offspring is making their debuts one after another. Scheelite, trained in Melbourne, has a record of 2 wins in 2 races, including a victory in a 1100m race at Flemington in his second start. In Sydney, Ferro Vero finished 2nd in his debut race at Hawkesbury racecourse. Although there aren’t many Real …
Full sisters of Vetoed wins in the Listed race at Brisbane
Tuesday June 13th, 2023 General
Azula (by Maurice), a full sister to the stable’s Vetoed, won the PHOENIX ($160,000), a Listed race held in Brisbane. Trained by Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott, a prestigious stable in Sydney. In the 1500m race, she jumped well from outside gate, sat off the speed and took the lead early in the straight. The second-placed horse challenged and once in front of him with 200 meters to go, but she came back again before the finish line and won. Her determination to win was very impressive. She then went on to the G1 JJ Atkins and finished 12th, but her current record is two wins from four races. The …
Do It For You could not prove his best
Tuesday June 13th, 2023 General
Do It For You’s second race was a seventh-place finish at the local Ballina racetrack. Supported at 2-1 odds, but failed to finish off the race. It was a frustrating result for the connections and the stable, because of the horse himself could not control his temperament and could not give his best. We have a clear task ahead of us, and we will work on it in training and other areas for the next race.
Do It For You winning easy at Lismore racecourse
Monday May 29th, 2023 General
Congratulations to Do It For You’s victory in the maiden race at Lismore Racecourse on May 26th. It was his debut race. Having three barrier trials prior to the race, he was able to maintain a good position throughout the race. Although he showed some immaturity in the home straight, he won convincingly and leaving the second-place horse three lengths behind. During this preparation the focus for this horse is education and discovery. We are considering racing him in longer distances and other approaches. To all the co-owners, congratulations on this achievement.