An appeal specifically aimed at our regular punster west of the Shannon.
This Saturday will see the running of the Japan Cup, one of Japan's (and indeed the world's) most prestigious flat races. Not to mention one of the wealthiest in terms of prize money - the lucky fleet footed horse will run away with 1.8 million Euros (which, according to last week's property supplement in the Irish Times, will just about get you a three-bedroom family home in some of the odd numbered postal districts west of the Phoenix Park). It is an invitational only event and brings together the best horses of the flat season from all over the world which, according to the the organizers, enables "local racehorses to have the opportunity to compete against horses of an international calibre and to promote goodwill within the racing community worldwide". It is held on the last Sunday of November each year which means, yes almanac fans, this coming Sunday.
And why am I telling you this?
Trading Leather.
To those aficionados of all things equestrian this needs no explanation. To the rest of you have a look on YouTube at the 2013 Irish Derby.
Now I'm pretty sure Jim Bolger isn't taking the horse all the way to Japan just to "promote goodwill with the racing community" or any of that shite. But I need this verified, and verified by those with their noses in the stables over in Coolcullen (figuratively speaking, though with Clare people you'd never know...)
So Mr. Keane, your expertise please. Could this be another Blackstairmountain or should we use the money instead to buy Cian a half decent birthday present?
I am of course loathe to mention of any this to Sanae for fear of what I may unleash...
Our man J in Patrick Powers says take Trading Leather each way and that you might get 12/1 if you are quick! Good luck.
ReplyDeleteD
Apologies for the late update but, sporadic blogs will lead to sporadic attendance here!
ReplyDeleteAs it turns out I wouldn't have been putting you on him as, while trained in Ireland Trading Leather was (sadly now off to the great track in the sky without enjoying the fruits of a stud career for which he was destined) owned by Sheik Mohammad of Dubai, who isn't short of a few bob they tell me. If he turned down the invite he mightn't get another one in a year when he has a real good 'un!