3 minute read

This year Lys Gracieux has gone from strength to strength culminating in her win of the 64th Arima Kinen by 5 lengths.

That win gave her the rare distinction of winning the two popular Grand Prix races in the same year, as she had won the Takarazuka Kinen earlier in the year – under Damien Lane – and the Cox Plate in between.  Horse and jockey have a tremendous understanding and you could call it true love!

Her performance had us regretting the fact that she is to be retired.  At 5 she could have another season or two and who knows another Cox Plate or even a Melbourne Cup since she managed the 2500m and uphill finish at Nakayama so effortlessly.  However she is going out at the very top.  Whatever happens we wish her all the best and thanks for the wonderful memories.

The two 3yo colts who took the minors Saturnalia (Lord Kanaloa) and World Premier (Deep Impact) will be forces to be reckoned with in 2020.

Sadly Almond Eye either did not get the trip or the issues we had heard about may have affected her or both – she seemed to stop about 150m from the finish and it was so sad to see.

Fierment, Kiseki and the 7yo Cheval Grand finished 4,5 and 6.  While Cheval Grand is now 7yo and this is presumably his last run, he had been so tough and so honest that he really has lived up to his name and is another who will be missed.