Dishing the Dirt - Edition #9

BLINK AND YOU'LL MISS IT

For all of the bad that we see in our sport, there are a hundred other things that just simply take your breath away when it comes to Thoroughbred Horse Racing.

It is the reason for the undying adoration and the promise of all of the spectacular things to come.

In between all that is obviously wrong in its swift decline, there are gems that sparkle through the fire. If you blink, you may miss them but if you take the time to remember everything that attracted you to the sport in the first place, it will surely keep you coming back for more.

There is magnificence that quietly lurks on the sidelines and it is all simply waiting to be noticed. There are new shooters on the horizon, up and coming sires, wildly cool horses and real stunners.

Remember the sight of Zenyatta as she revealed her signature walk in the Post Parade? She had the greatest strut and you just knew she was ready to pounce. The above video, that is Goliath. He is a Champion from Germany.

Winner of the 2024 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot. The way that horse walks with his hind leg has to put a smile on your face every single time.

EQUINOX AT SHADAI

Can this horse get any more beautiful?

Equinox won the 2023 Longines top Horse in the World. He destroyed his opponents in both the Sheema in Dubai and in his last race in the Japan Cup.

Equinox was a powerhouse on the turf track, breaking the record in Autumn Tenno Sho, a race that he had already won the year prior.

He also broke the track record in Dubai as well.

Stationed at Shadai for his new mating career, he had a date with Sodashi and she is confirmed pregnant with his baby.

Sodashi annihilated her opponents over and over again on turf and was quite the stunner.

Imagine the potential of this new offspring but also, imagine what the new boy may look like!

NADAL

Who can forget Nadal? He was a very promising 2 year old stationed in Bob Baffert's Barn. Incredible breeding who stood out early but unfortunately suffered an injury and was retired. Sent to Japan and now barn mates with Equinox, this young stallion is truly on quite the successful path.

In the Derby Prep, the Cattleya Sho, his son Clay King (♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥) came in second and truly stood out above the winner Natural Rise. But it doesn't stop there.

Look at this brilliant Two Year Old that Nadal is responsible for as well. His name is FEDERER (♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥).

Absolutely killer in every aspect. Serious dirt runners coming from Nadal - Japan is stacked this year!

DOES THE PUNISHMENT FIT THE CRIME?

On December 3rd at Parx Race Track, National Law, the two year old son of Constitution, attempted his 3rd race to break his maiden. He was ultimately successful, however, he had his own way of getting to that finish line:

Apparently, his jockey, Paco Lopez, was quite upset over the performance and took it upon himself to reprimand this horse under his care in the gallop out:

A more disgusting display of intolerance could never be found. An absolute disgrace that should be prosecuted for cruel punishment. HISA issued a suspension and Paco has decided to take time off from racing. He should be banned for life. Are the people associated with American Racing intentionally bringing our sport down to its knees?

IN MEMORY

Jayarebe - (2021-2024) - Successful Turf Runner who passed away in the gallop out after the Breeders Cup Turf race.

Delta Blues - (2002-2024) - Japan's first Melbourne Cup Winner. He passed away at Old Friends in Japan from complications of Laminitis.

Outbox - The son of Frankel - (2015-2024) - 42 starts overseas. 9 years old and still racing. Collapsed and died following a race in Sweden.