Turf Travel I

Our annual pilgrimage to Ireland was saddened by the fact that old Ela Mana Mou was gone, a horse who had such a special place in our hearts. No racing this time, but we went to see some very smart horses indeed.

RIP Ela Mana Mou (photo taken jan 08)

Kildangan Stud, always a treat
- but Authorized is very unwilling to pose for us:

Shirocco being made to look small by his tall lad:

Ramonti was rather unwilling to pose as well, but clearly looks the smart horse he was on the racetrack:

Celine has a chat with Teofilo:

Small Talk with the wonderful Raven´s Pass:

Meeting an old racecourse friend after retirement is always very satisfying. We were allowed to visit How´s She Cuttin´(see her entry in the Star-Section) at her new home in Ireland. In fact, she went where we went as she had just been covered by Teofilo at Kildangan Stud :

But one horse draws us back to Ireland again and again, and it is simply wonderful to see him enjoying retirement in full - the mighty Istabraq, out in the paddock with his pal Risk of Thunder:

Enjoying life:

Istabraq is immortal now:

Another legend - Spot Thedifference:

A Stud we had never visited before is Derrinstown Stud, where we were especially keen to see Nayef´s son Tamayuz.
This is Intikhab:

Posing proudly for us is Elnadim: :

As we had a field with some mares right behind us, the stallions looked very eager - Elnadim again:

No disrespect to the other wonderful inmates, but Tamayuz looks very special indeed:

Alhaarth

Very proud, a class act and still in magnificent shape at the age of 22 - evergreen Marju:

Last, but by no means least: new kid on the block Haatef, fresh from the racing yard