We have an entry. The 3:25 at Fairyhouse. Wednesday. February 5. 19 entries. Heavy ground.
Imarajan is scheduled for his hurdle debut. He schools at The Curragh tomorrow (Friday). Hopefully that goes well and we go to Fairyhouse next week. There is nothing like an entry. And there is nothing like an entry in February. A respite from the cold. A tonic for the dull.
Riverdee has developed predominately as a steeplechase stable, mostly because it’s what we know, who we know. It’s been an organic process. The American steeplechase season goes hard in the spring, summer and fall and goes to bed for the winter. It’s actually beautiful. The people – and most importantly the horses – get a break. When March rolls around, everyone is ready to go, marching and moving at the starter’s flag. By November, you’re ready to go, following and fading from the final flight.
This year, we have focused on two paths of expansion. Internationally and domestically. Across the water, we have added the aforementioned Imarajan and Sherminator. Both are young horses with upside, we’ll try to get to Cheltenham, of course, while also looking at other opportunities in England, Ireland and France. We know how to play the long game. An entry in February feels good and hopefully we’ll develop Riverdee into a proper international stable, giving us some fun and energy during the winter.
Domestically, we are looking to expand on the flat, especially at the three Saratoga meets this summer. The condition books aren’t out yet, I’ve checked. We added horses who have upside on the flat and have jumping as a second option. The likes of Jhirsch, Koru, American War Hero, Lorraine, Cyber Ninja and some others could provide a lot of upstate fun and, who knows, maybe they join the international band some day too.
We want entries year round but at venues where racing makes sense. Fairyhouse in February? Saratoga in the summer? Exactly.
