Today at Eagle Farm Racecourse, in Brisbane Queensland, they ran the final Group 1 race of the 2013/2014 Racing Season.  The race is called the Tattersall's Tiara.   Much to my relief they decided against sending "CJ" up north for the race.  I was actually happy they kept the mare here, because the risk of injury and the travel could have ruled her out of the Spring Carnival.  I'm desperate to see her race in Melbourne this Spring.  Yes, I'm being a little bit selfish here because if she ran in Queensland I wouldn't be photographing it, however here in Melbourne is a completely different matter. The race was won by a little filly trained by Gai Waterhouse.  She's called Cosmic Endeavour and she has been partnered by the brilliant young Tommy Berry, who has of course touched our hearts following the terrible death of his twin brother Nathan earlier this year.  I've only photographed Cosmic Endeavour once.  She was sired by ...

We popped in to The Valley on Saturday.  The racing at this time of the year isn't the type I need to cover for my clients, as they typically need stakes races.  It is good to go along still to see everyone and to keep my reflexes sharp.  There was also a tall, slender black mare at The Valley early on that I wanted to see.  As is my want, I find myself becoming fond of the mare we now call "CJ".  Yes, it was Commanding Jewel.  My lovely little Jessica is getting a lovely collection of images of herself with good race horses. Our weekend has been very nice.  I feel like life is pretty good right now.  Tomorrow I will pop Freelance on the lunge and organise a few photoshoots for this week and next.  On Wednesday I have a shoot on that I'm looking forward to.  I'm also in the process of organising Freelance a permit so that she can be worked on the beach.  It is so close to our paddock and it promises to be a lot of fun.  Th...

This post is probably pure indulgence.  But I can't help myself.  Today I put The Lovely Freelance back into work.  She hasn't worn a saddle in almost 12 months because I've either been working other horses or just so busy moving.  She was also separated from us for 5 months.  So today was a happy day.  V happy...  It's such a lovely spot for her.  It makes me look forward to seeing her and makes me want to put a saddle on her back.  She is beginning to look like a real horse again, and I have to say I'm more than a little bit excited about how my mare will look this spring, when she grows that gorgeous summer coat and is fit and working really well.