Sasaki Tamotsu and Dameon PM just crossed the finish line! 13:12 - 12.1 k/hr - Japan's first 100 mile finisher - and also the first to earn FEI's CoC on Japanese soil. There are some very happy people! The horse is one of Hasumi san's horses. Ann Hall riding Atina de Soi and Midori Yasanuga (both horses also owned by Hasumi san) just arrived from loop 5, the horses looked terrific and they'll be headed out on their final loop after their hold. Ann just came in, looking fresh, chattering away - she's having a great ride. The section of trail on Hasumi san's ranch (30 km of trail in 40 acres!) is lit with flashing rope lights, chemical glow sticks, lights hanging in trees - Ann said it looks like Peter Pan out there!

and its COLD out there! after a perfect clear day, the perfect clear night is turning very cold. There's a nice fire going, an old half barrel barbeque which is being fed with charcoal - a nice place to hang out.

still 9 (I think) horses left in the ride. Hasumi san withdrew after loop 4, his horse was tiring and he opted to stop - it was the horse's first 100 - plenty more to go, no reason to ask too much of it on the first try. A few others are opting to retire as well. This is actually a tough course - a lot of climbing. We might be up till the sun rises again...

Steph