>>715196117
Durandal Factoids (2/2)

>He was born with weak hooves, which also ended up being the reason for his retirement. His horseshoes were attached using a method called Equilox, in which they are attached using resin and not nails like they usually are.
>Deep Impact also had this method used on him.
>Is also one of the horses that tortured jockey Kenichi Ikezoe with his notorious temper.
>Despite this, Durandal has a special place in Ikezoe’s heart.
>Ikezoe didn’t have a horse to ride and was then suddenly asked to ride Durandal for the Centaur Stakes. Ikezoe ended up falling in love with his endurance and asked his owner if he could ride him for the Sprinter’s Stakes. The owner said that if there was an open slot for him, they’d try it out. From then on, he was Durandal’s main jockey.
Ikezoe used the horse’s image as his phone background and visits Durandal’s grave every year.
>After winning the Mile Championship, Ikezoe embraced the owner and exclaimed, “You really are the best!!” and during his winning interview, praised Durandal for his win: “I met a wonderful horse.”
>He would also go on to say that he “wouldn’t be where he was if it wasn’t for Durandal.”
>“A holy sword that is stabbed into the heart of Ikezoe forever”.
>Both Durandal and Mayano share the same trainer, Masahiro Sakaguchi.