Noduff Imperial

by SPRINGWELL NICK out of HOWSYERDAYMISSUS

whelped 2.10.2020

Form (GBGB)

Form (GR Ireland)

Pedigree

Race videos are listed at the bottom of this page

This absolutely striking blue bitch with magnificent ears was Flowerpot Susie, now known as Noduff Imperial. Absinthe, as she is known in the kennel – yes, the training staff obviously have an alcohol problem – is not only unraced but she was also yet to have a formal trial in Ireland. She has been round Youghal twice informally from the sprint boxes but that is all so it would be fascinating to see how she got on at Monmore.

Absinthe came to us from breeder Chris in Tipperary who had previously supplied Noduff Aria.

It took her four trials to be graded on for racing and, as the trials progressed, it was clear that she was picking up the racing game. In her final trial on 13.4.22 she flew from the traps and led, only to be headed at the final bend. Gratifyingly, she came again showing great determination to win the trial. The time may only have been 29.34 but there was a good deal to like about how she did it and we looked forward to her first race with interest.

I thought she showed good pace and was looking forward to her next outing but then she came into season. Absinthe made her first reappearance in a sprint trial in early June 2022 and was expected to be ready to return to the graded ranks at around the end of the month. Indeed, she reappeared on 25th June. It took until the 25th July for her to open her account, finishing strongly to win her A9 in 29.75. She won A8 the following month and A7 in September and was progressing well.

A6 proved a step too far for Absinthe and she was dropped again to A7 where she missed the break. She then suffered a soft tissue tendon injury which kept her off for a little over four months. Fingers were crossed for her return and she improved a little for each trial at Towcester. Her debut there proved sensational. She flew from the traps, led all the way in A5 and it looked as if there had never been anything wrong with her. Well done Jooles and Jason! She went on to win two A4s and Towcester clearly suited her before it was necessary to return to Monmore.

Absinthe quickly won an A5 and broke the 29 second barrier. She had never run better. Two more A5 victories followed before she started to lose her edge and a lengthy losing sequence began to develop. She pulled up lame in early April 2024 and it would be a period of rest and a visit to the vet before we would know if she could race again.

As always we gave her as much time as she needed. When she returned to racing she trapped well but seemed to lose interest from the first bend. That is as good a sign as any that it is time for retirement. Absinthe is a beautiful looking bitch with a great character and will make someone a wonderful pet in her forever home.

Noduff Imperial’s race videos in date order