An Adirondack athlete (four-legged, that is) competes in Japan

We recently profiled a Ray Brook couple (check out our story, with pics, here) who raise thoroughbred horses in the Adirondack.

One of their ponies -- Tin Cup Chalice -- has been competing with some of the best race-horses in the U.S., winning huge purses.

Now Chalice is racing in a major Japanese match-up on Sunday. The Adirondack Daily Enterprise had a great write-up of the story this week, which you can read here.

The money quote (sorry, bad pun) comes from Chalice co-owner Scott Van Laer -- who, in addition to raising race horses is a NY state Forest Ranger.

"If we come in the top five, I'll be ecstatic," Vanlaer said with a laugh. "If we win, I'll retire."