GHS BREEDER'S CUP WORKS

That time of year again. The Breeder's Cup! Sarah's heart raced from the excitement just thinking about it - and today they were putting in the final workouts before the big races! A huge smile on her face, she took the reins for her first horse, Indian Delight, from James. Indie bounced to her, exuberating enthusiasm. James came around and legged Sarah up onto the gorgeous bay's broad back. He wasn't the tallest colt, standing at just 15.3hh, but Indie had really filled out in his first year of racing and was now quite muscular all over. Sarah clicked with her tongue and the thoroughbred started towards the turf track with an uncomfortably brisk walk.

Just over a year ago, David had been about to retire from race riding. His favourite sprinting stallion retired to stud, and the other sold because he'd been a dud, David had decided to get out and start breeding and training his own sprinters instead. But then Green Horse Stables purchased a filly, with excellent sprinting bloodlines, and he couldn't refuse their offer. That same filly, that tiny but so strong filly, was striding elegantly toward him now; her long red tail flowing in the slight breeze. The gleam David saw in her eye told him she was ready to run.

Marissa had had a few badly behaved horses in her time. Like, really, really badly behaved. Like, if you didn't have your wits about you, they'd kill you bad. Rising Fury and her offspring definitely topped the list, but Flawed Princess wasn't far behind them. Marissa could hear her coming from way away - a high pitched horsey squeal that could only be hers tipped her off. She did it all the time. Her handler had a grim look on his face; Amira was prancing sideways, tossing her head to try and free herself. Marissa grimaced and moved forward to help him. Oi!she growled. The filly's ears swivelled her way, as did her eyes. She let out a snort, and stopped for a split second. Seeing their chance, Marissa signalled the groom, who seized her leg and pushed her onto the horse's back, simultaneously snapping the lead off. Thanks! and they were off, trotting quickly in the direction of the others.

When everyone was trotting side by side on the turf, Sarah gave the instructions. We're going to slow gallop four furlongs, then give it everything for another two. Start at the six furlong pole. Until then, we'll trot and canter.

That four or five furlongs went slowly for all three riders. And for the horses especially. Halfway between the 9th and 8th furlong pole, Sarah urged Indian Delight on into canter. The others did the same, and Flawed Princess decided she didn't want to canter and went straight into gallop. Marissa rolled her eyes, and quickly brought the filly back down to trot, then to canter when the others caught up again.

Finally the trio switched to gallop. Galloping side by side, the three two year olds were instantly competitive. They each struggled against their rider's restraints, Amira causing the most fuss.

Furious Passion was whinnying loudly, desperate to get out on the dirt and run. Surreal Moment was standing fairly quietly, watching the track alertly. He ignored Furious Passion; it had already been established in his few short weeks at GHS that he did not like the other colt. This didn't fuss Passion, who didn't really like anyone who wasn't female. Sarah and Marissa dismounted their fillies, and mounted up for the third time that morning.

Royal Perfection wasn't at all sprinter, but she had been entered in the Breeder's Cup Turf Sprint to get the name on her record. There was no way she'd win it; but it would certainly be a good experience. It was the only race she'd been eligible and at all suited for. The three year old filly hadn't yet done alot on the track, having just two wins in two seasons of racing. Considering her bloodlines, we thought she was probably just a late bloomer. She enjoyed racing, anyway.

Lawliet's Girl was the daughter of the great Y3 Horse of The Year and Hall of Fame inductee Merry Bay King, and excellently lined Bluebell Sonnet, who never got her chance to race. She was half sister to a number of amazing racehorses, including last year's Horse Of The Year and Hall of Fame inductee Simply A Flyer, who dominated the turf, and Impressario, Triple Crown Champion, who had also raced successfully on turf in his four and five year old seasons. Lolly herself had done quite well this year on the turf herself, and we were keen for a win in the Breeder's Cup Mile. There was no doubt the mare had it in her!