touchin' on my

The winter was beginning to take it's toll around the place - the snow was thick and deep, and their was no giving up on the races that would be taking place around very soon. My new filly hadn’t raced for a while - and though she hadn’t, I was excited to see how she would run in this race. This race was the Breeders Cup Juvenile Fillie’s Turf, over nine furlongs on dirt at the Green Horse Fields track. We'd transported to the near by stable, and Winnie appeared to be comfortable in her warm stall, with deep straw and two rugs each night.

We arrived two days ago, and today would be our workout for the race. Winnie had definitely recovered well after being out due to injury, and she'd proved that she could run quickly whilst keeping the pace. She was such a star. Our competition was tough today. It consisted of Grade 5 filly, Mizadori. This filly had been racing like a star recently - Our other main rival was the Star Thoroughbred filly, Georgie’s Girl. This filly was fantastic and really had potential. Our other entry was the Gelli Aur filly, Dazzling Dame. She was like us, she only had one win under the belt, but she had more experience and less consistency. As I stripped Winnie of her rugs, I wondered whether the more experienced horses would beat us. Whatever the outcome, I would be proud of my little girl.. He stood patiently in his stall, resting his hoof and flickering his small ears from side to side. The bond between me and Winnie had improved and since she arrived last week. She’s improving slowly but surely, and her times were definitely times to beat. She’s gone a furlong in ten seconds flat… it wasn’t the fastest, but it proved she had speed.

I brushed Winnie down, and collected her exercise rug from the bar. I placed it over her back and did up the front then the cross overs. I got her racing saddle and numnah and placed it on her back. It was purple, with her name on it, along with the name of the race name on it. She pricked his ears and shuffled slightly. I giggled at her, and put her bridle on. Making sure everything was secure, I walked out of the stall to my shelf, collecting my hat, crop, protector and goggles. I put everything on, followed by my large jacket, before moving back to the stall and leading the bay filly out. She stepped forward enthusiastically, and pricked her ears, before moving swiftly across the concrete barn floor. I lead her to the entrance of the track before mounting and swinging my leg over the back of the saddle. I stroked her dark neck as she walked forward, and I placed my feet in the irons. The filly leapt forward with excitement, tossing her mane back and forth. I smiled and she stepped out on to the turf, pricking his ears and looking around. I let her study the sights of the track – she was used to the ARS track. It was new to her, she'd never been here before, and now I realized it was time to show everyone what she'd got. I smiled and pushed her forward into a powerful walk.

She began to walk energetically, her hooves hitting the turf and flicking turf behind her. I asked her for a steady trot and she flew forward, breaking into a stride on canter before coming back to a lively trot. She brought her head to her chest and I let her break into an energetic lope. Smiling, I pushed her on a bit more, and he kept at a relaxed canter, almost a gallop. My red hair fell in my face as we entered the back stretch. I pushed her forward again, and I crouched down, sticking my bum out and standing in my stirrups, resting my hands at Winnie’s withers. When we came to the five furlong pole, I began to push her on quite hard. I made myself as small as I could as I stretched my arms out, pushing Winnie on. The energetic bay filly began to sprint, her long stride extended as far as it would go. The furlongs flew by and my crop rose and fell on the filly’s rump as we entered the lane. I drove her forward and with each stride, she got quicker and quicker. In the final furlong, she reached her terminal speed, and flew under the wire. I relaxed and stroked her neck. We’re ready Winnie, we’re ready. I said. Looking at my stop watch, we just went the final two furlongs in twenty seconds. Good girl!