homerun

[Millie]

Lumeria ridden by Indey McCall
Shot Of Mocha ridden by Millie Daveys

Lilly and Ellie are both new additions to Oak Hill. Lilly a grade five, three year old filly. Ellie a maiden, but promising, three year old filly. Lilly and Ellie both needed abit more work before they took to the track again, however they were sure to do well. Lilly had great racing lines to take after, with a grade one and hall of fame sire and a proved racing dam. However, Ellie's lines were unknown, but she is sure to prove herself in her own rights. Both fillies have very similar personalities, which is why Millie wanted them to work together today. She felt they would push each other well as they would both be wanting the same spot. Both just had bundles of energy with aided their running, they were both so happy to be running and heart. They never gave in and always listened to the aids of their jockey.

As both fillies walked towards the track, Ellie took the initial lead. Lilly wasn't too fussed by this yet, she held back calmly, probably because they weren't actually at the track yet. The weather was quite nice for a run this morning. It was quite moist and there was dew on the grass suurrounding the dirt track, however the sun was starting to shine and it took the edge off the chill, making it quite a pleasent morning. As they approached the track Lilly's ears began to prick slightly, she raised her head and began peering around Ellie. She soon realised they would be running today and this is when she began to pick up the pace and get closer to Ellie. Indey held Lilly back from Ellie, and being the pleasing filly she was she did not argue and although she wanted to go she obeyed her jockey as always.

Both fillies entered the track side by side. Initially both were speeding along in their walk, trying to get ahead of one another. But after the commands of their jockeys they slowed to a more acceptable speed and walked nicely side by side. After the two fine young fillies resorted to nicely walking, their jockeys decided it was time to push them in to a trot to warm up for their workout. Their workout today would be a short one, to improve the technique in the closing moments of the race. Both fillies had slightly different preffered racing styles, but as both were so responsive to the riders aids they were very versatile and open to adaptation. Lilly took the lead slightly in the trot and made her way up the inner rail. Ellie lay happily behind, gradually making her way towards the chestnut filly ahead; just as a closer would, which was her most prefered racing style.

Millie called over to Indey telling her to come level with them, to begin the canter. Ellie leveled up with Lilly and as she did so Lill's ears pricked up sharply, alert and ready. Simultaneously, the pair of fillies bounced forward into a speedy, yet calm and collected canter. Initially Lilly chomped at the bit eagerly, but as Indey calmed her and held her back in line with Ellie and Millie she listened obediently and settled. Ellie kept quiet, this filly was no half-hearted runner however. Millie knew this, she knew she just needed to wait and to pick her moment.

A few furlongs were completed in canter, this also completed their warm-up! Lilly and Ellie drew exactly nose to nose. Both jockeys and horses were ready for the run ahead, and all were equally determind to come out on top. 3, 2, 1! Both jockeys pushed their horses forwards into a brisk gallop. Lilly fought for the inner rail and settled quickly onto it. Also wanting the inner rail Ellie and Millie settled a length or so behind on the rail. The crisp dirt splattered up behind the two as they flicked it up with their fast moving hooves. Lilly's powerful hind quarters powered her forwards, allowing her to hold the lead at this point. Ellie secured a nice rhythm and ran quietly in her postion beind Lilly.

Two furlongs passed, two were left. Both jockeys stayed firmly in their position, deffinately not slowing, but both knew now was not the time to make their move. They waited. Ellie began pulling on the bit slightly, egar to go now and make her run. Millie was egar too but knew she had to wait till that right moment. The sun shone down as they rounded the corner, blinding as they turned onto the straight. One furlong left. Now it was time. Millie allowed Ellie to move forwards. Ellie came more into the centre of the track allowing her to make the move. She edged up, gradually gaining ground on Lilly. As her head came level running with Lilly's hind quarters, Lilly and Indey made their move! Indey crouched lower in the saddle and urged her steed on. Lilly took straight to it and quickened her speed. She did not allow Ellie to gain any more distance, but neither did Lilly gain any more distance over Ellie. This was going to be a tough and interesting final furlong. Ellie egarly and bravely pushed her self on to come nose to nose with Lilly. Both jockeys pushed their horses forwards and forwards. It came down to the wire. In the end Ellie pushed herself just that little more. It looked as though she had saved just that little bit more for the closing seconds. Her head pulled away from Lilly's as she grabbed the win by a head.

Both horses were brought back down to a smooth canter, trot and finally walk. They both did amazingly well and the new found confidence from both horses was sure to benefit them both in their next races. They were let to have a long rein and walked off. Happy with their progress today both jockeys had a huge smile on their face. The horses were let back to their stalls to rest up for their up coming races.


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