Post by Deleted on Jun 21, 2012 2:05:46 GMT -5
Her career had not been the most publicised. She had never really been a big star. She had ran with average success and then, at the end of her four year old season everything had changed. Suddenly, she had found the limelight and she had flourished within it. The Breeder's Cup Classic had been the race that had led to the mare's fame and almost a year on, preparations had begun to take her into that same race yet again. Moondance would defend her title in her last ever career race, this would be her last shot at victory before she left the track forever to become a mother to the next generation of stars.
Mona, of course, did not know that the end of her career was near. She had no way to know, for a horse could not know the plans of humans. But she would race, as she always did, to the best of her abilities and she would put on a true challenge to any who tried to beat her. She knew this was important, whatever this was, because of the vibe she had been picking up from her jockey.
Alexia was getting anxious. She had come to love Mona, and she was nervous about the series. It was moving up on them fast, and she was worried about the fact that there was an obvious chance they could lose. The entrants so far were strong, and Star Thoroughbreds had yet to announce who they would be sending for the series. They had won the Dubai World Cup in December Week 2, but it had been close. They had only just been able to take the win. However, if it had in any way reflected the field for the Classic then Mona did have a chance, and they would build upon those chances.
The bay mare was in fine shape. She walked beside the handler with her neck curved, her tail held high and eyes gleaming. She moved smoothly, limb after limb moving to carry her toward the track. Not far behind them, Alexia seemed to be deep in thought, and the waves of anxiety were tangible to the mare. Mona knew this was a big thing, and she would be doing her best to perform to the level she was capable of.
As they reached the track, Alexia climbed onto the mare's back and ran her fingers down the powerful neck. For a moment, she closed her eyes, breathing, and then she pulled her goggles down, indicating to the mare that it was time to move. Soon, they had arrived at the gates, and the mare seemed confident beneath her. Lucas helped to persuade the mare into her stall and then closed the shutters behind them. "You'll be fine." he told Alexia and she nodded as she rose in her stirrups, finding her balance point.
The gates opened, and they were off. The mare broke quickly, moving powerfully onto the dirt track ahead of them with long strides and great determination. Alexia smiled, pulling the mare toward the rail as they moved forwards. As they rode, Alexia's mind was able to quieten as she focussed on the track, and the workout which was being ran. Beneath her, the mare's stride was regular and soothing, the muscles contracted and relaxed in time and the sure stride could be felt in those muscles. There was no fault in the mare's movements, she was a star on the way to her retirement, and even though she did not know that it seemed she gave her all as they moved toward the post.
Three furlongs of a six furlong stretch remaining. Alexia lowered herself to the mare, cracked the crop against her rump and began to drive. Each powerful stride Alexia urged the mare forwards, pushing harder and harder as they drew closer to the post. The mare sped up, responding to the longing she could feel coming from her friend and jockey and fought. Alexia could imagine the field, as they fought a close race for the post. In Alexia's mind, they won. But in real life, who knew what would happen? They passed the post, and Alexia smiled. They were on their way.
Mona, of course, did not know that the end of her career was near. She had no way to know, for a horse could not know the plans of humans. But she would race, as she always did, to the best of her abilities and she would put on a true challenge to any who tried to beat her. She knew this was important, whatever this was, because of the vibe she had been picking up from her jockey.
Alexia was getting anxious. She had come to love Mona, and she was nervous about the series. It was moving up on them fast, and she was worried about the fact that there was an obvious chance they could lose. The entrants so far were strong, and Star Thoroughbreds had yet to announce who they would be sending for the series. They had won the Dubai World Cup in December Week 2, but it had been close. They had only just been able to take the win. However, if it had in any way reflected the field for the Classic then Mona did have a chance, and they would build upon those chances.
The bay mare was in fine shape. She walked beside the handler with her neck curved, her tail held high and eyes gleaming. She moved smoothly, limb after limb moving to carry her toward the track. Not far behind them, Alexia seemed to be deep in thought, and the waves of anxiety were tangible to the mare. Mona knew this was a big thing, and she would be doing her best to perform to the level she was capable of.
As they reached the track, Alexia climbed onto the mare's back and ran her fingers down the powerful neck. For a moment, she closed her eyes, breathing, and then she pulled her goggles down, indicating to the mare that it was time to move. Soon, they had arrived at the gates, and the mare seemed confident beneath her. Lucas helped to persuade the mare into her stall and then closed the shutters behind them. "You'll be fine." he told Alexia and she nodded as she rose in her stirrups, finding her balance point.
The gates opened, and they were off. The mare broke quickly, moving powerfully onto the dirt track ahead of them with long strides and great determination. Alexia smiled, pulling the mare toward the rail as they moved forwards. As they rode, Alexia's mind was able to quieten as she focussed on the track, and the workout which was being ran. Beneath her, the mare's stride was regular and soothing, the muscles contracted and relaxed in time and the sure stride could be felt in those muscles. There was no fault in the mare's movements, she was a star on the way to her retirement, and even though she did not know that it seemed she gave her all as they moved toward the post.
Three furlongs of a six furlong stretch remaining. Alexia lowered herself to the mare, cracked the crop against her rump and began to drive. Each powerful stride Alexia urged the mare forwards, pushing harder and harder as they drew closer to the post. The mare sped up, responding to the longing she could feel coming from her friend and jockey and fought. Alexia could imagine the field, as they fought a close race for the post. In Alexia's mind, they won. But in real life, who knew what would happen? They passed the post, and Alexia smiled. They were on their way.