Shine

[Millie]

Strictly A Hero ridden by Jaymee-Leigh Smith
and
Arlequinn ridden by Indey McCall

Harry and Arley had both had a great start to their seasons! Both placing second in their first race and Arley also placed another second and third in a further second and third race. Their races of the season were, however, fast approaching and this would hopefully be both horse's chance to grab their first wins of the year, or in Arley's case, of his career.

Jaymee, riding Harry set off the pace by pushing him forward in to trot. Arley was soon following on as he tugged the reins from Indey's unsuspecting hands and set off in a quick trot with his head high in the air. Indey soon snapped back to reality and snatched the reins back frantically, easing the colt into a nicer and more controlled trot. The two colts jogged side by side, nostrills flaring and eyes fixed firmly ahead.

The two boys were good friends when back at the yard, however both were keen runners and very competetive and neither would let the other win without going down without a fight. Both jockeys urged their horses forwards. Neither needed asking twice, both shot off like bullets in to quick, flat canters. They continued to run side by side, neither one would let the other get ahead and neither one wanted to let themselves drop behind. Today would consist of a two furlong steady gallop and finally a one furlong blow out, before being rested up for the race in a few days time.

Coming onto the straight, Jaymee shouted over to Indey, "Ready?" Indey nodded and with in a second both horses were flying down the track in gallop. Indey and Jaymee steadied their sprint horses to a slower, more controlled gallop and they would remain this way for the first two furlongs.

Arley took up the inner rail and took a firm postition half a length a head of Harry. However, Harry was quite happy to stay where he was, for now. Harry could sometimes come across a little soft as he let the first few horses run ahead. However, he just liked to run mid pack and waited until his jockey asked to really kick up a gear and sprint to the finish line, and this seemed to work well for him, especially this season as a more mature three year old.

Arley didn't stir much in the first furlong either. Indey sat quietly upon his powerful' muscular back and allowed him to do the running. She knew this colt inside out, from the day he was born Indey was his handler and jockey and Arley was Indey's first assigned horse. He focused solely now on Indey's commands and running the best he could.

Jaymee spurred Harry on a little as they came close to completing the second furlong. The leveled, shoulder to should, with Arley and Indey just as they entered the final furlong. Both jockeys gave each other a quick glance and a nod of the head, as if to say 'Go!'. Indey and Jaymee lowered their positions and urged their horses on. Harry pulled ahead of Arley to take the initial lead by a length and a half. But, Arley never went down without a fight. Although he was only two years old and had not reached his peek yet he had the heart of a Hall of Famer and in Indey's eyes he, without a doubt, had the talent of one too. Being a strong closer, it was now Arley's time to shine too! He stretched out his neck and dug deep. He quickened and quickened until he had pulled him self up level with Harry!

The pair had now covered about a furlong a quick speed, just as they had planned to. Both horses were gradually pulled up to a walk and let to walk off on a long rein. Both jockeys had smiles beaming from ear to ear, todays workout was great and a real confidence boost for both horses and riders!