Post by Deleted on Jan 15, 2015 8:27:36 GMT -5
National Treasure had made her own choice when it came to her jockey, being that she had been much more willing to approach Sam than Lucy when they had gone to greet her on her arrival at Riverview Acres. She was a beautiful four year old, her black coat sleek like ebony with a white diamond upon her forehead. Dark locks fell smartly down her neck, trimmed back on her arrival. The well-bred horse had been very lightly raced compared to most her age, and hadn't been on the track since August, but was still in nice shape. Alexia could only guess that the stable had been exercising her at the yard to keep her fit. Still, it was a good thing - it meant they could finally try and get her career on track and it would all start at the beginning of January. A new year would mean a new start.
"Well, Sam, you've got a horse with great potential here. She won several major races last season before being taken off the track and I would love to build on that with her. She's in remarkably good shape and this race is at the lower end of her distance range. Mighty News might have experience on his side, but no matter how this goes I think it's going to be a good experience for her. Just let him take the lead, hang back until the crucial moment then tell her to go. She knows how to finish a race, you just tell her when."
"Aye, she's smart tha' one. No doubt she will gi' her all."
As the handler's finished warming the mare up the jockey suddenly pushed away from the fence and moved across the turf track. He wasn't one to waste time and he already knew Alexia's plan. A simple two furlong run - stretch the horse's legs without using all her energy. With any luck it would give her the boost she needed to wow the crowd and actually push past Mighty News. Alexia might doubt she had it in her, but he didn't. He refused to doubt any of his rides. Moments later he was in the saddle, adjusting the stirrups and making sure they were ready for the run.
"Le' go." He told the handler, his tone a little on the sharp side as he gathered up the reins. Startled, the man released his grip and Sam urged Treasure forwards, the black beauty responding eagerly as she moved with ease across the turf. There was a simple elegance to the way she moved - it wasn't forced or frantic but an enjoyable lope. She was clearly relaxed as she made her way up the track. Her pace was steady as she ran, her patience clear. She knew they would pick up soon, she didn't need to force it.
The first furlong passed and Sam encouraged the mare to pick up speed. Again her reaction was quick, the mare soon flying down the stretch. There was no need for a whip, she responded just as well to driving and was eager to run. Clearly, she had missed the track. Sam could make use of that desire. They sped past the post, Sam winding the ebony-coated equine down. It had gone well, but was it enough?
"Well, Sam, you've got a horse with great potential here. She won several major races last season before being taken off the track and I would love to build on that with her. She's in remarkably good shape and this race is at the lower end of her distance range. Mighty News might have experience on his side, but no matter how this goes I think it's going to be a good experience for her. Just let him take the lead, hang back until the crucial moment then tell her to go. She knows how to finish a race, you just tell her when."
"Aye, she's smart tha' one. No doubt she will gi' her all."
As the handler's finished warming the mare up the jockey suddenly pushed away from the fence and moved across the turf track. He wasn't one to waste time and he already knew Alexia's plan. A simple two furlong run - stretch the horse's legs without using all her energy. With any luck it would give her the boost she needed to wow the crowd and actually push past Mighty News. Alexia might doubt she had it in her, but he didn't. He refused to doubt any of his rides. Moments later he was in the saddle, adjusting the stirrups and making sure they were ready for the run.
"Le' go." He told the handler, his tone a little on the sharp side as he gathered up the reins. Startled, the man released his grip and Sam urged Treasure forwards, the black beauty responding eagerly as she moved with ease across the turf. There was a simple elegance to the way she moved - it wasn't forced or frantic but an enjoyable lope. She was clearly relaxed as she made her way up the track. Her pace was steady as she ran, her patience clear. She knew they would pick up soon, she didn't need to force it.
The first furlong passed and Sam encouraged the mare to pick up speed. Again her reaction was quick, the mare soon flying down the stretch. There was no need for a whip, she responded just as well to driving and was eager to run. Clearly, she had missed the track. Sam could make use of that desire. They sped past the post, Sam winding the ebony-coated equine down. It had gone well, but was it enough?