Post by S u N f r O s t ~ on Dec 5, 2015 1:04:42 GMT -5
A number of disturbing, yet interesting rumors have abounded since the end of Year Fifteen regarding some changes at Stride Of Perfection Stables. The established barn has maintained the same administrative structure and raced the same way for years, but apparently the winds of change are blowing. Confidential sources have informed the Gallop that something happened as recently as last weekend at SOPS, something big and that promises some changes.
First of all, it has been confirmed that Henna Turath is leaving the jockeying game. This young woman, renowned for her love of speed and her rides aboard all of the direct descendants of Forbidden Wings, is leaving the game. She has indicated her interest in working in a separate sector of the barn, potentially as a trainer specialized in sprinters. While her future job is not confirmed, we do know what is in the works for this rider's leave.
Some jockey assignments have been switched up at the esteemed barn. The reasons why are as of yet unclear, but we can certainly guess that it has to do not only with the leaving of Henna Turath but the potential leave of Amber Black as well. Here is what we know.
- Henna Turath was taken off as the main rider of Athena's Desires. Her new jockey is Valencia Andrews. Apparently, the personality match between jockey and rider is much stronger with this combo.
- Henna received a new mount in the form of Altercation. This colt failed to flash the early precociousness of most SOPS juveniles under Amber Black's jockeying; perhaps the jockey switch will flip the light bulb on for this colt.
- Henna stayed the course with Animatia, Coincidence and Melodious. Rumor has it that she couldn't bear to abandon these riding assignments as well. However, it has been made clear that Henna will no longer be taking new rides. She will go out with these horses. When they retire, so shall she.
Amber Black appears to be on her way out. The esteemed owner, head trainer and jockey of SOPS appears to be easing out. How do we know this? A reliable source revealed that Amber intends to finish her career after jockeying two final horses to productive careers - Bellona, daughter of Jessie James and Fleet Majesty, and Hyperion, son of Merry Bay King and Rosalind. Reasons why were not given, but it is known that Amber will maintain her position as head trainer and owner of the barn.
Some may argue that even Amber's role as head trainer is in question. Krystal Yhate has been promoted from her job as assistant trainer to something more prominent. Apparently, Krystal will be getting assigned her own string of horses to train independently of Amber starting this year. The assigned horses are as of yet unknown, and the quantity of horses assigned unknown, but this will be the first time ever that a horse raced by SOPS will not be trained under the hands of Amber Black herself. Does this mean Amber is backing out of the training game as well? Only the most far-fetched rumors suggest that, but I guess we'll have to wait and see. It is likely that Henna Turath will start a traing apprenticeship under Amber this season, seeing as her former apprentice is striking out on her own under the stable's colors.
With two jockeys out of the game, two new jockeys have been promoted - Wanda Brown and Timothy Andrews. These two already worked at SOPS, but Wanda will be taking on the jockey role in addition to groom duties while Timothy will take it on in addition to being the stallion manager (for now). It has been declared that Wanda will be riding Final Conquest and Hysteria in Year Sixteen while Timothy got his cousin's former mount Ares. Time will show how these two will perform.
That's all for now. We will keep you updated with any new updates as the story progresses.
