How exciting.... after a long time away from home, our Susie girl will run her first race at the Sunshine Coast on Friday the 17th December. Granted it will be her first time and it will be more for the experience, but the thrill of owning a horse that makes it to the racetrack is second to none.
Whether it is a $6million yearling having her first start at Rosehill or, like us, a $500 girl I fancied in a Magic Millions catalogue the excitement level doesnt alter.
She will be presented like no other time. Her coat will be gleaming, her hooves will be painted black, she will have a star brushed on her rump. Her bridle will be blue. The Jockey will have our silks on blue with a grey diamond band, blue sleeves and his cap will be blue/grey quartered. Her mane will be brushed to shining and her tail will be cut straight and without a knot.
Greg will insist on no photos before the race. I will be pacing up and down and as anxious as. Evan will be watching the fluctuations.
Down to the parade ring and all the beautiful horses walk around and its there you can see how the horses are really feeling about themselves.
Out come the jocks from their dressing room and after a quick word from the trainer, its up up and away.
Thoroughbreds. There is nothing like them. Once they get into your blood, its something that just never, ever goes away. Dan Fogleberg wrote a song about them, and the words truly bring tears to my eyes...
Born in the valley, and raised in the trees
Of Western Kentucky, on wobbly knees
With Mama beside you, to help you along
You'll soon be a-growing up strong
All the long lazy mornings, in pastures of green
The sun on your withers, the wind in your mane
Could never prepare you for what lies ahead:
The run for the roses so red
And it's - Run for the Roses as fast as you can
Your fate is delivered, your moment's at hand
It's the chance of a lifetime, in a lifetime of chance
And it's high time you joined in the dance
It's high time you joined in the dance
From sire to sire, it's born in the blood
The fire of a mare and the strength of a stud
It's breeding, and it's training, and it's something unknown
That drives you and carries you home
The last two lines of that song rings so true.
It's breeding and its training, and its something UNKNOWN
That drives you and carries you home.
How true are those words?
I dont care if Susie doesnt win, or place for that matter. Just as long as she arrives safe at the other end.
GO THE GIRL !!!! :-)
1 comment:
Susie will do you proud!!!! The butterflies, however, will be yours, and yours alone. We are going to Caloundra next Wednesday and will see if we can look in on her, give her a bit of moral support, so to speak.
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