Baby Shorts Grows Up!

I think that I have mentioned before what joy it brings Evan and I to follow the careers of the horses that stay with us - even more so when we have been privy to their birth and showed them their first shaky steps into the world.

Shorts (pictured above) falls into this category. Born around 7am late in November 2004, baby Shorts soon knew how to stand on her wobbly legs and get the good drink from mum, Turkish Trousers. Sadly after weaning, Trousers passed away after a very good life which included 12 or 13 babies, however, time passes by, and baby Shorts quietly grew up and before we knew it, she went away to Paul Moody's to be broken in.

Back to Massie Lodge for a holiday, Shorts (now known as Irish Chic) was soon to start her adventure with Phil Quinnell down at Ballina. In fact, Shorts left Massie Lodge the day before EI broke out - how's that for timing?!

Last Sunday at Ballina, young Shorts had her very first experience as a racehorse.

Starting from Barrier 14, all that was expected from Shorts was to jump well and to learn from the experience. And she did.

Both Evan and I both had our hearts in our hands as we watched her race ... and somehow, we both felt that just maybe, a little bit of what we did got her to her maiden start at Ballina.

Go Shorts! May your racing career be bright!

(Big) Harry "Imaged" ... a real smoocher
Young Jack (by Conatus) who is so even tempered and a delight to handle. He and Harry are the best of mates and can often be seen away from their mums in a huddle over some grass.

Gossips (Local News) who is in foal to Hidden Dragon

Jack and his mum, Gossips

The Three Amigos... never a dull time in this paddock with these three boys - Storm, Jimmy and Rover.
Miss Trixie - growing up very quickly and will be second in line to be weaned after Easter.