Winning Union [WIP]

Both fillies were now in tremendous form, and after Jackie's fantastic place in the Ruffian, jockeys had been transferred. Ivana Babicová would ride Winning Touch, whereas Meghan would ride Jackie. Both fillies had placed behind Paradise Island and it appeared that there was no way we would beat the filly, no matter how much rest and hard work we put into it. The next stage of the Triple Tiara preparation was the Kentucky Oaks at the end of April. Though the chances were low, Serendipity Hills wanted to beat the three-year-old in style. Paradise Island was in practically perfect consistency, being in the top three in 22 of her 24 starts. We wouldn't beat her and she would win the Tiara, but there's always second best, isn't there?

Rumour had it that Paradise Island might go to one of the Triple Crown preparations, rather than the Oaks, but with Silver Stride still making there mind up, only time would tell. During the races, Jackie was a closer with a lot of speed in her, whereas Winnie was a preceder. She would track the pace right round, and shadow the leaders, before making her move. While her father possesses a calm and collected disposition, Winning Touch is a bit of a minx, meaning playful and a little bothersome. She isn't mean like her sire, just very curious about the world around her. Winnie possesses a very honest look in her eyes when she is gazing at her grooms. She has taken a heavy interest in watching the trainers work with the older horses. As she is still young, the filly certainly possesses that quick wit any kid would have. She brings plenty of life to the barn with her playful calls. Winnie has shown she has the ability to learn. Winnie used to have a huge hatrid of the gate, but with bit’s of training, she has managed to overcome that fear, though it’s naturally easier to be handled by her jockey, no one else.

Jackie is known to be a bit of handful. Bright and energetic, she loves to be outdoors, and to feel free. She is always on the move, and does not cope well with being penned up for long periods of time. Jackie is one of those horses that will barge through the door as soon as it's open and then play a game of catch me if you can with her handlers. Jackie isn't happy unless she is the best at every game she plays, and to her racing is a game. She enjoys running, she enjoys being put against the other horses, and she is highly competitive due to her desire to win. She will put her all into every race but is currently a little immature and hasn't really recognised the serious side of racing. The fact is that Jackie has a good head on her shoulders. She is creative, and she learns fast. Her desire to always improve has led to her being able to analyse situations and she realises that every player has their part and this includes in races.

Both Meghan and Ivana were nervous and excited to whom would be sent to the Tiara. Their main hopeful was Winning Touch, who had a long lay off over the winter. The Kentucky Oaks had just been upgraded to Grade 4's only, so the bid to whether or not Jackie would go to the tiara was on the line. Meghan, who rode Jackie in the Ruffian, was contemplating not sending her to the tiara, instead, some grade five races to build her up for this. Both fillies were tacked up, and they stepped out onto the dry dirt. So, what's this about Jackie skipping the Tiara then, Meg? Ivana asked politely. I don't think she's ready. She isn't eligible for the Oaks, but saying that, she raced well in the Ruffian. I'm just not sure we could do well, especially with Paradise Island, and you racing in it too with Winnie. Ivana bit her lip and sighed. She'll crush the competition in some Grade Five races that are coming up shortly. Ivana said, stroking Winnie's neck. That's how I built Winnie up. Meg smiled, Yeah, that could work too. She swished her dyed purple hair out of her face before adjusting her stirrups. They looked at each other and began to trot round the bend in unison. They didn't talk, they just focused, gazing at the fast track ahead.

They stayed neck and neck as they began to lope round the turn. Meg looked at Ivana. Let's make a bet. If I win, you buy me dinner at the Royal Oak tonight, and you work my horses for me for a week. Ivana smiled.And if I win, you do the same for me. They grinned at eachother. Meg? Ivana said, curiously. You're on, they shook hands whilst cantering side by side, as they approached the start gate at the seven furlong pole. They slowed down and they were lead into the gate. Winnie pinned her ears and snorted as she approached the tall steel gates, but with a bit of encouragement from Ivana, she walked in perfectly. Both loaded, and the riders and horses waited patiently. Jackie shifted her weight in the gates, and began to toy with her bit, but patiently Winnie stood, awaiting the signal.

The bell rang, and both horses came out the gate, Winnie the quickest. Jackie broke slow and steady as always, as she does from goofing around in the gate. Meghan stood in her stirrups, and let the filly lope behind, two lengths behind Winnie. Winnie galloped along in the lead, pricking her ears and snorting. Ivana pulled and relaxed, keeping the pace sensible. As Winnie was used to shadowing the pace, it was new to her. She didn't charge off at effortless speeds, she stayed controlled and relaxed. Meghan let Jackie continue to gallop behind. Passing the first three furlongs, Winnie's lead was still only a couple of lengths. Meghan sat still on the filly, the grip on her reins not slipping just yet. Ivana shook the reins on Winnie, and her stride extended as they passed the three furlong marker.

Rounding the bend, Winnie's lead has extended to four lengths, and Ivana looked back, giggling to herself as the blood bay filly got smaller and smaller. Into the stretch, Ivana was all out. The filly was flying, and looked to be a clear winner, but Meghan loosened her grip and shook the reins on Jackie, and soon her big bold strides carried her to a length behind Winnie. Ivana didn't see it coming, but as they passed the half furlong pole, Jackie drew level with Winnie. Crops rose and fell and they passed the post, completely inseparable. Well, Meghan, Ivana said sarcastically. Meg laughed. Haha, well, looks like we'll be riding our own horses and buying our own food this evening, she giggled. They cooled off both the fillies and dismounted, before leading them into the barn, gossiping.