no encouragement needed

[Cruisey]

REFUTE && JOHNNY GARNER

Workout for the Champagne Stakes

Another chilly November morning rolled around in Firestone racing yard. Luckily the farm was set where the winters didn’t feel like winters, more like chilly spring mornings. Of course, there was still frost on the ground, and Carter was bundled up nicely in his warm Firestone scarf and jacket. First on his agenda was the little bay colt by the name of Ralph. As usual, he was as calm as could be. Sporting a Rambo Newmarket quarter sheet to keep his flank warm on the way to the track, Ralph walked calmly beside his jockey and trainer. Johnny was given a leg up onto the colt by Carter as they walked down to the turf. They would be prepping for the last leg in the Turf Challenge, the Champagne Stakes. This was the longest race – at 11 furlongs – and it was a test for the young horse to see if he was fit. The colt seemed to like the 9-10 range furlong the most, but was still comfortable with the race’s distance.  

The colt's bay coat reflected the early morning rays, puffs of breath steaming from his soft muzzle as he was let go and ridden onto the turf. Ralph's neck was arched, mouth softly chewing at the bit. Carter took off the quarter sheet and Johnny scratched him on the neck in his sweet spot. Once given the signal, he pressed him into a jog, wanting to get the colt loosened up. The young horse was loose in no time and easily swung into a canter, working counter clockwise on the outside rail before heading to the inside. Ralph's breaths were even as his pace quickened as Johnny guided him over to the rail. Ralph was a smart boy, no doubt in his jockeys mind as he felt his strides getting longer over the soft turf.  

All that was heard was the soft thud of hooves on the turf, and the even breathing of the horse. Ralph was taking this too easily, which Johnny was not worried about. He knew in a race that Ralph would act the same way, heading straight to the front with one eye ahead of him and one eye keeping track of his competition. It was all the same horses that had beat him in the first leg, and all of the horses who he had beaten in the second leg, and he really wanted to win the last. 

No encouragement was needed for the colt to speed up. There was certain eagerness to the colt this morning, as though he knew he had an important race that he wanted to win. With a positive flick of his black tail, the colt charged on, almost ripping the rubber reins out of Johnny’s hands. The older man actually laughed out loud at the sudden burst of energy and let the colt do his thing as they thundered forwards. Cold wind was biting at their faces as they rushed down the long side of the track. Ralph still didn’t seem out of breath as his strides reached a maximum and he flew. Johnny knew he was just along for the ride. This colt didn’t need encouraging; he was smart, swift and enthusiastic, three characteristics which produced the toughest racers.  

Even as they passed their finish marker, Ralph was bright eyed and bushy tailed. Although his steps were lacking some spring on the way back to the stable, this was just him saying he needed some rest before his big day; it was normal Ralph behaviour. Johnny rubbed his sweaty neck, excited to see the outcome of his race.