Post by Cruisey on Jan 28, 2015 22:37:05 GMT -5
AQUATIC ADDICTION && JAMES COLLURA
The moment Theo arrived at Firestone; he was given some time to rest before he started his training on the sand. Running on sand did not come easy; it was a different substance not many horses were used to running on. It takes days, if not weeks, to get used to running on thick sand, and that’s why Theo had been in training since day one. When he came, he was fairly out of shape due to the fact he was sitting in a field, soaking up the sun’s rays instead of running consistently. The bay stallion would be no stranger returning to the track, and was likely to be facing his worst enemies.
Theo was sporting his new racing colours as he made his way to the prestigious sand track. The maroon and black racing polos complimented his dappled bay coat that shone underneath the January sun. James was aboard the giant stallion, which he had seemed to really take a liking to. He really dwarfed the size of the young man aboard, and a horse Theo’s size could surely cause a lot of damage if he wanted to. Though no harm was done to anything, or anyone for that matter, as Theo and James stepped onto the sand track for the last time before race day. The stallion was light on his feet to prevent sinking in too deep in the sand, and it helped keep his fitness up so he wouldn’t get tired running. James let the big horse warm himself up by trotting and cantering when he pleased. Both he and Carter wanted the horse feeling fresh and energized; nobody wanted a fatigued horse before a big race. Carter figured his four year old season setback would put him at a disadvantage, seeing as the field was pretty much hot off of their Breeder’s Cup runs.
When Theo was ready, James brought him back to a walk and guided him over to the starting gate handlers. If he could break well on the sand, despite his stumbling, he could potentially have this race in hand. The stallion loaded without any issues; his experience on the track showed through his calm attitude. Since he was the only horse practicing the gate, the stall was opened almost immediately and powerful haunches launched them out of the enclosure. Like always, Theo stumbled a bit but quickly regained his composure as they made the final workout happen. James let Theo settle into a nice galloping rhythm, saving his blowout for the final turn. Running on sand definitely felt different from a jockey’s perspective because it felt as if the horse was sinking in more. Theo took to the track like a charm, almost as if the deep sand pushed him to dig deeper and harder. The horses’ breaths were even and steady as they galloped forwards, Theo’s black tail streaming behind him. James sat low on his back, allowing the freedom of Theo’s strides to become larger and swifter.
Three furlongs of galloping had passed and their time to go all out had approached. James let out a notch of rein and allowed Theo his head as he thundered forwards. Hooves dug deep in the sand and strides got longer as the stallion drove on. His breaths were coming quicker as the pumping of his legs became quicker so that he was now at a full out run. James pushed the horse more, pumping with his arms as he showed the bay horse the whip. Without actually using it, Theo shot forwards and added even more pace, something James thought was impossible at the speed they were going. With a swish of his black tail, they crossed the wire without hesitation. As they slowed down, James kept thinking about how good the horse felt underneath him. Theo was really something else, and it was a shame he was left for nothing in his four year old campaign.
