AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“At least the weather’s perfect,” Nancy said. “We couldn’t ask for a better track.”
That was true. The December air was cool, but the climate was similar to that of Kentucky this time of year—weather Another Round was used to training and running in—and the dirt track was dry and welcoming. Conditions for the night’s race were pretty much the best they could possibly be—save for Another Round’s emotional response to his surroundings.
“Should we pull him?” Nancy asked, eyeing Another Round again, this time with intense concern.
Jo shook her head. “Not yet. If nothing else, he needs the experience. We may have practiced with starting gates in the pasture, but he needs to enter a gate beside competitors and get a feel for what it looks and sounds like.” She patted Another Round’s neck and murmured soothing words. “Let’s give him a chance,” she said quietly. “If he doesn’t want to run, he’ll let us know.”
Nancy laughed and rubbed Another Round’s forehead. “Yeah. Lee told me he learned that the hard way a couple weeks ago. He said he’s never met anyone more stubborn than Another Round and Cheyenne.”
Jo smiled, recalling the incident. It had been a normal day—perfect for training—like today, but Another Round had planted his feet the moment he’d hit the exercise track at Lone Oaks Crossing and refused to run. Lee had tried to coax him into participating for quite some time, but Another Round was stubborn (possibly more so than Cheyenne) and had refused to train that one and only time.
“Cheyenne’s probably going nuts in that hotel room right about now,” Jo said. “She’s probably asking Earl and Frankie a million questions and angry about not being able to be here with Another Round.”
Cheyenne had done a great job of taking care of Another Round over the past two months and had developed a close relationship with the colt, but the Fair Grounds Race Course housed a casino and, unfortunately, due to age restrictions, she’d had to sit this race out.
“I’m sure she’s having a fit and probably giving them a fit, too. Lee said the kid sure gave him one his first week back at Lone Oaks Crossing.” Nancy laughed. “Boy, I hope Another Round does well. Cheyenne will think I didn’t do my job if he doesn’t.”
Moments later, the horse identifier came their way to verify Another Round as well as Jo and Nancy. Soon after that, they moved to the paddock, where Jo saddled Another Round.
When she finished saddling the colt, Jo stood beside him, stroked his neck, and whispered soothingly in his ear. “You’re a winner, sweetheart, no matter what. When it’s time, take off and enjoy every moment. Then come back to us, safe and sound.”
She kissed his neck, then stepped away so Nancy could lead him to the walking ring, where spectators and potential bettors might view him.
Brooks joined Jo inside the walking ring and watched as Another Round slowly made the circuit. The sun had dipped below the horizon since they’d left the receiving barn and the floodlights were on, casting garish light across the track and grounds.
“How’s he looking?” Brooks asked, standing beside Jo.
She wove her fingers together and squeezed. “I don’t know. He seems nervous, and we can tell the tension’s getting to him.”
Brooks reached out and took her hands in his, the calm strength of his touch melting away the anxiety she hadn’t been aware she’d been harboring. “He’ll be fine. Win or lose, he’ll have an opportunity to compete. That’s what’s important, right?”
She nodded. “Just think good thoughts in the stands, okay?”
He kissed her forehead, then smiled down at her, his familiar features a welcome sight. “He’s going to be great. I can feel it.”
Moments later, Lee joined them in the walking ring, dressed in black-and-white quartered silks and a black cap with ORIGINAL SIN printed in white lettering on the back.
“Well, don’t you look smart,” Jo said. “You spiffy up well.”
Lee laughed. “Doesn’t take much when your boss gets you the finest stuff.”
Brooks smiled. “You’ve earned every penny and then some, Lee. You’ve worked your backside off the past two months.” He held out his hand. “Good luck out there.”
Lee shook his hand. “Thank you.”
Casting one more glance at Another Round, Brooks wished Jo luck as well, then left to return to his box seat.
“How’re you feeling?” Jo asked, though she already knew the answer. He was nervous. She could see it in the way he opened and closed his hands by his sides, his eyes flicking over the crowd and horses.
“I’m good.” He grew quiet, his expression turning somber. “No matter how this all turns out, Jo, I want to thank you for the opportunity to ride again.”
The earnest gratitude in his tone made Jo’s breath catch. “I should be thanking you for agreeing to join our team. You’ve worked wonders with Another Round and picked up right where you left off years ago. I really hope we win a few—for all our sakes.”
Lee nodded. “Let’s hope things turn out well.”
Ten minutes before starting time, Lee was allowed to mount. Jo gave him a leg up and once he was settled, he and Another Round headed to the track, accompanied by a pony horse and rider.
Jo hoped the track pony would help calm Another Round down as he passed the crowd in the stands and made his way to the starting gate. She watched as Lee warmed Another Round up, cantering him around a bit, and hopefully settling their nerves.
