Like Magic

Horse: Sunday Memory
Rider: Colton Jones
Race: Houdini Stakes
Story:

They had given Nichi a little time off after his run at polo, he'd fallen hard but had not been injured. Still they were easing their old stallion down some and focusing on races that best suited the old man. He was still sound, and they had no plans to end his career prematurely. They just were going to be pickier with their warhorse's career from here on out. And so when they saw a 10 furlong race over dirt they decided to put Nichi in it to stretch his legs a bit.

Nichi and Colton arrived for the Houdini Stakes much as they always did, the stallion traveled well and was calm as he unloaded. But of course the moment he'd spotted the track he began to squirm. The fire inside him that he'd been bred for was building up and Colton knew they'd need to get to it before long. He prepared Nichi for battle as he always did, giving him a good rub down and bath before getting him tacked up for the race, he took the time to make sure the old stallion was at ease before the saddle went on. Because he knew the moment he slid into it all bets were off.

Pulling himself up he'd lightly urge Nichi to head towards the track, the stallion began to prance and chomp on the bit. His ears flicked forward and when he caught sight of the other racers he bellowed, blowing hard and snorting through his nose. With a tight grip of the reins Colton held Nichi back, the stallion arched his neck and bounced a bit on his front legs trying to rear as a show. But instead he got a cluck from his jockey and a light pat on the neck, "Easy boy, save it for the track." Nichi snorted and settled some, he could definitely save it for the track...for the youngsters that had entered the race with him.

The stallion surveyed the other horses, all of them in their prime all of them fit and young without blemish or a past. Snorting again he pawed the ground and flicked his ears forward, he had blemishes, bumps and bruises, he had survived them all and he would survive this.