Churchill Mudding

Registration Number:  4
Show: TS Kentucky Derby 2017
Horses Name: HPS Hell's Revenge
Riders Name: Cassidy Howell
Extra Images: 
Previous Experience: +0.25 7th place, +5 1st place, +0.25 9th place 
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Prizes Donated:Free breeding to any HPS horse

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“Remember Cass,” Dustin Antoniou started, staring up at his jockey as his bronze hands held Hell’s Revenge’s reigns absentmindedly. Too used to her jostling and pulling to pay it any heed now.

“You need to place at least third. Wouldn't hurt if you pull out a first, but you've got to place. Prove that quality bound mile wasn't a fluke.” He instructed, pleading with his big brown eyes.

Harpie had only managed to pull one win out of her career so far, placing back of the pack or last the rest of the time. If Cassidy couldn't drag another win out of the filly, harpie was destined for early retirement and a life raising foals. Something the spirited horse would surely find cause to hate.

“Don't worry boss man, we've got this. Right girl?” Cass said as she patted her steed’s neck, getting a snort in response.

“Alright, just..Be careful, k?” Dustin said between pursed lips, stepping back from the pair as he started rubbing his right thumb into the opposite palm. A nervous habit he’d picked up as a kid and never outgrown. The Kentucky Derby was a big deal, and it had taken a lot to get here. Dustin couldn’t stomach a lose now, this is the first jewel of the triple crown! If they could pull it off it would be huge! Not just for Harpie or Cass (although I’m sure you’d get a raise after a win like that), but for the entire stables! Hollow Pine Stables would finally be on the map. Well, if they won.

 

……………...

 

It felt like a week from that moment till Cassidy was sitting ready in the starting stall. As usual they had to talk Harpie into even touching the stall, convinced the thing was a torture device created by Satan himself.

“Okay girl,” Cass whispered, leaning in towards the bay’s ears. “Just hold it together a little longer. We gotta focus this time, run all out. Let’s make em eat mud!” She smiled, tightening her grip on both the reins and whip.

Seconds later there was a sudden BOOM and all the gates flew wide, spilling horses and jockeys out onto the damp track. As soon as Harpie saw an escape from her cramped prison, she leapt. Charging out onto the field before Cass was even sure what happened. All either of them knew was speed. Running faster and faster, straining every muscle, hooves kicking up mud in clumps. Their breathing tuned to the cheers of the crowd.

It reached the point when Cassidy didn’t even know who was leading, she had no concept of where their competitors were, only of the wind -and a touch of dirt- in her face and the warm body beneath her.

 

Dustin watched from the stands, holding his daughter Adina so she could watch with him. They both fought to out cheer each other, screaming their encouragements with little regard of those around them. It looked like it was going to be close -which made them cheer even louder- as the man on the speakers announced that number 4 was pulling ahead with White Wonder and Blackbeard’s Ghostly Sails right on her heels. Gaelach Guarantee just behind the pack. But it was still anyone’s race.

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Still figuring out how to draw mud, but I am still so beyond happy with this one! ^^
 
Horses from right to left are; HPS Hell's revenge (mine), JA's White Wonder (BlackestQueen), WBS's Blackbeard's Ghostly Sails (angry-horse-for-life), and Gaelach Guarentee (TjaldurDiePferd)
Reference Photo