'Oh, nothing really ... just that I'm free now for the rest of the day ... I'm going with you.'
'You what?' She didn't mean it to sound like that.
'That's if you don't mind, Jenny.'
'Oh Ken, why should I mind? I'm delighted. Will I wait here for you or will I meet you somewhere?'
'Tell you what ... if you drive over here we can go in my car ... you can collect yours in the morning ... it'll be safe in the car park.'
'Super, Ken ... see you in a few minutes.'
This was extraordinary. She couldn't believe it. Ken coming racing! She pondered his motives. Maybe he just felt like a day out. Maybe he was worried about her - coming to provide some medical assistance. Last night when she told him she wasn't riding, he didn't seem surprised, in fact he appeared rather pleased and vindicated. Still, she would be glad to have him with her to-day. She was confident 'Harmonica' would win. It would be great for Ken to be part of the celebrations - they could all enjoy it together.
The traffic congestion was becoming a real problem as they neared Punchestown. They were glad they had a bit of time in hand. It was slow already, but would be impossible later. Snake-like car lines were forming on all approach roads. The doctor's badge on Ken's windscreen helped to get them through some nasty gridlocks. Jenny's big smile acknowledged his ingenuity - his wink indicated agreement - it was fun. Jenny felt really happy now, being transported like a lady to the greatest racing festival in Europe.
'You know what Ken?'
'What?'
'I feel like the Queen of England arriving at Royal Ascot. Thanks for coming ... I really do appreciate it.'
'Thanks Love ... It's my pleasure.'
He felt really good too. It was a lucky break to get Dr French to stand in for him, allowing both of them to have a rare day out together. They would make the most of it - Jenny deserved that. He hadn't been treating her great lately - would make it up to her to-day.
'You look like a queen too,' he flattered. He hadn't seen that lilac suit on her for at least a year - the wide-brimmed hat, he hadn't seen that for several years. She really did look elegant. Whatever time she spent in front of the mirror was well worth it. The paleness and sickly look of the morning had completely disappeared. She was transformed into a rich healthy colour, the big white smile had returned - she looked just gorgeous.
'Come on, let's have a drink first,' said Ken.
'Right,' said Jenny, 'could do with a large one now.'
On the way to the bar they bumped into Andy and Madge Leahy, who had just arrived.
'Madge! You look stunning,' exclaimed Jenny, 'and you too, Andy ... God, it's younger looking you're getting.'
Appreciating and returning the compliments, they joined Jenny and Ken for a drink in the 'Owner's and Trainer's' bar - Andy insisted on buying. Ken protested - it was no use. They touched glasses and drank a toast to 'Harmonica' wishing her well on her big day.
Jenny and Ken went to the stable yard. Garry and Emily were busy. 'Harmonica' looked a picture. She blew her breath at Jenny out through her muzzle. She always hated that muzzle, kept poking Jenny with it.
'She wants me to remove this muzzle, Garry ... that nice straw bed looks appetising,' she joked.
'Don't you dare ... do you want her to be choking halfway through the race.'
'He's mean, isn't he? Sorry Love ... you'll just have to suffer on.'
Tickles and soothing strokes on the neck seemed to keep her consoled and contented.
Emily stayed with the mare while Garry watched a few races with Ken and Jenny. They didn't eat or drink. Garry couldn't ... he was at his minimum weight - would have to abstain for another couple of hours. He assured them he would make up for it to-night with an enormous feast.
'You deserve it,' praised Jenny ... 'thanks a million for the effort.'
'No bother, Jenny ... sure it crowned me ... I feel great.'
'You look great too,' said Ken, 'fit, lean and healthy.'
The big moment arrived. Ten horses and riders paraded in front of the massive stands. Twenty thousand eager racing enthusiasts were admiring them, listening to their C.V.'s being broadcast by the commentator. It was an exciting and colourful scene. Ken and Jenny had a perfect view from the stand reserved for 'Owner's and Trainer's . Jenny got that strange feeling again. That sense of place, occasion and wonderful history. The lush green expanse of Punchestown stretched out in front of her. The various white-railed courses all converged at the entrance to the finishing straight, leading up to the famous winning post directly in front of the stands. For one hundred and fifty years those stands echoed to the cheers, as legendary horses and fearless riders fought fierce battles up that punishing straight. To horse-lovers, this place was special - to Jenny it was sacred. She felt proud to be part of it to-day. But for her bit of rotten luck, she could have been even more absorbed in it, savouring the thrills, making her mark on its unique history.
Still, she felt proud and privileged. Proud of 'Harmonica', proud of Garry. Watching him parade in front of her, wearing her colours, taking her place at such short notice, was something she would always be grateful for. She felt the emotions of it all beginning to overwhelm her. Her love for him felt deeper than ever. God, how fate had pushed them together on that day in this very place. Now they were back here again. It was all too strange to comprehend. Where will it all end? She felt a nervousness creep over her. It was all so weird, so uncontrollable, but so beautiful. And the future? She'd leave that 'till later.
The runners and riders were now at the start. They had three miles to race, one and a half circuits of the course, eighteen fences to jump. Jenny watched through her binoculars as they circled around the starter. Girths were being tightened, stirrup leathers adjusted, horse's minds being jerked into focus. A line was formed, the tape flew, they were off!
Over the first fence, Garry had 'Harmonica' in mid division. She was keen, but he settled her beautifully, tucking her in behind a wall of horses. Jenny was fearful of one falling in front. Garry knew what he was doing - wouldn't take unnecessary risks - would be able to avoid trouble. It was a really searching gallop - that would suit 'Harmonica.'
As they thundered past the stands with a complete circuit to go, Jenny was delighted to see how well her mare was going. Garry was tall, but he had real style in the saddle. They were the perfect partnership, cruising in unison, taking the jumps on a perfect stride, sailing over them effortlessly, landing in a smooth gallop. It was poetry in motion, a real joy to watch. Jenny was captivated - Ken was getting really excited.
A mile to go, Garry released a fraction of rein. 'Harmonica' instantly got the message. Lengthening her stride she glided smoothly past one, two, three runners. She was now second, and still on a tight rein. The horse in front was travelling well too. Jenny could see that he was full of running. With three fences to jump, 'Harmonica' was only a length off him. Garry didn't panic, bided his time. He knew he would get him up that gruelling home straight. His mare would outstay him - she had unlimited stamina.
He waited. Coming to the second last fence, he moved upsides the leader. The crowd sensed an exciting battle ensuing, were now in full voice, shouting and cheering as the two horses approached the fence locked together. They rose. Garry heard a loud swear and a yell from the other jockey. His horse had caught the top of the fence, pecked on landing and unseated him.
Garry and 'Harmonica' were now on their way to glory.
There was just one worry. The other horse galloped on rider-less. He was on the inside and both would have to jump the last fence together. Garry wasn't sure if the loose horse would jump the fence or dart out. He eased back 'Harmonica' and let the rider-less horse go a length in front. About to rise for the fence, disaster struck. The loose horse suddenly darted across, ran along the fence in front of Garry. Both horses met in a massive collision. 'Harmonica' somersaulted over the loose horse, then over the fence, landing on her back, on top of Garry.
Jenny screamed. Ken grabb
ed her. The crowd gasped. For an awful moment the mare was balanced on her back, her feet up in the air, Garry pinned underneath. She rolled over, struggled to her feet, then galloped off in a frightened state.
Garry lay motionless on the turf. The eight runners still in the race jumped by the stricken jockey, fought out the finish in front of a stunned and silent crowd.
Jenny, Ken and Emily were pushing their way frantically down from the stand. All eyes were focused on the area beside the last fence. The ambulance had skidded to a halt. Medical personnel were attending to Garry. It looked bad. To most experienced observers, he had to be seriously injured. Half a ton of horse pounding and rolling an eleven stone rider into the ground - he had no chance. They watched and waited, hoping to see him helped to his feet, eased into the ambulance. Sadly, there was no sign of that happening.
The group of onlookers around the jockey increased. Why weren't they moving him? A new wave of worry gripped the crowd. Jenny, Ken and Emily had now got through, and were out on the racecourse. Emily went down the track to try and catch 'Harmonica.' Jenny and Ken rushed to Garry. He was now on the stretcher, being carried to the ambulance. Jenny forced her way to his side. Ken tried to restrain her - he failed.
Garry was lifeless, bleeding from his ears and nose. Ken leaned forward for a closer look. He held Jenny, now shattered with anguish. She stared up into his eyes, desperately searching for a re-assuring expression - there was none. Ken was now devastated too. He knew only too well the awful truth - efforts to save Garry were futile. His internal injuries were massive and multiple - it was a sad lost cause.
He held Jenny tightly as the ambulance, with its blue flashing lights slowly moved from the racecourse, taking Garry's body out and away.
* * *
Reflection
The blue sky was fading into grey, the birds were singing their final chorus, the trees were casting long shadows, the orange sun was setting. It was evening in late August. Jenny saw that the long hot days of summer were over for another year.
As she strolled around the pathway at the rear of the house, she was re-living the past year, one more time. It didn't hurt as much now. The heartbreak and anguish of it had eased a little with each re-living. The perspective of it all had broadened a bit too. She could see it a little clearer now, understand it, accept it, survive it.
It was Ken who made that possible. If she lived to be a hundred, she would never be able to repay him. He had been a real savour, her Guardian Angel.
That sad evening in the little graveyard in Glengriffen, when they laid Garry to rest, he showed his true colours. Having poured out her anguished soul and could cry no more, he took her in his arms.
'Come home now, Love ... I'll look after you.'
She knew from the previous week - he knew too. He also knew that the little heartbeat inside her wasn't of his creation. It was as if he expected it to happen, conditioned himself to accept it when it did.
Four months on, he seems happy and contented, admiring her grow and develop into motherhood. Soon he will be a dad. He is looking forward eagerly to that, doesn't want to talk about how it came about.
She strolled up the field towards the little stable complex, which she had designed, and he had insisted on getting built, shortly after the sad events in April. It blended in nicely with the surroundings, just as she thought it would.
'Harmonica' was grazing peacefully in the lush pasture. They touched, lovingly acknowledging each other's presence. Next spring hopefully, she will be pregnant too. Jenny could envisage her dream coming true. She longed for the day when she could lean over the rustic fence, introduce her baby to 'Harmonica's little foal, helping to form that deep, intangible bond that would enrich a young soul and remain for a lifetime.
Jenny was glad that Garry's mother had now recovered sufficiently to write to her, inviting Ken and herself down to Glengriffen. It was nice to hear from her and get a little news.
'The stable had been sold - an English couple starting a riding school. Some of the horses had gone home to their owners, some to other trainers. Emily was kept on by the new owners, little Johnny had to find another job. There was much more to tell - when she comes down, she can have it all.'
Another reason why Garry's mother invited her down was to thank her from her heart for sending down that picture. It was so big and beautiful. It now has pride of place in the bar, hanging opposite the other big one of Garry. Jenny couldn't wait to see it.
She was glad Ken had agreed to come too. It would close that chapter on a segment of her life that was weird and wonderful. Not a minute of it did she regret. Garry wouldn't want that. He had thought her the real meaning of the word 'positive.'
She was now about to fulfil the appointment which Garry had made with his mother that night after their big win in Gowran, when he promised to visit home and bring the jockey with him.
He, sadly, wouldn't be with her now, but he would know, and be happy, that part of him would.
A thought she cherished too.
* * *
Copyright 2013 Paddy Cummins
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the publisher. It may not be otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published, without a similar condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser.
All characters in this publication are fictitious, and any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
Ebook formatting by www.ebooklaunch.com
Other books by Paddy Cummins
At Home in Ireland
Shades of Life
Fields of Green
The Bombing of Campile
Yoke the Pony
The Crying Sea
It's a Long Way to Malta
Time & Tide
Green Lodge
Yoke the Pony
Paddy Cummins
A nostalgic and emotional story set in the green isle of Ireland.
Inspired by a true story of life in Ireland three generations ago.
A tapestry of Irish childhood memories.
A beautiful memoir of innocence and simplicity.
A heart-warming novel of bygone days in Ireland.
www.amazon.com/dp/B00CPKP31E
It's a Long Way to Malta
Paddy Cummins
An Irishman's 'Gem in the Med'
The 2012 Number One Malta Travel Book.
"Paddy Cummins has created a gripping and emotional book that captivates at every turn of the page.
Endlessly fascinating, tensely absorbing, with humorous anecdotes.
This is classic travel writing - a brilliant read"
Michael K Hayes. Renowned Travel Writer. BBC Radio Presenter.
www.amazon.com/dp/B008QNJJBE
The Crying Sea
Paddy Cummins
A Maltese fishing boat explodes in a raging inferno and sinks to the depths of the Mediterranean.
So begins six days and nights of unspeakable anguish for the crew; shock, horror and grief for the island of Malta.
Inspired by a true 2008 sea disaster. A harrowing story of intense human drama.
"A superb read ... A story that will remain with you forever."
Damien Tiernan. Author of:
'Souls Of The Sea'
www.amazon.com/dp/B009A8G64C
Time & Tide
Paddy Cummins
A Charming collection of Short Stories and Poems.
Food for the Soul.
Stories Rich and Real.
Poems Sweet and Tender.
From Life's Ingredients.
www.amazon.com/dp/B009xP098Q
Green Lodge
Paddy Cummins
The equine bloodlines developed by Janet Johnson at Green Lodge Stud Farm are the secret of her brilliant success.
Her human bloodlines are a secret too, but
they would lead her to turmoil, strife and dismal failure. The dream of nineteen-year-old, penniless, stable lad, Ricky Baker, to one day, own a stud farm, takes an unexpected turn with the chance discovery that his wealthy Farmer/Politician boss, is not the Sam MacArdy he thought he was.
It is the first step on a journey that would lead him to Gillian, and change their lives forever.
So begins two years of adventure, excitement, ecstasy, passion, pain and torment.
His dream and Gillian's true love are the powerful strengths that bring them through.
www.amazon.com/dp/B00B24QUWK
Table of Contents
Thrills of Adventure
Dream Believer
Serious Business
The Chase
Dicing with Death
Lifting the Gloom
Labour of Love
Anguish of Loss
Fertile Flight
Step to Stardom
Come Fly With Me
Deceit and Deception
Wild and Free
Heavenly Ride
Lure of Temptation
The Big Test
A Word in your Ear
Turmoil
Power and Passion
Fatal Slip
The Price of Paradise
Reflection
Copyright
Other books
Dream Valley Page 21
