by Mike Rogers
One of the two horses in front of me seemed to be weakening. Looking to the left, I had a free shot along the inside. Shifting Mulch to the inside, I urged him partway into the hole. Steadying him, I waited for something else to happen in front of me.
Halfway around the far turn, I got my chance. Now I just hoped Mulch had enough kick. Tapping him with the crop, I started to push him forward. Gearing up he made it through he hole just in time. We were now parallel with a closing horse on the outside. At the top of the stretch, the other horse was a half-length ahead because he had more momentum.
I started to whip Mulch with the crop. As he continued to gain more momentum, he slowly closed ground. Riding vigorously, I though we might be able to make this close.
Suddenly, the horse in from took a bad step and rammed into Mulch. Then, I realized we were crashing through the inside rail. The next thing I knew was flying through the air, landing, and rolling all the way over before stopping.
I would have gotten up right away, but I had the wind knocked out of me. Gasping for breath, I tried to talk to the emergency worker, but couldn't get anything out. Just as he rolled me over, I got my breath. Simultaneously, a shooting pain went through my left wrist.
"Owww!" I cried, hugging my wrist to my body.
"Relax…Relax," the emergency worker said, gently prying my arm away from me and putting it in a brace. "We just have to get this checked out."
Grimacing out of irritation, I allowed them to life me onto a stretcher and into the ambulance. A feeling of sadness overwhelmed me when I saw my friend crying, and the lifeless body of Mulch Gulch laying on the grass course. What a horrible way to end a wonderful life.
Chapter Eleven
Three hours later, I was getting the results of the x-ray. "All right, doc, give me the bad news," I said sighing.
"Well, the bad new is that you have a bit of a sprain, but if you rest it for a full two weeks, you can ride Longshot in the Pacific Classic and Cage Fighter in the Ellis Park Futurity."
"Really?! Geez, doc! You didn't have to act like it was the end of the world! When do I get out of here?" As I said this, I sat up and put my legs over the side of the bed.
Standing in front of me, the doctor picked my feet up, put them back on the bed, and gently pushed me back in a laying position. "Not yet. I want to observe you for the night."
But there's nothing wrong with me! You know that perfectly well!" As he walked out of the room, "You can't make me stay here!"
Nine o'clock at night, as I stood pacing back and forth in front of my window like a caged bird, my phone rang.
Picking it up, I barely got out, "Sarah Randall speaking," before I had to hold the phone a foot away from my face…Ok! A slight exaggeration, but only slight!
"What were you thinking!?" The very familiar voice of Lucero shrieked a cross-country away. "To become a successful rider, you cannot make stupid decisions! How could you be so stupid!?" Here, he finally paused to allow me to speak.
I took the opportunity given to me, "A very good friend who gave me employment when I needed it most asked me to ride because her jock was incapacitated. I couldn't turn her down! Even though she never had a lot of high caliber horses, but they were always the best behaved."
"It doesn't matter!" Lucero reprimanded, "With so many quality horses at your disposal, you shouldn't have taken the risk!"
"Well," I said my voice a little shaky, "Then fire me…"
For a couple seconds there was silence on the other end. Then, he snarled, "Don't tempt me," and hung up the phone.
Releasing my breath, I realized how close I had come to being fired. I really should have just told him that I'd never do it again. But that wasn't true because I would if one of my friends asked again. Leaning back in my bed, I decided to get some sleep because it was going to be a long day tomorrow.
The next morning, I somehow begged and cajoled the doctor to let me out in time to make it to the auction. I entered the pavilion and slid my way beside Mr. Rogers right on time.
"Oh! You made it," he whispered excitedly, "I wasn't sure if you were going to."
"I wouldn't miss it for the world. I would have broken out if I had to."
For an hour, we waited impatiently for Hip #1050 to enter the ring. When Hip #1049 exited, we all moved to the edge of out seats. It seemed like forever before we saw the auctioneer nod and start his spiel.
"Here, folks, is Hip 1050, a gorgeous chestnut colt out of Tinner's Way by Society Selection. He is a full brother to Horse of the Year Longshot who just won the Hollywood Gold Cup and is now pointing for the Pacific Classic in two weeks. This colt's dam has thrown five stakes horses and his sire is by champion Secretariat. All right! Let's get started!"
Right off the bat, Mr. Rogers started to raise his hand to bid. Grabbing his hand, I signaled for him to wait. Right when it looked like the bidding would slow down, I signaled for Mr. Rogers to start bidding. His first bid raised the price to $1.5 million. Twenty minutes later, the bidding progress slowly to $1.75 million. And…ten minutes later, Mr. Rogers had his colt for $1.9 million. Shaking his hand, I got up and walked out of the pavilion.
Going up to the new purchase, I scrutinized him carefully. He seemed a little small, but according to the catalog, he was a late April foal. He seemed to have a good structure that would support his developing body. Nodding in satisfaction, I went to find a phone.
As I picked up the phone, I remembered the number of Lucero's long distance account. Dialing it in, I then dialed his cell phone and heard the return ring.
A second later, I heard a gruff, "What?"
"Hey, sleepy head!" I said brightly just to annoy him.
"I wouldn't try to be funny with me if I were you…" he warned. "I'm still not happy with you. Plus, you're catching the next plane back here."
"All right," I murmured, "I'll book a flight right away." I never had a chance to tell him that the Rogers had bought Longshot's full brother.
Five hours later, I trudged into the barn, and sat down in Lucero's office. Harry walked in a minute later.
"Welcome back," he said sitting in the chair beside me. He immediately got to the meat of it all. "You do know that you're in major trouble right?"
I nonchalantly said, "Some trouble, yes."
"No, more than some," Harry said gravely, "I was there and saw his face when you fell off. It went as white as a sheet. I thought he was going to faint! Especially when you were lifted up on the stretcher."
Sighing, Harry continued, "No, Sarah, you've got a big problem on your hands." Patting my shoulder, he got up and walked out.
Tensely, I waited for him to start berating me horribly. But as time wore on, my fatigue started to catch up with me. I don't really remember falling asleep, but apparently, I had. I'm not sure, but it could have been the same old story of resting with my eyes closed, but accidentally falling asleep!
Because I was asleep, I didn't notice Lucero enter the room and then stop short just to gaze at my sleeping figure. As he sat down in his chair, it creaked, stirring me into wakefulness. Groaning, I stretched and rubbed my eyes before opening them. Then, I looked straight at Lucero's face.
Immediately, the apologies flowed forth, "Oh gosh! I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to fall asleep!"
He calmed my outburst by raising his hand. "I understand that it would have been difficult, one, because you had a long cross-country flight and, two, because you fell of and sprained you wrist." Throughout, his voice had become more strained and harsh.
Wincing, I said, "Haven't you gotten over that yet?"
"Before we get started on that again, I got a call from your doctor…He said that if you rest it two full weeks that you'll be able to ride in the Pacific Classic."
"That's good news, isn't it?" I said brightly.
"Well," he said in a mysterious voice, "I don't know if I want you on Longshot that weekend –"
"What!" I shrieked, "You can't mean that!"
"Oh," he stated imperiou
sly, "I can. You'll already be missing the European races, but besides that you won't be able to ride in the Hopeful on Cage Fighter, Gambit in the Saratoga Handicap, or Rodney in the Monmouth Handicap. What should make me think that you'll be able to ride Longshot?"
Stammering, "Because…I—I can!" Watching his unfeeling face, I felt tears come to my eyes. I wasn't going to let him see me cry. Getting up, I said in a clogged voice, "Fine. Do what you think is best." Before he could say anything else, I walked out.
Outside the office, I ran out of the barn. It was my worst nightmare all over again. As I ran along the nicely kept barns, I relieved that horrible day years ago.
Four years earlier…
"Sarah, come into my office please," Lucero said motioning to me.
"Sure!" I said brightly, putting my stuff down. Entering, I sat down opposite to him, for the first time noticing his stern face. "What's the problem?" I questioned worriedly.
"You, I'm afraid," he said, refusing to look me in the face.
"What?" I whispered not daring to believe what I had heard.
"You won't be riding for me any more, Sarah," he stated, showing no emotion. "I want you out of here by this evening." Then, he turned away and started shuffling through his papers.
"How…how can you be so stoic? I don't even know what I've done! Usually a person is told their faults!" I was by now, standing, yelling, and flailing my arms. Glaring at him, I waited for him to respond. Prompting him, I snapped, "Well?"
calmly, and without looking at me, he said, "As I said before, I want you out by evening."
Realizing my cause was hopeless, I ran out of the office, grabbing my stuff closest to me and ran out crying.
Present
I had been running along the barns just like I was now. Was my horrible life going to return? Finding a payphone, I called for a tax. Whipping around, I ran smack dab into a very solid chest. Immediately, strong arms enfolded me. Struggling, I tried to get away, but I couldn't get myself free.
"Calm down, Sarah," Lucero murmured, gently pushing me into a car. "There's nothing to be so upset about."
Cowering in the passenger's seat, I was immobile in my confused thoughts. Getting in the driver's side, Lucero quietly started the car and without saying a word started to drive. 'What was he doing? Where was he taking me?' Taking a deep breath, I tried to muster up the courage to ask him something, but just couldn't.
As if reading my thoughts, Lucero said, "We're going to my house. We need to get something straight."
Snapping, I said, "We don't need to get anything straight! I should have known never to ask you for help!"
Sighing, he murmured, "Maybe you're right. Maybe you should have never come back…But it's now the present and not the past…It's too late to go back now."
Realizing that he was right, I remained quite for the rest of the ride. When we arrived at his house, I opened my door and slowly got out of ht car. Unlocking the door, he opened it beckoning me to enter.
Going into the house, he led me into the living room, encouraging me to sit in a chair. Sitting down opposite me, he took a deep breath. "Ok…I'm only going to say this once more. I will not sack you, and I'm not out to find anything wrong. You are an important asset to this barn. You are my top rider. If anything happens to you, it affects my whole schedule."
Not convinced, I countered, "You know, I remember a similar speech a few years ago…You remember I'm sure…"
About four years earlier
"Lucero, I promise I had nothing to do with fixing the race. Rarest Gold just didn't run for me! I have no idea why these people, whoever they are, claimed I held him to plan." I was rather distraught as I tried to convince him of my innocence. "Ask Harry if you don't believe me! He knows the condition the horse is in!"
" All right, all right, Sarah. I've already talked to Harry." He continued, "I've seen the race and know the condition of the horse. You're too much of an asset to love over such a petty issue.
Back to the present
"For the next two weeks, I answered stupid media questions but remained confident of my job." Resignedly, I continued, "But…then I went into your office to find out that I was sacked with no clear explanation! I wonder…Do you have one for me now?" I demanded.
He said, "I'm sorry, Sarah, I can't tell you."
"Just as I thought! You know what! I should just quit right now. There are plenty other trainers who would be willing to give me rides!"
With a slight smirk, he said, "But you won't."
"What's keeping me!?" I snapped.
He said simply, "I have Longshot."
As you probably guessed, I stayed. I knew I would hate him for the rest of my life, but as long as I had Longshot, I could survive. But I so do HATE him getting the upper hand!
Once he was satisfied that I would stay, he had a cab take me to my apartment where I flopped down on my bed and slept.
Chapter Twelve
Needless to say, for the next two weeks I spent little time at the barn. I avoided Lucero like he plague and got all of my information from Harry.
So I was sitting on my couch Thursday evening, when my phone rang. "Hello,
Sarah Randall—"
"Oh my gosh, Sarah! Thank goodness you're there!" Apparently, Arthur Baca needed to talk to me. And…Did I hear right or did he sound desperate? He seemed to read my mind, "I knew what you're thinking, but my problem, it's your fault by the way, is catastrophic! How could you get injured and settle me with the black beast! You did on purpose didn't you!"
"Geez, Arthur. I didn't know you were such a Drama Queen," I could barely get the words out. Laughter was trying to take over my body.
"Sarah," Arthur warned in that irritated voice that said it's really not funny. "You didn't see what he did to me in that first race, did you?"
"No, I didn't, but I know exactly what you need."
Wearily, he answered, "What's that?"
Glancing at the clock, I said, "How fast can you get here? I think you need a little conference time." Hearing the click of the disconnection, I knew Arthur was on his way.
Ten minutes later, Arthur was sitting on my couch looking extremely stressed. Grabbing a tablet and pen, I sat down beside him.
"Ok, I'm going to tell you what to do every step of the way…in the post parade, don't take a pony. Just take a firm hold and let him gallop. At the gate…" Arthur shuddered at the word "gate." "…you're going to do something different. When he starts to give you trouble, whack him a good one on the rump. It is ESSENTIAL that you mean it, or he'll walk all over you!
"Once Cage Fighter realizes that you dictate life, he'll listen much better. It worked in the middle of the race so it should work before too…Now; during the race don't try to remain perfectly still. Move your hands around, shift your weight, flap the crop a little, etc. That will keep him concentrating on you. Otherwise, he'll run like he did in his first race. Got that?"
Looking over at Arthur, he seemed a little overwhelmed. Good thing I wrote this down for him.
Mirroring my thoughts, "Good thing you wrote all that down."
Standing up, I gave him the sheet saying, "Those are my tips. Ask Lucero about race strategy." Walking toward the kitchen, I asked, "Do you want something to drink?"
"Sure, I could use some water."
No wonder, I thought. He probably sweated it all out worrying. Just as I entered the kitchen, the phone rang. "Grab that would you Arthur?"
"Hello?" Arthur asked. After about five seconds, Arthur put the phone back in the cradle. Answering my unspoken question, "It was Lucero. He said he'd call you
later."
"Huh," I murmured, "I wonder why he didn't want to talk to me." Shrugging, I sat down beside Arthur and talked about life.
On the evening of the Ellis Futurity, I paced back and forth in front of my computer, refreshing the Equibase page for the results. Ten minutes later, I found myself leaping towards the computer.
Ten Seconds Later
&nbs
p; "Ahhhh! Arthur, you're an angel!" If you hadn't guessed, Cage Fighter won. I quickly scanned down to the explanation.
Cage Cage Fighter: Rated nicely in mid-pack, swung outside far turn,
Drifted out top stretch, surged, just got up
Smiling, I said, "Arthur he drifted out because you thought you had it in the bag and relaxed so he lost concentration." Laughing, I relaxed for the rest of the night.
It was five o'clock eastern time Sunday. The coverage for the Haskell Invitational was about to begin. This was the race I was most disappointed to miss. Countdown had amazed me in that slow mile workout a month or so before. Hopefully, he was a champion in the making.
