The bay mare strained and struggled to bring her new foal into the world. She was no stranger to foaling, having delivered a filly not two years before, but this one seemed difficult. He…or she, was just trying to make this as uncomfortable for their mother as possible. The bay silently cursed his…or her sire for her pain and suffering. If she ever saw him again…
Before she could finish her thought, the foal finally decided to grace her with his presence. Yes, his presence. It was a strapping chestnut colt, her first colt, the very image of his sire. She forgot her pain and anger and reached forward to nudge him. The colt stared at her with curious, yet affectionate eyes. He attempted to stand, but toppled over himself in his coltish excitement.
The mare neighed in laughter and a groom popped his head over the stall door. He was an elderly man of African descent, with warm eyes and laugh lines around his mouth.
"Mrs. Belmont!" He cried, entering the stall, "She's dropped a colt!" A middle aged woman appeared in the doorway. Not so long ago she had been very beautiful and a big Broadway star. She knew exactly which mare the groom talked about, her favorite one. Just as she glanced at the colt, he stood up for the first time.
"He's strong," she said in a soft English accent, "just like his sire. Just like his master, August!" She entered the stall and crouched before the newborn. The foal watched her with wide, slightly fearful eyes. The woman smiled and reached out her hand. When he sniffed it, he immediately forgot his fear of her.
"You should name him Mrs. Belmont." The groom reminded her gently.
"How many times do I have to tell you James," she chuckled, "call me Eleanor. And I will name him in honor of his master."
"His name will be August Belmont?" The groom asked in confusion.
"My Man O' War," she corrected, "what with August in Europe now. My Man O' War." She stroked the mare, Mahubah, and lovingly scratched the colt's ears. The colt that would change racing forever.
A/N: I just had to write this. I own nothing but James. Oh, and two dogs and a betta fish. Just so you know, Man O' War's original name was My Man O' War. Anywho, reviews are like chocolate chip cookies. I can't get enough of 'em!