Racing to a Chance Future chapter 7
Ronald's eyes went wide as he looked out the carriage window. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. Never before had he seen so many people and horses all gathered in one place in his life. He suddenly felt butterflies rise in his stomach. He still couldn't believe he was here at an actually track.
"You ready, Ronald?" William asked as he looked over at the blond as the carriage came to a stop.
Ronald was snapped from his thoughts and looked over at Will.
"Yeah... I guess... I'm just a bit nervous that's all." He whispered.
William smiled at him and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"You'll do fine. My father, Mr. De Lunca, Murphy, and I all believe in you." He whispered back and opened the door.
Ronald followed William as he stepped out. He looked around.
"Where is Murphy?" He asked, looking for the head groomer.
"He's mostly likely down in the stable area with Lighting to get ready before the race." William answered as he looked around and spotted his father with Mr. De Lunca.
The two adults made their way to the teenagers. Mr. Spears smiled and looked at the blond.
"We should all head down to the stables and check on Lighting to see how he's settling in." Mr. Spears said.
They all headed down to the stables and Ronald thought the barn at Oakland Acres was huge. The racetrack's barn was even bigger. He looked around, watching as stable hands and jockeys rushed about trying to get ready before the posting parade. Mr. De Lunca pointed to the very end of the barn.
"There they are." He said.
Ronald and William raced over to help out Murphy with the black thoroughbred colt.
"Ya should get 'eady, Ron. The postin' parade will be startin' soon." Murphy said as he looked over at the blond.
Ronald shrugged and turned around to get dressed, only to bump into another teen about his age.
"Watch where you're going!" The person snapped as Ronald stumbled back a bit from the impact.
"S-Sorry... I-"
"Maybe you should find a better way to excuse yourself." William hissed, coming to Ronald's aid.
The teenager glared back at William. His silk uniform indicated that he was jockey from a different stable.
"You shouldn't waste your time here." The teen said before turning around and left.
Ronald glanced at William with a confused look on his face.
"Who was that?" He asked.
"Rudy Blacksmith. The new jockey for Blackheart Stables." William explained, "The Blackheart Stables have won the London Cup for years but it will different this year." He looked at Ronald and smiled.
Ronald nodded, before gathering his jockey uniform and equipment. He quickly got changed. His uniform was a dark brown and black striped silk shirt with brown pant and proper riding boots. His held his helmet under his arm as he finished up.
"You look wonderful, very classy."
The sudden sound of Will's voice startled Ronald. He whipped his head around to see Will dressed up as well with riding boot and a long red tailcoat. Ronald smiled at this and stepped to him.
"So do ya." He said before looking around and placed a quick kiss on Will's cheek.
"Prince and I will be escorting you around in the posting parade and when you win." William whispered with a smile.
"Ya really think I could do it?" Ronald asked.
William nodded.
"Of course I do. Speaking of the posting parade... we should get you aboard Lighting. It will be starting in a few minutes." Will said and pulled Ronald out of the dressing room and into the stables.
Ronald followed after William, trying to keep up as he jostled by the groomer and jockey trying to tack up their horses and hop on. He followed the other teen until he stopped in front of a wash stall with a number 4 over it. Murphy was waiting there holding both Lighting and Prince's reins in his hands. Mr. Spears and Mr. De Lunca smiled and Ronald was given a leg up into the small saddle by William. He patted Lighting's black neck before slipping on his riding gloves. Murphy handed the blond the reins as William pulled himself into Prince's saddle. The silver Arabian's mane was braided with black ribbons and his tack was decorated with gold and red ribbons to match Will's outfit. The taller teen strapped on his black helmet and held the reins in his hands.
"Good luck, Mr. Knox." Mr. Spears said, patting the colt's sleek black neck.
Ronald smiled and nodded.
"Thank ya Mr. Spears. I won't let ya down." He said as Will took the end of Lighting's reins.
The trumpet sounded as the racers and their guiders lined up in numeral order.
Ronald suddenly felt the butterflies fill his stomach again. His hands tightened around the reins.
"Hey... there's nothing to worry about. Just do your best." William whispered.
The taller teen looked around quickly before placing a gentle kiss on Ronald's lips. Ronald's eyes went wide before he slowly began to close them before William pulled away. The blond slapped his goggles on his face and smiled.
"I plan on doing more than just my best." He replied.
Before they knew it they were out on the dirt track. Ronald was amazed at how many people were there. He heard the announcer call out the horse and rider names one by one.
"Number 2: Blood Rose mounted by Rudy Blacksmith."
Ronald's narrowed as he heard the announcer called out the jerk jockey's name and the horse he was riding. He made a mental note to watch out for them especially. A small smile crossed the blond's lips as he heard the announce call out their number.
"Number 4: Trending on Lighting mounted by Ronald Knox."
William couldn't help but smile at seeing how happy Ronald looked. Before he knew it, the posting parade was over and they were loading the horses into the gate.
Ronald let out a deep sigh as the gate closed behind them. The other horses kicked and thrashed about in the gates next to them while Lighting stayed still and calm. Ronald glanced across the row and caught Rudy's eye. He glared at him before the gate opened and the bell rang. The horses took off at a full gallop.
In a matter of seconds, Ronald was boxed in. The dirt that flipped up from the hoofs of other horses flew up into his face. He managed to find an opened as a horse went past and took the chance. He pulled Lighting to the side, away from the others. Ronald loosened his grip on the reins and let Lighting surge forward, like he did in practice. He then caught a glimpse of Blood Rose creeping up against the railing to take the lead as they turned the second corner. Ronald looked over his shoulder to see that it was just him and Rudy fighting for the lead as they made their down the final stretch. He pulled Lighting over to the rail to become neck and neck with Blood Rose. He caught Rudy's eye and glared at him through his goggles. The blond was surprised when Lighting suddenly surged forward and took the lead. The crowd cheered as they crossed the finish line. Ronald pulled the colt to a trot and saw William trot up und held onto Lighting's reins.
"I told you'd do great." Will whispered and led them to the winner's circle.
Ronald saw Rudy upon Blood Rose trotting past them. He caught the blond's eye and narrowed his eyes at him. Ronald realized then that he had made a racing rival.