Sage trembled with anticipation for she knew instinctively that today was race day, her birthright, her purpose, her legacy. From early morning in her stable to this moment in the confines of the starting cage, her excitement slowly burned, mounted by the assault on her senses. The neighs and whinnies of unknown horses, the stench of their excitement, sweat mixed with urine, the sweet taste of Timothy and alfalfa grasses, the roar of crowd, the thunder of hooves, the call of the bugler, the slam of the starting gate door, the open stretch of track ahead. Sage was a thoroughbred, on the cusp of another win, born to race, to stride long and fast, to breath clean and hard, to edge out the competition, to push through to the end, to win. Sage was ready.
Amy, too, trembled with anticipation for she knew instinctively that today, this race day, would test her skill as a jockey, certainly. But, she didn't know the race's full measure. Win or lose, this race could open doors, challenge her beliefs, change her relationships, test her courage, shift her path. Like Sage, from early morning in the stable to this moment in the confines of the starting gate, her excitement slowly burned, mounted by the assault on her senses. The beauty of the track and it's grounds, the rich history of racing, the pageantry of finery, the thrill in the air, adoration of family, friends, and strangers alike, roar of the crowds, call of the bugler, the slam of the starting gate door, open stretch of track ahead. Amy was a young woman, on the cusp of change. Yes, she was born with a gift, nurtured by her mom, but she also suffered great loss, heartache. She needed to push through her pain, to edge out her insecurities, to learn to trust and believe, to find her path, to grow up, to become whole again. Amy was ready.
Positioned on Sage's back, she pat her neck, "Sage, you are a good girl. Show them how a lady races!" Amy laughed.
Then she turned to her right, to Janice atop of Dexter, and wished them a good run. Amy didn't know what else to say. She had already begged her dad not to race him to no avail. She was still worried about Dexter, hoped that he was truly fit to race and that he would finish the race without any more injury. She truly did wished him a good run.
Her gaze drifted, beyond Janice, to the rail mobbed by cheering spectators. She saw him looking at her. Ty. Even from the distance, she could see his green eyes, his smile. He mouthed Good Luck to her. She smiled back.
She thought back to that morning. Watching Ty interact with Sage made her happy. He greeted the horse first, even before he greeted her. He talked to Sage in a relaxed tone, with kind words and gentle touch. He showed the horse respect, he asked her permission, he treated her like the lady she was. Ty was intuitive about horses, all animals really.
When he turned his attention to Amy, she felt her heart beat faster. He talked and laughed with her, hugged her, kissed her cheek.
Her feelings of worry, insecurity instantly vanished, replaced by pride. Not for herself, but for Ty. Even though he was only a Vet Tech, he had found his calling. She knew Ty would be a wonderful Vet some day. Even Stuart said that.
When he examined Sage, his first and only concern was for her, her health, her readiness for her job. The fact that she was a racehorse with a high end lifestyle in a money-making industry was immaterial to him. She could have easily been a plow horse or a police horse. He conducted his exam as he would any horse, or any animal, with compassion, skill and attention to detail.
This race day, the Timbre Classic racehorses depended upon Ty and Stuart, their thoroughness, their objectivity, their honest assessment. Unfortunately, racehorses, like Sage and Dexter, are injured at racetracks. Sometimes the injury is so severe, such as a compound leg fracture, that the horse must be euthanized. Most injuries occurred purely by accident or unforeseen circumstance. The role of a Track Vet is to identify and address any injury, exhaustion, weakness, physical abnormalities, sometimes hidden from plain view, that could result in harm to the horse, if raced. When warranted, the horse will be scratched.
Amy was grateful for Ty and Stuart and their work. She had grown to love Sage, her beautiful gray coat, her lady-like personality, her athleticism, her agility, her spirit. Yes, Amy wanted her to win, but certainly not at the price of injury, or worse death.
Her attention shifted back to Sage and the starting gate. After days of holding her back, restricting her speed, her extension, her distance, Amy knew that Sage was more than ready to run.
And, Amy was more than ready to ride. She understood Sage, her strengths, her weaknesses. She understood what she liked and what she didn't. All that would be accounted for during the race.
The starting gun sounded and the gate before them swung open. The announcer called,
"They are off!"
Sage shot out of the gate, with Amy already in position hovering slightly over the small saddle, balancing in the short stirrups with bent knees. Amy knew that thoroughbreds of Sage's caliber on average ran a mile and a quarter in 2 minutes, give or take. At that speed, a horse will sling sweat, slobber and track dirt. Old Sweet Sage clearly did not like dirt and stench, especially from another horse. So, Amy ran her straight up the middle, surpassing the pack quickly, taking an early lead. "Good girl Sage. You such a lady!"
Sage gathered and extended her long, fast stride with her naturally flexible muscles. She exuded confidence, superior coordination, athleticism and clean airways.
Amy leaned forward with both hands ahold of crossed reins. As Sage's stride grew longer and faster, Amy pushed and pulled her arms with the same rhythm. She did not use a riding crop, instead signaled Sage to accelerate by the action of her arms or sound of her voice.
The roar of crowd grew louder and more intense with each furlough. The announcer's voice became more excited, fever pitched. The spectators were on the feet, cheering, screaming.
Amy did not look behind them, only straight ahead, focused on their goal. But, she could sense a horse coming up quickly behind them. The crowd was frenzied, intermingled with screaming and yelling.
Amy pushed Sage harder, Sage responded immediately, lengthening her stride. "Faster Sage! Come on girl! We're almost there!" Both wanted to win. To be first.
The finish was in sight. Amy kept her focus there. From the corner of her eye, she saw the nose of another horse, bobbing to her right, inching closer. She glanced over her shoulder, she couldn't believe it. Dexter! He was approaching fast, almost neck and neck.
She refocused on the Finish Line. Just a few more strides, Amy urged Sage on. "Go! Go! Sage, you can do it!"
The thunderous sound of two horses crossing the Finish Line simultaneously shook the post. A photo finish to determine the winner was certain.
The race was over. Amy and Sage were spent but their adrenaline was still running high.
Almost immediately, the announcer called the race. "Old Sweet Sage, number 3, for the win!!" Amy could hardly believe it, they had won!
Laughing, she patted Sage's mane and kissed her neck. "Sage, such a good girl. Can you believe it? We won Sage! We won!"
As Sage slowed her pace, the announcer continued to call the race. "Number Six, Eden Isle, for Place. And, Number Two, Honeysuckle Moon, for Show."
Amy was confused. She saw Dexter, he was right next to her at the Finish Line. She was certain it was him. She wondered aloud if she imagined that.
Slowing down to a trot, Amy guided Sage to loop back toward the Finish Line and the Winner's Circle. She searched the track looking for Dexter. But, all the other racehorses had been led off the track to get an ice bath and Post Race exam.
When Sage and Amy approached, Lisa, Jack and a huge crowd had already congregated, celebrating, laughing, hugging. The official photographer was setting up, the press was swarming.
When they saw her, they called out "Here they are! Here come the winners! Way to go Amy! Way to go Sage! What an incredible race!" Amy waved and grinned.
Amy didn't care about the winners circle, winners cup, blanket of roses, press or even the photos. But, those were important to Lisa and Fairfield. So, she was excited for Lisa.
She was, however, looking forward to the dedication of the race's proceeds to Julie Baker and the Canter Project. And, she wanted to announce the donation of her own winnings to this worthwhile charity. She could hardly wait for that.
Amy and Sage, now in the circle, were swarmed. The photographer quickly took their picture with Sage wearing the roses. Then Andy and the track crew led Sage off track for his ice bath and exam.
Standing next to Lisa and Jack, Amy watched the presentation of the cup to Lisa which she graciously accepted.
"First and foremost, I want to thank Amy Fleming, Sage's trainer and jockey. She is a skilled, gifted horsewoman. She recognized Sage's incredible talent and worked with her to maximize her potential. Without the incredible bond between Amy and Sage, we would not be here today." She grinned at Amy, pulled her in for a hug and kiss. She whispered, "Amy, I am so very proud of you, sweetheart. Thank you."
Looking over Lisa's shoulder, Amy noticed several track crew and Ty hurriedly gathering near the spectator rail, just past the finish line. Then she saw him. Dexter. He was being led into the group. He was panting heavily, his neck and coat were slathered with thick, white foamy sweat. His muscles were quivering, his head hung low. The crew began to hoist a green tarp around him.
"Lisa. Please excuse me." Amy took off from the winners circle, ran around the tarp to Sage's side. As soon as he saw her, he flared his nostrils and nodded his head. She stroked his nose, petted his mane, she was worried. "Hello Dexter. How's my sweet boy? Know you are hot, tired, thirsty. We're going help you. Just stay calm."
"Amy! " Ty said from behind her. "Wow. That race was crazy. Congratulations!" he kissed her cheek. "But, what are you doing here?"
She tried to smile a thanks. "Ty, I am really worried about Dexter. He looks bad."
"Amy, look, Dexter is very overheated from the race. We're addressing that." He paused, trying to be calm. "You are the winning jockey. You probably need to get back to the Winner's Circle."
"That can wait. I am staying right here until I know he's okay." She stated.
Ty shrugged knowing that she was stubborn. "Whatever makes you happy, horsey girl."
"Ty, Dexter is so hot to the touch and needs to be cooled down immediately. We need ice water to bath him."
He pointed behind her. The crew had already hauled in the buckets full of ice water and hoses. "Okay crew, you heard her. Let's get him cooled down." Ty handed her a bucket of ice water.
"I should have known..." she said sheepishly. Then she turned to Dexter. "Ty, already has you covered, Dexter...The water is going to be very cold. But, think you'll like it." explained Amy.
With Dexter's ice bath underway, Ty asked, "Amy, would you check his legs for swelling and tenderness. Please?" He flashed her a smile.
While she checked each leg, Ty did other checks like temperature, gum check, respiration, skin pinch test, pulse. "Ty. No swelling or tenderness. Only heat."
"Okay. Good. But, he is in heat stress, he almost ran 2 miles full out. But, if we don't move fast, it will be heat exhaustion."
"That sounds bad. How do you know?" She challenged him.
"Look. His rectal temperature is 103, his gums are discolored, his breathing is shallow, his heart rate is elevated and look at the consistency of his sweat."
"Okay. What do we need to do?"
"It's good that we started the ice bath. But, we need to get him walking and drinking water and electrolytes. Slowly, though."
Just then Stuart came in. "Hey Ty. What's your diagnosis?"
"Heat stress verging on exhaustion. Everything else checks."
"Okay, what's your plan?
"Ice bath in process, next slow walk to prevent enzyme settling in the muscles, water to restore hydration, electrolytes to restore loss, maybe massage.
Stuart looking up from Dexter's exam records, "I concur. Proceed. Need anything?"
"Nope. Amy's assisting."
Stuart looked up from the exam records and saw her. "Well, Amy Fleming! Congratulations. Wonderful race, very exciting. You should be proud." He paused.
Looking at Ty, "Ty, looks like you have yourself a winning jockey helping you! I said it before, Lucky You!"
"I Concur!" Ty winked at Amy, who blushed.
Stuart asked, "Amy, but why aren't you in the Winner's Circle? I think that they are waiting for you."
"Well, Dexter injured his leg previously and was in rehab. Um. With me. His owner chose to race him. I was very worried about another injury."
"Amy. Please be assured, Dexter's previous leg injury has healed. You did a good job with rehab. Ty told me about the situation with your dad this morning. So I did comprehensive exam before the race and confirmed it. He was fit to race."
"Dexter's issue now, as Ty indicated, is heat stress and exhaustion. He overexerted himself when he raced full out. It's not uncommon in racing. If we treat correctly and quickly, he'll recover."
Amy nodded.
Ty suggested. "Amy, let's get him walking slowly. Stay within the tarp. We don't want to upset Dexter." Amy nodded.
"He needs to drink water and electrolytes too." Ty added. "We'll keep icing him down."
She nodded. "Come on Dexter. Let's walk." She held his reins and walked backwards slowly, hoping he would follow.
When he did follow, she praised him. "Good boy, Dexter." then she held the bucket with a water/electrolyte mixture to his mouth "Here, drink some special water. Its refreshing. Take a drink." He wasn't interested.
With the palm of her hand, she scooped some of the water mix and brought it to his lips. He nibbled her hand, tasted the water. "Good boy!" She gave him a few more scoops from her hand, praising him. "Now let's try the bucket." He made a loud slurp as he took a sip. "Good boy. That feels good, doesn't?"
Little by little, Dexter was a bit more steady on his feet, had stopped panting. His body seemed cooler to the touch. But Amy kept him moving slowly.
Inside the green tarp, Amy looked around. "Ty. Where's Janice and Dad?"
"Dexter reared and bucked Janice off right after the opening of the race." He said as a matter of fact.
"Oh my god. Is she okay?"
"Yeah. I think so. She left the track and other things." Ty responded, sounding strange.
"Did she have to go to the hospital? Is dad with her?"
"I don't know, Amy." Ty said.
Amy paused. "Wait. So, did Dexter run the entire race without a jockey?"
"Yeah. Amy, he was incredible. Once Janice was thrown, Dexter just ran the race and then some. He zigzagged through the pack, until he broke free. He really didn't want to stop!"
"Wow. You wanted to race after all, huh Dexter?" She petted Dexter's nose.
"It was like he wanted to be with you and Sage. But once he caught up with you, he just kept running. It took us a while to catch him." Ty shook his head.
"So, this is my fault. If I hadn't been in the race, Dexter...," she trailed off feeling guilty.
"Amy, no. Dexter would have raced regardless. That's what he was bred to do." He looked at her, trying to catch her eye. He reached out and touched her arm. "Hey. He is gonna be fine. He had fun... plus, with no rider, he had no extra weight or pressure."
She nodded.
"Hey Amy. Go back to the Winner's Circle. Okay? You deserve that. So does Lisa."
"Can Dexter go with me? We tied the race. Please?"
"Tell you what, you go out first and I will walk Dexter to the circle after you." Amy hugged him.
When Amy left the tarp to go to the Winner's Circle, the remaining, much smaller crowd went wild and started chanting her name. Lisa and Jack hugged and kissed her, offering their congratulations. Trailing behind, Ty and Dexter received a similar roar when the reached the circle.
The announcer asked, "Amy, how does it feel to be the winning jockey at the Timbre Classic?" And he put the mic in front of her.
"Honestly, I am humbled."
"Come on, Amy. Give us more."
She looked at Ty, he mouthed, "Tell them!"
She nodded. "Okay. This day was absolutely incredible. To be able to ride, Old Sweet Sage, was an opportunity of a lifetime."
"So, first, thank you, my Sweet Sage, for allowing me to ride with you all the way to the Finish Line. You will always be the perfect lady who knows how win a race." She looked right at Andy who laughed.
"And, thank you, Lisa Stillman, for believing in me. I have grown so much from this amazing opportunity, from your wise counsel, and mostly, from your unconditional love." She looked right at Lisa, her eyes glistened. Jack wrapped his arm around her shoulder and squeezed a bit.
"Next, thank you, Lightening Dexter. You were my first racehorse. You will always have my racing heart. We'll have to check the photo finish to see which horse really won!" The crowd laughed.
"A huge thank you to Dr. Stuart Jackson and Ty Borden, this race's Track Vets. You worked all day to protect and preserve our horses' health so they could do what they love and still race again another day. " she smiled at Ty, he beamed back. Stuart was caught off guard, and chuckled. The crowd hooped!
"And, lastly, to Julie Baker and the Canter Project. Your incredible work pairing differently-abled adults and children with horses to promote healing is awe inspiring. To show my appreciation, I would like to donate my winnings from this race to you." Julie mouthed "Thank you so very much." The crowd stood and clapped.
"Thank you everyone." Amy stepped away from the mic and waved. The crowd went wild.
Together, Amy and Ty slowly walked Dexter back to his track stable. Both exhausted, they sat on hay bales, quiet in their own thoughts. Ty broke the silence. "Amy. You were so good out there. I am really proud of you."
"Honestly, it was Sage. She knew what to do. I just hung on." She laughed.
"Yes, the race was great. Sage was so fast. Dexter was a madman! And you, Amy. You were a perfect jockey. Cool, calm." He sighed. "But, I wasn't really talking about that though."
"Oh?"
"Leaving the winners circle for Dexter. Giving everybody else credit. Giving all your winnings to Canter Project. Supporting me." He paused. "I could go on."
She laughed. "Please do!"
"You crack me up, horsey girl." He stopped and reached for her hand. "Amy. You are amazing. All that you are and all that do, I am so glad that you are in my life."
He leaned over, kissed her lips ever so lightly. They looked in each other's eyes. Then smiled and pulled away.
"You know, Ty. I am worried about dad and Janice. It just not like him to disappear." She giggled. "Well, okay, he's good at disappearing. I mean, do you think that they had to go to the hospital?"
"I don't know."
"Maybe Grandpa knows. Will you call him? My phone is at Sage's stable. They need to know that Dexter is okay."
"Okay. But, they probably won't be coming back to the track, Amy." He looked at intensely.
"Ty? What's going on? Tell me." Amy grew even more worried.
"I can only say that there will be an investigation." He said cryptically.
"What do you mean? Are they in trouble? Tell me Ty. You have to tell me."
"I can't. I am sorry Amy."
Just then Stuart came to the stable to check on Dexter. "Ty. Amy. How's our patient?"
"He seems to be going much better but he's exhausted. Look, he's asleep on his feet." Ty replied.
"Good. Let me check." He pulled his stethoscope.
"Dexter. How are you doing? I hate to wake you but, I need to do a quick check on you. No pain, I promise." He checked his heart rate, pulse, gums, skin pinch test. "Okay, now I am going to check your temp rectally. It will be a little uncomfortable." He made some notes. "Okay, your doing good Dexter. You can catch up on your ZZZs."
Stuart finished his exam and made notes. "Well. Dexter's lab work is approaching normal levels, his temperature down, his pulse and respiration good. He's good but it will a few days for him to fully recover."
"Mind if I take a seat?" Stuart asked.
"Please."
Stuart sat and began to recount the day. "Ty, first and foremost, you performed magnificently today. Thank you. You are great with the horses, know your stuff and think quick on your feet."
Ty thanked him. "I really appreciated the opportunity to work with you. I learned a lot."
"Ty, you do recognize that you did for Dexter don't you? You alerted me to his past injuries, recognized his heat stress and exhaustion symptoms, you did the right checks, pinpointed the issues, determine the correct course of action and began treatment immediately. He could have collapsed or worse with your actions. Excellent work."
He smiled, letting his comment sink in. "Thanks. I just did what needed to be done."
Stuart stood up and shook Ty's hand.
"And, Amy, you are quite capable as well. Plus, you were instrumental in Dexter's recovery as well. The two of you make a terrific team."
He shook Amy's hand as well. Then Ty and Amy looked at each other and smiled.
"You know, Ty, if you are interested in doing this again, whether for a single race or for your career, you have a place with me."
"Wow. Thank you. I will keep that in mind."
"Well, his vitals are all normal. He going to need rest and light exercise. Don't move him back to Heartland until tomorrow."
"Great. Except my dad will probably trailer him to Big River Ranch instead of Heartland." Amy replied.
"Ty, I'm guessing that Amy doesn't know." Ty shook his head.
"Amy. Ty found an electronic device designed to shock horses on the track today." Stuart nodded to Ty to continue.
"I was positioned at the rail to monitor the opening of the starting gate. Right after the race start, Dexter threw Janice. So I went to help her. She said she didn't need help and walked off the track. But then I saw her riding crop on the track so I stopped to pick it up and the buzzer was there next to it. I turned both in to the racing officials."
"Ty. Why didn't you tell me?"
"Amy. Ty was requested not to divulge this information until the investigation was completed." He looked back at Ty. "Thank you Ty for your discretion."
"Oh my god. No. Are you sure it was hers?"
"Yes. The track has video with it in her hand. Charges have been filed."
"Oh no. Poor Dexter. His last groom used it him as well. He's terrified of those stupid things." Amy stood to rub Dexter's neck. "Oh Dexter, I am so sorry." She put her head in his forehead.
Amy sighed. "So, what's going to happen to Janice?"
Stuart answered. "Well, like I said, charges have been filed against Janice with the Racing Commission. Likely she will contest the charges. The issue will be adjudicated per the Horse Racing Alberta Act. This may be a long, draw out issue. She will not be permitted to race at this track until the issue is resolved and she has been found innocent of the charges. If she is found guilty, the Racing Commission will impose the penalty. She may lose her jockey license, she may have to restricted from racing for some period of time and/or may have to pay a stiff fine. It could go many ways."
"Oh. If she really did that to poor Dexter just to win, that is cruel and heartless. She should be punished." She was angry. "What about my dad? Was he involved?"
"Well, there may be more issues involved than just the electronic device."
"Like what?"
"Given his initial refusal to submit to an exam of Dexter and his inappropriate behavior, he was issued a warning this morning." he handed her a copy of the warning to read:
'Any anger or inappropriate behavior exhibited by Tim Fleming or his team would result in scratch for Lightening Dexter from today's race and a lifetime ban for Tim and his team at the track as a participant or spectator."
"Unfortunately, charges filed in use of the electronic device by his jockey, whether he knew it or not, bans him from this track as a participant or spectator for life. This applies to Janice as well. Depending upon the device investigation, he may be charged by the Racing Commission as well. That would fall the path as the charge against Janice."
"Oh." She really didn't know what to say. Tears filled her eyes. "Thank you for telling me."
"Amy. I am very sorry. I can't imagine how you must be feeling." He paused. "I am even more sorry for what I must say next."
She looked up. Tears now rolling down her face.
"Amy. For you own career with horses, specifically with racing horses, I strongly recommend that you no longer work with your dad. That includes training, rehab, groom, jockey, work. Your dad and Janice likely have crossed the ethical and legal line. I wouldn't want them to taint you."
Amy put her head in her hands, started crying. Ty put his arms around her. She collapsed into his chest. "Amy, honey, it's gonna be alright."