Happy Tuesday, all. Enjoy the new chapter, and feel free to submit a review to give some feedback or even to let me know if you're reading.
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The next morning at the track was busy, and Alec mostly concentrated his energy on readying Night Sky for his debut. Alec had largely directed his training while Henry was in Florida for the winter, though Henry had provided a good deal of guidance during their regular phone conversations. The colt worked lightly that morning, with a few starts from the gate for good measure. Alec wanted him warmed up, but not worn down before the race that afternoon.
He had gotten a look at the other colts Night Sky would be facing. Winter Song, as expected, had done four furlongs at a quicker clip than he had worked Night Sky. Alec had seen his share of morning glories, so he observed Winter Song's workout with a dose of skepticism.
Starshine had worked well, too, doing his four furlongs as a far easier pace. The colt moved smoothly, not a bit of wasted motion. Perhaps Henry was right to regard him as solid competition.
With nothing left to do until that afternoon's race, Alec found himself at loose ends. Normally he would be in the jockey's room, listening to the other jockeys as he readied himself. He preferred to keep to himself, although he enjoyed the camaraderie of his fellow jockeys. Now he was on the other side of the fence, and he found himself pacing up and down the row of the barn, listening to the sounds of the horses in their stalls.
Storm Front poked his head over the door on one of his trips, letting out a long whinny. Alec reached over and rubbed his nose. The colt snorted and nudged at Alec. For a colt who hadn't liked being handled only a couple of months prior, he had blossomed into an affectionate creature. Alec was sure being stabled with Night Sky had an influence, as the younger colt rarely passed up an opportunity for any affection. It was good to see Storm Front's true personality come through.
"Sorry, I don't have anything for you today." Alec told him. "We'll get you back out on the track before too long."
The colt snorted and retreated back into his stall, and Alec resumed pacing. It had been a rough night's sleep. Although his dreams had been vague and unformed, they were still disturbing, and he had finally given up and returned to his own room rather than keep Sarah awake.
He had wanted to stay, to wake up next to her, but he still wasn't sure if Sarah would welcome that. He felt bad enough slipping out on her, and he wasn't sure how she would take that, either.
Night Sky nickered and stuck his head out, and Alec was glad for the distraction. "I know, I know, I'm thinking too hard." he told the colt, scratching him between his eyes. "Girls are silly. Never get involved with one."
"Who are you talking to?" Henry's voice rang out.
Alec laughed. "Myself, I guess. I don't think Night Sky's a great listener."
Henry handed Alec a paper cup of coffee. "He'll be fine. You've done well with him."
"With your help."
"You did most of the work. Well, you and Brian."
Alec sipped from the steaming cup. The liquid did little to calm his nerves.
He could hear the track announcer call the riders to the paddock for the first race. It wouldn't be long now and it would be their turn. The anticipation and excitement Alec always used to feel before race day was starting to come back to him, overriding his jangling nerves. It felt good, it made him feel more like his old self.
The first race finished and soon it was time to head to the saddling paddock. Night Sky had drawn a mid-field position, which Alec didn't consider ideal, but Night Sky would make it work. He had made sure to break the young colt from as many gate positions as possible, to prepare him for whoever might be next to him.
He nodded at the groom that would lead Night Sky, following horse and groom to the saddling paddock. The day was chilly and cloudy, but the track conditions were good. Night Sky would have no trouble finding his footing.
Night Sky was antsy, shifting his weight from side to side as the grooms brushed him and saddled him. He still didn't love the feel of a bit, and tossed his head after they got the bridle on him. Alec reached out and rubbed his nose. "Settle down, this isn't anything new."
In reality Alec felt as unsettled as Night Sky appeared. He and Henry wouldn't have entered Night Sky in this race if they didn't think he was truly ready. Still, sending a horse out for its first race was always a little nerve wracking. He supposed it was something he would never really get past.
The ritual was familiar, though being on the trainer's side was taking some getting used to. The horses were led out of the saddling stalls and into the paddock in order, the grooms walking them in a circle. Sarah spotted him and started toward him.
"We have to quit meeting like this." Sarah teased him as she buckled her helmet.
Alec laughed and relaxed a bit at that before getting down to business. "He still gets fractious in the gate. He'll feed off the energy of the others, so keep him focused forward. Keep him around 22 for the quarter mile, otherwise he'll have nothing left. Keep an eye on Starshine and Winter Song. They're his most likely competition. It's going to be crowded out there. Be careful."
Sarah nodded seriously. "I always am."
Alec boosted Sarah into the saddle, knowing it was all up to her and Night Sky now. Somehow this time was a little easier than with Storm Front.
He joined Henry in the grandstand and trained his binoculars on the starting gate. This was a spirited group of mostly first-time starters, and a few were giving the assistant starters a hard time loading them into the gate. Night Sky was one of the few that didn't, surprisingly, although Alec could see him tossing his head. Sarah appeared to have him well in hand. The horse right next to him, Flight of Fancy, reared up in the stall, which startled Night Sky and Winter Song.
Henry shook his head. "Damn kids."
Alec couldn't help but laugh. He and Henry had certainly dealt with their share of young horses. Some of them handled racing better than others, but getting them in the gate was sometimes a bit of a challenge.
Finally, everyone was settled, the bell rang, and the gate opened. Alec could see Night Sky and Winter Song break first and move immediately to the front. They moved toward the rail, but Night Sky got jammed up behind two other horses, and it didn't look as if Sarah had room to maneuver.
Winter Song started to fade after his early burst of speed, and Alec spotted another horse he didn't recognize surge to the front. Sarah would have to move quickly if she were going to catch him.
In the final furlong, Alec finally saw Night Sky emerge, his ears back, his head forward, practically flying. He knew he was going faster than they had planned, but he was beautiful to watch.
Night Sky ended up second, nearly a full length behind the winner. There simply hadn't been enough time for Sarah to get out of the traffic jam and make up the difference. He would have to talk to her about not pushing the colt so hard. No amount of money was worth that.
"Tough break." Henry commented. "Who's that number 9 horse?"
Alec looked at his program. "Going For Broke. Dam sire was Boldt's Comet."
"Damn." Henry still held a grudge against Peter Boldt. "Guess we're going to have to keep an eye on him, too."
Alec returned to the paddock to see to Night Sky and to talk to Sarah. She was already down and unbuckling the saddle when he arrived. "Hey."
"Hey." She didn't look up at him. "I got all jammed up. Couldn't find an opening."
"It's tough with such a big field." Alec nodded. "I'd rather you not run him into the ground to try and make up ground. You know that's not good for one so young."
Sarah gave him a sharp look as she removed the saddle. "I know. I just...wanted the win."
"We all do." Alec answered. "But not at the horse's expense."
Sarah nodded, but didn't respond. She removed the saddle and patted Night Sky. "Gotta go. I'm riding the next two races before the Peter Pan."
"I'll see you then."
She walked away without responding, and Alec turned his attention to Night Sky. "You'll get them next time. You did just fine."
Night Sky answered with a snort as Alec checked him over. The young colt seemed none the worse for wear, but he would keep an eye on him over the next few days. He was in no hurry to race him again. He had performed well, and they would keep working with him to build his endurance and channel his speed.
He returned to the grandstand to watch a few more races with Henry. Sarah notched a win in her next ride, and third in the following race.
There were two more races before the Peter Pan, and Alec rose from the grandstand before Henry stopped him. "Leave her be."
Alec sat down, puzzled. Henry chuckled and shook his head. "She's ridden three in a row. She needs a break to get her mind right before she rides Pam's Song. Just...leave her alone for now. You'll see her soon enough."
After the next race, Alec and Henry left to get Pam's Song ready. The filly was already on her way to the saddling paddock, and Alec could see jockeys and trainers gathered. Sarah wasn't among them.
"Relax." Henry told him firmly.
Alec turned his attention to the filly. She was in fine condition, good and ready to run. He felt a twinge of sadness at not being the one to ride her this time, possibly ever again.
There was no denying it. This one hurt.
He rubbed the filly's forehead affectionately. "You go show those boys who's boss, okay? Give them hell."
Pam's Song nickered in response, bobbing her head, and Alec couldn't help but laugh. He wished Pam was here to see her namesake race.
Soon it was time for her to head to the paddock, and sure enough, Sarah had shown up, talking to Henry as he gave her final instructions. He decided to stand back. This was Henry's horse, not his, so he would stay out of it.
Henry boosted Sarah into the saddle and the post parade started toward the gate. Pam's Song had drawn an outside position, which would make it more difficult to get where she needed to be. But Alec knew Sarah would guide Pam's Song and keep her competitive.
There was nothing left to do but return to the stands and watch.
Henry soon joined him, as excited as Alec had ever seen him. "Gonna be a good one. I've got a good feeling."
Henry's energy was infectious, and Alec started to feel better about the coming race. Today would settle whether the filly would take on the colts in the Derby or compete against her own gender in the Oaks. She would do well in either, Alec knew, though the prestige of the Derby was undeniable.
The horses were loaded into the gate without incident, the bell rang, and the race was on. The filly broke smoothly with the rest of the pack, and for a moment Alec lost track of her. It looked like she was bunched up with several other runners and was having trouble finding an opening.
It's okay. Alec told himself. Sarah's got plenty of time to get her clear.
As the pack thundered past the grandstand, Pam's Song was in fifth, and he could see Sarah start to maneuver her into a better position. She seemed to have a knack for finding a hole and pushing through.
The horses moved into the first turn, and the field spread out a bit. Pam's Song had moved up a spot and was still gaining. She was nowhere near top speed just yet, and he could see Sarah was still holding her back a bit.
"Come on, girl, get moving." Henry muttered.
Alec's view was obscured as the pack moved into the backstretch, so he kept his binoculars trained on the turn, waiting for them to appear. Suddenly he saw three runners rounding the turn. Pam's Song was a length behind the second place horse and gaining fast. Sarah was encouraging her along, and the filly found another gear, continuing to gain ground until she passed the second place horse.
"By God, she's gonna do it, Alec!" Henry shouted next to him.
Pam's Song was running flat out now, eating up ground until she was head to head with the front runner. Alec held his breath as both horses came thundering to the finish, heads bobbing, sticks flying.
"And it's a PHOTO FINISH between the filly, Pam's Song, and Moon Shadow!" the track announcer shouted as the crowd exploded in cheers.
Alec finally exhaled. No matter the result, the filly had performed well, and Sarah had done one hell of a job. He turned to Henry, try to decipher what was on the trainer's mind.
"And the official results are nine, four, seven. Number nine is Pam's Song, the filly trained by Henry Daily of Hopeful Farm and ridden by Sarah Palmer."
"Hot damn. C'mon, Alec." Henry was clearly pleased, practically leaving Alec in the dust as he headed down to the winner's circle.
Henry patted the filly's nose, murmuring to her. Sarah was still astride her, and Alec glanced up at her as he scratched Pam's Song's neck. She didn't seem to see him at first, and he wondered if she was still upset with him from earlier in the day.
He offered a hand to her. "Great ride."
She reached down, taking his hand. "Thanks. Got a little bunched up there at the beginning, but we pushed through."
There was no time for further talk as the reporters and photographers pulled their attention away. No, Henry told them, he didn't know whether Pam's Song was Derby bound. He'd have to see how she recovered. Alec's taking a break from riding to concentrate on training. No, no, he's fine. Just a bunch of rumors flying around. Yes, Sarah would continue riding Hopeful Farm's mounts, but not exclusively.
Alec was alternately amused and irritated that no one bothered to ask him, although he didn't know how he would have answered such questions.
Finally, the pictures were taken and the questions were answered. Pam's Song was getting impatient, dancing from side to side and bobbing her head up and down.
"Alright, alright, let's get the girl cooled down and checked out. Alec, help Sarah down."
Alec laced his fingers together. Sarah all but ignored him, swinging her leg over and hopping down, working the girth of the saddle.
Alec couldn't help but feel a little hurt. "Are you mad at me?"
"I'm not mad at you." Sarah told him firmly, undoing the girth and taking the saddle off Pam's Song.
"You sure act like you are."
"I'm not." Sarah insisted. "You keep bugging me and I will be, though."
Alec took a deep breath, feeling his temper rise. "I'd like to get together later. Maybe talk about Night Sky's race."
"You've said all you need to say."
"Okay, but I still want to see you."
Sarah's face softened a little. "Another night. I'm beat."
Alec nodded, though he was hurt that Sarah had rebuffed him. "Sure. See you later."
Sarah walked away, leaving Alec to his own thoughts. He shook them off and headed back to the Hopeful Farm barn to find Henry. Maybe it was for the best. He and Sarah had been spending a lot of time together this week. It would be good for them to have a break from each other.
Henry was jubilant when Alec returned to the barn, regaling the story of the photo finish to anyone who would listen. It was good to see him so excited again after his retirement talk the previous night.
"There you are!" Henry exclaimed as Alec entered the barn. The grooms were still working on Pam's Song, and the filly looked as if she had barely run a step. "Let's go eat. I'm starving."
They climbed into the truck and set off to one of Henry's favorite spots for celebrating a big win. The old steakhouse was comfortable and familiar, and they could usually have a conversation in peace.
The two men settled into a booth, and Henry ordered bourbon for both of them. Alec had never developed much of a taste for hard liquor, but indulged once in a while. Tonight seemed like enough of a celebratory occasion to justify a drink or two.
"I took a look at Pam's Song's split times." Henry told him. "She probably could have gone a little quicker if Sarah hadn't gotten stuck in traffic."
"Maybe she took a lesson from Night Sky's race." Alec answered. "I told her not to run him so hard trying to make up ground."
Henry shook his head. "A mile and an eighth is a hell of a lot different from five and a half furlongs. You know that. She had more time in the Peter Pan to make up the difference. Anyway, she held her own today. I think she could go at least a mile and a quarter, maybe a mile and a half."
"That's a lot to ask of any three-year-old, especially a filly." Alec pointed out. "Are you sure it's worth it?"
Henry sighed heavily. "She's got the breeding for endurance. We know she's fast and she's game. She never quits. Look what she did today."
Pam's Song did have a lot of heart, Alec had to agree with that. "But a mile and a half by June? It's going to take a lot of work."
"She's up to it." Henry looked as if he had made up his mind. "Let's enter her in the Derby and take it from there."
"To the Derby." Alec lifted his glass.
Henry grinned as he clinked glasses with Alec. "To the Derby."
Before long their meals arrived, and both men tucked in. It had been a long day without a lot of breaks, and Alec hadn't realized how hungry he was. Henry glanced up at him.
"You said you talked to Sarah after Night Sky's race?"
Alec nodded. "She ran him full bore near the end. I can't have her do that. He'll burn out."
"Sure, you're right, and I'm sure she knows that too. She's been around long enough to know."
Alec took a deep breath. "I think she's mad at me for telling her that."
Henry shrugged. "You and me would argue over how you rode all the time. If she's mad at you, she'll come around. Don't take it personally."
Alec knew the clash of egos between trainers and jockeys was common. He just hadn't expected to find himself on this side of it. "I guess I could have put it a little better."
Henry waved him off. "She's tough. She can take it. Trust me. 'Course, we don't have a...personal relationship."
Alec huffed irritably. "So I should quit seeing her?"
"I didn't say that." Henry told him firmly. "You just have to learn to keep business and pleasure separate. How you manage that is up to you."
Alec sighed and continued eating, though he suddenly didn't feel very hungry after all. He gave up and finished his drink, letting the liquid burn its way down his throat.
After he and Henry returned to the motel, he decided to knock on Sarah's door. Now was as good a time as any to try any make things better between them.
He took a deep breath and knocked on the door. The door opened a crack, Sarah peeking out. When she saw it was Alec, she opened the door fully. "Come on in."
Alec was surprised, but entered the room. He lingered near the door, unsure of his next move.
"Stay or go, either way close the door." Sarah told him crisply.
Alec quickly closed the door, already feeling foolish for coming. "Can we talk?" he blurted out without thinking.
Sarah looked up from where she sat on the bed with an arched eyebrow. "Well now, that don't sound good."
"No, no, it's nothing bad. I don't think.' Alec answered, feeling his face heat up. This was a stupid idea. He should have just stayed in his own room. "I just wanted to talk...about Night Sky's race."
Sarah regarded him with an unreadable expression. "Go on."
Alec found himself pacing the room. "I wasn't very...constructive."
Sarah's expression turned to slight amusement. "You sure weren't."'
Alec sighed, running his fingers through his hair. She wasn't going to make this easy. "I'd like a chance to...discuss it more.
Sarah shrugged casually. "Sure."
Alec let out an exasperated huff, gesturing toward the table. "Can you come over here?"
Sarah patted the bed. "What's wrong with here?"
"Look." Alec told her. "If we're going to continue working together, I need to separate the work and...us. So...can you come sit with me?"
Sarah's brow wrinkled a little, but she set aside a small pile of papers and met him at the table, settling into a chair. "Alright, boss."
Alec was getting a taste of how he sometimes had acted toward Henry as a jockey. No wonder the man had so frequently gotten frustrated with him. He set the feeling aside.
"Okay, so...Henry and I share some training philosophies. We don't push our two-year-olds, especially so early on. Night Sky's got a lot of natural speed. The challenge with him is to keep it under wraps."
Sarah nodded. "He was full of run the minute he broke. If we hadn't gotten bunched up, he would have been out front a lot sooner. He sure didn't like that. He was getting pissed."
Alec laughed. That didn't surprise him. "Maybe you got a little impatient, too?"
"I probably did, since it was such a short race." Sarah admitted. "Once I got him clear, I just let him go. I shouldn't have done that, I realize that now. My own pride got in the way."
"And we both know that can be dangerous." Alec was aware he was getting dangerously close to lecturing her. "At any rate, it doesn't look like he's any worse for wear, and we can work with him on controlling his speed."
"Like Pam's Song." Sarah offered. "Just when I thought she didn't have anything left, she found another gear. She always surprises me."
"And we'll develop Night Sky's gears too. You know, it just takes time."
"I'll work with him too next time I ride him." Sarah glanced at him. "Assuming there's a next time."
"There will definitely be a next time."
Sarah smiled a little at that, and Alec felt a little better about the whole situation. He would get better at this, he hoped. The trainer and jockey were supposed to be a team.
"Has Henry decided between the Derby and the Oaks?"
Alec nodded. "She's Derby bound."
Sarah's eyes lit up. "Fantastic! I've always wanted to ride in the Derby. Maybe I can pick up a few other mounts down there too."
"There's nothing like the Derby." Alec couldn't help feeling a bit of Sarah's excitement. "It's one hell of a thrill."
"You going with us?"
Alec's excitement quickly dissipated. Any other year and it wouldn't have even been a question. Now he found himself internally debating the idea. "I...haven't really decided yet. I'm probably needed more here than there. Storm Front and Night Sky both need more work before they're race ready again. I should probably just concentrate on that and leave the Triple Crown run to you and Henry."
Sarah tilted her head, a look of disappointment crossing her face. "It'd be more fun celebrating with you than Henry."
Alec took a deep breath, leaning back in the chair. "We can celebrate when you come back.'
Sarah rose from her chair to straddle Alec's lap, wrapping her arms around his neck and leaning in for a quick kiss. "I'll miss you."
Alec returned the kiss, letting it linger as he lightly stroked her back. "I'll miss you too." His words came out sounding rougher than he anticipated. He knew it would be a good month or so until he saw her again, if Pam's Song did well enough to justify moving on to the Preakness.
Sarah pulled back, a little smile lighting her face. "Don't you worry, I'll do Hopeful Farm proud."
"I know you will. And I'll be watching."
She planted another quick kiss on his lips and rose from his lap. "You'd better get back."
Alec reluctantly rose, reaching out to briefly touch Sarah's face. He already knew he was in danger of getting too attached to her, and yet he found it hard to stop himself. Finally he pulled away and left, quietly closing the door behind him.
Henry was back at the table, glasses perched precariously on the end of his nose, poring over training reports. He glanced up as Alec entered. "How'd it go?"
"Good." Alec nodded as he took a seat at the table. "We...worked it out."
"Good to hear, good to hear." Henry answered absently. "You ready to go to Louisville? I'm thinking we'll head down with Pam's Song early in the week. That'll give her some time to get settled before we start her workouts. Brian can come down from the farm to pick up Night Sky and Storm Front. He can keep working them while we're gone."
Alec took in a deep breath. Of course Henry assumed he was going to Churchill Downs. Why wouldn't he? "Henry, I've been thinking. Maybe I should stay here with the colts."
"What? Why?" Henry demanded. "Pam's Song is as much your horse as mine. Don't you want to see her run?"
"Of course I do." Alec answered. "But Pam's Song has been your pet project. You're the one that's put all the work into making her who she is. I...haven't."
"You could have if you hadn't taken off like a damn fool."
Alec huffed irritably. "You're never going to forgive me for that, are you?"
"Ain't nothing to forgive." Henry's voice was weary. "I just...I just want things to be the way they were, and I don't think they're ever gonna be."
A long silence stretched out between them, and neither man was eager to break it.
Finally Henry let out a huff. "Things were bound to change eventually. Guess I just didn't expect it so soon."
"I'm sorry." Alec answered quietly.
Henry waved off the apology. "You've got nothing to apologize for. I should have seen it coming, even before Pam...well, you know."
Alec allowed himself a slight smile at that. Pam had upended both his and Henry's worlds, for better or for worse.
"Anyway." Henry shook his head. "Seems like I should have been giving you a little more free rein long before now. You're a smart kid...guy. I see how you are with the colts. You're doing a fine job bringing them along. And...yep, you should probably stay behind with them. Wouldn't want to mess up a good thing."
"Thanks, Henry."
"I mean it." Henry told him firmly. "And working with them's been good for you, too. You seem to be a hell of a lot happier these days. I'm glad to see it."
Alec chuckled to himself. Sarah had as much to do with that as anything else, though he found that he truly enjoyed training the colts.
"And yeah, I know Sarah has a lot to do with that too." Henry let out a short laugh.
"She's...yeah. She's great. I like her a lot."
"I know. Hell, everyone knows."
Alec groaned internally. So much for discretion on his part.
"Anyway. It's getting late." Henry rose slowly from the table. "G'night."
"Good night."