Unbridled Lightning
Chapter 1
"And it's a photo finish!" the announcer called as Celtic Mist and Wonder's Star flashed under the wire.
Josh Reese hurried out of the stands after his family as his sister Christina rose in the stirrups and trotted Star towards the gap. Josh and Christina's parents, Ashleigh Griffen and Mike Reese, owned Whitebrook, a small but famous thoroughbred breeding and training facility. Ashleigh's favorite mare, Ashleigh's Wonder, had died giving birth to Star. Now Star was old enough to race in the Kentucky Derby.
"I hope Chris wins," Josh whispered to his friend, Raven Nelson. Raven's parents, Samantha and Tor, owned an eventing stable, Whisperwood, near Whitebrook. Samantha was one of Ashleigh's best friends, and was the daughter of the head trainer at Whitebrook.
"And the winner is………..Celtic Mist, by a hair. Wonder's Star in a very, very close second."
Christina looked disappointed as she rode toward the Whitebrook.
"You and Star were great sweetie. Don't look too disappointed. He's still in the Preakness and Belmont," Ashleigh said.
"I'm not that disappointed. Star was great, weren't you?" Christina said,
"I'll cool him out for you," Josh offered. Christina had let him be Star's groom.
"Thanks. I'll meet you guys in the barn."
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As Josh and Raven led Star toward the barn after cooling him out, they met Brad Townsend and his wife, Lavina. The Townsends had half ownership in all of Wonder's offspring. The had given Christina their half of Star when he had become very sick and almost died.
"Congratulations," Josh said stiffly. Their colt, Celtic Mist, had won the Kentucky Derby.
Lavina didn't even thank him. "Of course Celtic Mist won. I knew all along that Star would never become a good racehorse, even if he hadn't gotten that terrible disease."
You don't know anything, Josh thought
Parker Townsend suddenly came up to them. "Hey Josh, Raven," he said cheerfully. Seeing his parents he added coldly "Hello mother, father."
The Townsends frowned. They had never like the fact that Parker dated Christina and had chosen eventing over racing. Parker and parents hated each other.
"Parker, we'll be in the barn with our Kentucky Derby winner," Brad said, walking away.
"O.K. Too bad Chris didn't win. She'll be really disappointed. How'd Star come out of the race?"
"Great" Raven replied. "Mom said you're coming over for your lesson tomorrow. You're lucky you have Foxglove. I still need to find a horse."
"You'll find one. Remember, we're going to that auction tomorrow." Josh said, starting to walk toward the barn. "Come on. Let's go. Chris will be waiting."
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That night they all went out to dinner, even though Star hadn't won. It was pretty crowded: Ashleigh, Mike, Christina, Josh, Melanie, Samantha, Tor, Raven, Ian, Beth, Kevin, and Parker. Everyone started talking about the race and auction.
"Hey Mel, you're not jealous are you?" Christina asked. Melanie's favorite horse, Perfect Image, had also been entered in the Kentucky Derby. She had broken her leg during a workout and had to be retired.
"No. I'm going to look for a horse tomorrow."
They talked and ate for another hour. After checking on Star, everyone except for Parker, Ashleigh, Mike, and Ian drove back that night. While thinking about Star's race, Josh quickly fell asleep.
Chapter Two