Bree's Challenge

Chapter Seven "Breeders Cup Races"

Disclaimer: I own nothing but my made up characters!

Saturday, November 3rd

I held onto Cloud's lead rope tightly. I was walking her around the backside of the track by the barns as a way to give her a little exercise. It was the morning of the Breeder's Cup Races. Last night they had raced a few races like the Distaff and the turf races but today was the Juvenile Fillies race and the Breeder's Cup Classic. The important ones, well the first one was only important to Whitebrook and me.

Cloud was the only horse representing Whitebrook today but not the only horse I would be cheering on today. Wonder and Townsend Prince were both running in the Classic. Ashleigh was a nervous wreck about it being that this was her first race on Wonder and it was a huge race.

Well she had two important races today but I knew the most important one to her was the Classic and that was understandable. She had raised Wonder from a baby, helped train her, was her rider for years. With Jilly still nursing her injury, Ashleigh was the only jockey that could ride Wonder. Prince's regular jockey would ride him.

Of course, those two weren't the only Townsend horses running today. Townsend Spring was entered into the Juvenile Fillies race along with Cloud. Brad and I had managed to keep ourselves from getting too into the competition hype. We were always joking the other's horse would leave the other in the dust.

It would be okay if Cloud didn't win this race. She still got to be in something as amazing as the Breeder's Cup races. As long as she placed within the top five, we'd have the entry fees back with a little extra. That didn't mean I didn't want her to win though. I was a ball of nerves.

I could feel them tight in my stomach and I hadn't ate anything yet this morning because I was worried I'd throw it back up. Everyone was excited. Mike, Chad, Len, Uncle Gene. It was their first horse in a race this prestigious, even if she was my horse. She was really everyone's. We all loved our horses the same.

I spotted a few reporters walking along and pulled Cloud along. I was alone and didn't want to talk to any reporters. I'd probably put my foot in my mouth if I spoke alone. I didn't pull her fast enough because they walked over to me.

"Hello Miss Wilson, could we ask you a few questions?" One asked politely and I smiled at them.

"I'm sorry guys; I don't talk without my uncle Gene present. Maybe we can talk after the race." I said, feeling nervous but trying to stay polite.

"It's just a few questions you can answer yourself. Nothing big." One tried to say. I shook my head and sighed.

"I can't. Sorry. If you'll excuse me, I have to finish walking Cloud." I walked off, hoping they wouldn't follow and luckily, they didn't. I finished walking Cloud and put her back in her stall. Everyone was waiting for me. Two of us were supposed to go to the track kitchen and get everyone breakfast. We had decided to eat in the barn since no one wanted to leave Cloud alone. I had been invited to the trackside breakfast this morning but politely declined. I didn't want to attend the breakfast that everyone else couldn't. It was exclusive to owners and trainers. That would have excluded Len, Chad, and technically, Mike.

"How was she?" Gene asked as I hung up her lead rope. I think they had all realized I was a ball of nerves this morning and walking with Cloud was a thing I wanted to do alone.

"Good. She walked calmly beside me. We passed some other horses and grooms she was fine. Reporters tried to talk to me but I said no and I did it politely." My voice took on an irritated tone as I added, "Even though they were a bit insistent."

"I'm sure they were." Gene smiled amusedly. "Young, inexperienced, people like you make good headlines if they can get you to say the wrong thing."

"And that's why I didn't talk to them." I shook my finger. "They're not going to misquote me or have me say something I shouldn't. Nope, nope, nope!"

They all let out a laugh. "We'll remember that when a time comes that a reporter insults Cloud and you go off." Chad teased me.

"Hey! I am not responsible for what happens if they insult my horse, okay? That's on them." I grinned at him and it was decided Mike and I would be sent to get breakfast. We walked in silence for a few minutes before one of us spoke.

"How are you feeling?" Mike glanced over at me. "I know I was a mess in Jazzman's first big, important race."

"Like I'm going to be sick." I admitted feeling my stomach roll. "I probably shouldn't even eat anything."

"Eat something. It'll help." Mike smiled at me. "At least a muffin or something. Trust me."

"If you insist." We got plenty of food for everyone but I just got two blueberry muffins and an orange juice. Back at the barn I picked at the muffins as the others ate, my stomach was feeling a bit better.

"Bree, did you remember to bring clothes to change into?" Gene asked and I looked over at him as I nodded. Formal attire was supposed to be worn by owners, trainers and racing fans. I had picked out a cute V-neck white dress that had blue lace over it and came down to almost my knees. It was a short sleeve dress so I had a white sweater jacket that went over it. I would wear stockings to protect my legs from the cold and a small pair of heels.

"Yep, they're in my bag." I patted it.

"Good, good." Gene nodded and I could see the nerves getting to him too. I guess I wasn't the only nervous one.

…..

"Bree, look at you!" Chad smiled as I came back from changing. In addition to my dress, I had brought along some gel to scrunch my hair to make it a bit curlier and a clip that held back some of my hair, leaving some tendrils to hang around my face and hair on my neck. "You look great."

I blushed. "Thanks." Mike, Gene, Chad, and Len were wearing coordinating colors all blue and white. Their dress pants were a mix between navy and cobalt and their shirts were white. We had all decided to rock Whitebrook colors together. Len's was just a bit less dressy since he'd be walking Cloud and didn't want to dress too nicely.

"I imagine you'll have all the eyes of the young men out there Miss Bree." Len winked at me and I laughed.

"Doubtful but thank you." I reached out to give Cloud a firm pat. "Alright girl, this is a big race. You gotta give it your all if you can. I know Ashleigh will ride you wonderfully."

Ashleigh was currently in the jockey room changing and being weighed in. I hadn't saw much of Brad or Clay but Brad had been texting me all day. He was spending time with his father and his father's friends and he wished I were with him but of course; I had Cloud to take care of before the race.

"I never thought I'd see you look so beautiful." I turned at my father's voice. He stood there in dress clothes with a tired smile. I stood there in shock.

"Dad, what are you doing here?"

"Your uncle invited me, said your horse was racing today and I should be here. So here I am." He hugged me and I gave him a quick one back before stepping back.

"Well that's great." I tried not to sound too strained or angry. I didn't want him here. It was dredging up memories I didn't need associated with this happy day.

"Your horse is beautiful." He motioned towards Cloud. "Her pictures don't do her justice."

"Thank you." Anger temporarily forgotten as he complimented Cloud. "I think so too but I'm biased."

Dad smiled. "Should we start heading out?" Gene said, putting his arm around my shoulders. "I'll see Cloud to the paddock, you go on up with your father."

I shook my head. "No, I always escort Cloud to the paddock. I'll go too."

"Come on, Uncle Gerald, Chad and I will show you where our seats are." Mike clapped my dad on the back and I gave him a grateful smile. I hooked another lead rope to Cloud's halter on the left side and walked out with Len. As we got closer to the paddock, there were photographers and reporters milling around. I just focused on Cloud and walking without being stepped on.

Cloud had drawn post number four, not too bad in a field of twelve fillies. Uncle Gene saddled her once we got her into the stall and I gave her a kiss on the cheek. Ashleigh walked up looking nervous in her blue and white silks.

I grabbed her in a tight hug and for a moment, we both held on to each other tightly. "Ride her as you always do. You'll do great."

"I hope so. I don't want to disappoint you." Ashleigh's face was worried.

"There's no way you'll disappoint me, even if you come in dead last. We're here at the Breeder's Cup races. That's a big enough win." I smiled encouragingly at Ashleigh. "You two are great together. Focus on that."

Ashleigh nodded and Gene gave her a leg up into the saddle. "You'll do great Ash!" I called out as she walked towards the track. She gave me a thumbs up and Len took my arm, leading me towards the grandstands. We got to sit in one of the VIP boxes due to me being an owner and I sat between Len and Chad.

I looked over and saw Brad. He gave me one of his handsome smiles and I tried to return it. I turned my attention to the horses as they warmed up. Cloud was listening to Ashleigh well although I could see her prancing a bit. This was the biggest crowd yet she'd had to run in front of.

"Townsend Spring is one of the favorites." Mike handed me a booklet with the stats. "Cloud is second favorite."

"Hmph. Second favorite." I grumbled. Len patted my hand gently.

"Don't worry Miss Bree; we know our filly has the heart and speed." I smiled over at Len. He was one of Cloud's biggest supporters besides me.

"I know." The horses were done warming up and were being loaded into the gate. My stomach was full of butterflies and I started nervously wringing my hands. Chad grabbed onto one, unfolded it, and took it in his. Mike's hand squeezed my shoulder and Len's hand was on my knee. Uncle Gene gave me a nervous smile.

"It's going to be okay." Chad assured me. "I know you're nervous. We all are."

"I don't even know if I can watch." I felt jittery and nervous. I was worried I was going to lose the muffins I had eaten this morning. Dang Mike for making me eat.

"You can watch." Mike told me. "You have to watch."

The last horse was loaded in the gate and for a moment, all was silent. Then the bell rang out and twelve horses jumped out of the gate. Jamie's Girl and Cloud shot straight to the front with Townsend Spring and My Little Secret in behind them. Soaring Star and My Golden Girl were mid-pack with the others behind them. I could hear the announcer talking but I was too focused on the horses to listen.

Cloud was in second, right behind Jamie's Girl with Townsend Spring literally on her butt. I could tell Cloud was not happy with another horse in front of her but I hoped she listened to Ashleigh. The crowd was cheering on their favorites and I was bouncing in my seat. They went around the first turn and I could only see them on the television screen. My Golden Girl had moved up to take My Little Secret's spot and Soaring Star was pushed back farther. Townsend Spring was pushing up on Cloud and I bit back my groan.

"Oh don't let her run you out or pressure you. Listen to Ashleigh." I could see Cloud was fighting her a little bit wanting to go faster than Jamie's Girl and pull away from Townsend Spring but she needed to wait just a little longer.

I stood up as they prepared to come around the last turn and my heels had me feeling off balance so I kicked them off. Everyone stood up with me and I gripped the rail in front of me as I saw Cloud take the lead. Townsend Spring pushed right by Jamie's girl to be at Cloud's flank.

"Oh God, oh God." I murmured as they headed into the stretch. Cloud and Townsend Spring were matching up evenly to run next to each other. My heart started racing as they battled for the lead.

I grabbed onto Chad's hand again, needing someone to hold onto. "Come on Cloud!" I shouted along with Mike and Chad. "Come on! You can do it girl!"

They both pulled away from the other horses but stayed in stride with each other. I was still shouting my encouragement and together in stride, they passed the finish line together.

"It's a dead heat!" The announcer crowed. "We have to wait for the picture results."

My stomach clenched and my heart thumped fast in my chest. The crowd waited, quietly, as the results were being clarified. I squeezed Chad's hand. "Do you think she won it? I couldn't see anything!"

"We'll have to see. They were very close together."

"The results are in." Numbers popped up on the screen and I let out a joyous scream as Cloud's number was in first place. "And it's Dark Cloud from Whitebrook Farm that takes the win by a nose!"

I felt Len hugging me and someone patting me on the back but I was in disbelief. "She won! I can't believe it!"

Len laughed. "Well you better believe it Missy! You need to get down to the Winner's Circle to congratulate your horse and Ashleigh."

Uncle Gene grabbed my hand and I grabbed onto Len. "Oh no, you're not getting out of this. You're coming with us." I told the older man. I followed Gene down to the circle and snapped a lead rope onto Cloud. I grinned up at Ashleigh. "That was great! I told you, you two would do great!"

Ashleigh hopped down with a laugh. "What can I say? Cloud ran great. She was anxious there for a bit with being in second and as we came down the stretch. She kept pulling before I wanted her to go and she was insistent."

Ashleigh went off to be weighed and then came back for the picture. We all, but my father, posed for the picture. I couldn't keep the grin off my face as I led Cloud out of the circle with Len. Mike had his arm around Ashleigh and Chad walked beside me.

Uncle Gene made a pathway through for us and I could hear a few reporters asking questions. "If you guys want to come by the barn after Cloud is cooled out, we'll talk then."

And so a path cleared for my winner and me.

….

Later that night, I was in the barn watching Cloud rest at home in her stall when Brad came. "Hey there big winner."

I smiled at him. "Shouldn't I be saying that to you? A Townsend Acres horses did win the Classic."

Brad rolled his eyes and I laughed. "Oh come on! It was amazing the way Wonder plowed through the field…and what your father did? Giving Ashleigh half interest in Wonder, it was so great of him."

"Well she did a lot to get Wonder where she is today." Brad admitted grudgingly.

"I know she's over the moon about it." I looked out to where the lights were shining from the house. Inside was Len, Chad, Mike, Gene, Ashleigh, and my father. We were having a party celebrating Cloud. Brad was invited too of course and that's why he was here.

"I'm sure." Brad pushed my hair back. "How are you feeling?"

"Great." I whispered. "I couldn't be more proud of my filly and of Ash. They both did so wonderful today. So did Townsend Spring. God, I thought maybe she had won it. I was torn between excitement and sadness. I would have been happy either way."

"Not as happy as you are now though."

I sighed. "Probably not."

"It's okay to enjoy winning." Brad gave me a smile. "Enjoy your win, Bree. Townsend Acres is enjoying Wonder's win. Which is another thing I wanted to ask if you would come to the party we're having tomorrow afternoon in her and our horse's honor. Wonder, Townsend Spring, and the Prince."

"Are you sure I should be there? I mean I was your competition today…"

Brad chuckled. "Yes, my parents want you there. They told me I had better invite you or else." I laughed. "And Ashleigh will be there too. I'm sure she could use your support. I think she is inviting Mike too."

"Okay…I'll go."

"Good." Brad kissed me and I put my arms around him. Brad was definitely a good kisser and with me, he was so gentle.

Behind us, a throat cleared. It was my father. "Mr. Wilson, sir, hello."

"Hi Brad." My father gave Brad a smile. "I'd like to speak to my daughter if you don't mind me interrupting."

"Of course not. I'll see you in the house." Brad added before walking out of the house. My father walked towards me.

"Your horse did well today." He said as we both stared into the stall. I nodded. "You like it here?"

I nodded again. "I love it here."

"Have you told anyone?" My stomach twisted at his words and the memories that tried to break free. I kept them in tightly.

"No." I gritted my teeth and almost spit the words at him.

"Good. It'll only cause trouble if you do." He nodded. "So how much money has she won you? A million yet? I saw the purse today was two million."

"Why do you care?" I snapped at him. He turned to stare at me.

"You know, the mortgage is falling a bit behind on the house and my car is about to go…I was thinking maybe you could help me out."

"Oh, right, the father asking his fifteen year old daughter for money. Isn't that wonderful?" I knew there was a reason he came. More than Uncle Gene invited him. "Last time I checked, your business was doing fine." I groaned angrily. "That's why you came. Because you knew, I was getting a lot of money from Cloud's purses. Is that why you were so mad that I took that eighteen thousand out? Because you were going to ask for money?"

"Bree, I have supported you all your life and—"

"Yeah except the time I actually needed you. Then you shipped me off to Kentucky. Screw you. Sorry, no loans at the bank of Bree." I shook my head and walked out of the barn, fuming.

Parents were the people who were supposed to love you and believe you no matter what right? I guess my dad didn't the memo.

….

AN: Hey readers! As promised, here's your next chapter! Took me a bit to write it but it's finally done (and more than 3,000 words!). What did you think of the chapter? Did you like it?

I know this is a late question but for those of you who watched the Triple Crown races…what did you think? After 37 years of no winner…we finally have one again! American Pharaoh is an amazing horse. He amazed me in every race. Especially the Belmont. He was leader from the start to the finish. What a horse!

Thank you for the reviews! You readers are great!

To my reviewers:

Ash222: Thank you! I decided I should bring Caroline in somehow since her and Brad did date and it was the perfect way to get Bree to think and show how different Brad is with her!

Stardust3: Thank you! I'm glad you like my story! This is my first TB story so I haven't written an Ashleigh/Brad fic but I'll definitely keep it in mind for my next TB story! I think those two could be good together if they could get along!

Jessica: Hey! First of all, I enjoyed the heck out of the Luke Bryan Concert. Everyone was AMAZING! This is my third year in a row seeing him. I saw him last year, too, when he had Lee Brice and Cole Swindell with him. I absolutely love Lee Brice! Anyways, back to the review! I miss the TB books. Wish they were still making them although there are still multiple books of the series I haven't read (mainly late in the series!). It's okay, we all know Brad was a jerk in the books! I just think he needed the right girl to turn him around and put him in his place though ;) I hope he grows on you in here though! Trust me, I hated him in the books! I loved Mike :)

Keep up with the reviews! I am loving them! Tell me what you all thought of the chapter!

Thanks for reading! –Quinnandseth'sgirl15. My next update will be: You Need to Trust Me.

For those of you who haven't seen it yet, the week of July 4th-July 11th I will be in NC at the beach. So no updates that week! But I will try to get a few updates for stories this week!