Chapter 2 – Time to Race

It was time for the call to post – Comet's Blast was wearing number one, he had been sired by Lisa's horse Albert Comet and owned by her ex, Dan Hartman of Brookland Stables. Next came Albert Prince from Forrest Farms. Then it was Amy on Sapphire Breeze (Fairfield). Followed by Tennessee Jack (Big River) with Janice riding and lastly Willow Wind from Spruce Meadows.

"Race you the other end," Janice said looking at Amy. Just like she had done when she rode Trick Tornado and Amy was on Lightning Dexter.

"I will look for you," Amy replied confidently. With that, she put on her goggles and took a deep breath.

The horn sounded, the gates flew open and they were off. Prince, Sapphire and Jack were running together, taking the first turn. Suddenly Janice tried to box Amy into the rail just behind Prince. Amy sensed the movement and countered. Amy's movement caused Janice to crash into Prince. Both went down hard and the spectators grew quite. Comet's Blast and Willow Wind were able to skirt the crash and both tried to catch Amy on Sapphire.

Seeing the horses go down, with out thinking, Georgie was over the rail and heading to the down horses before Jack, Lou, Tim or Lisa could stop her. She was there first only to be followed a few steps ahead of Ty and Scott. Ty had been down by Scott Cardinal, the onsite vet.

Georgie could see that Prince was wild with pain and instantly went to him and cooed and hushed him until he calmed down. By this point most people were watching Georgie and not the race. By the time that track officials had reached the horses and riders, Georgie had Prince calm and handed him off to one of the track workers, telling him to keep his eyes covered and softly talk to him while rubbing his neck before she moved over to Tennessee Jack. The track workers who were there was trying with all their might to not let him get up until Scott could access him.

By this time, the race was over and Sapphire Breeze had won with Comet's Blast to place and Willow Wind to show. But it seemed no one cared, all eyes were on the young girl on the inside edge of the track sitting in the dirt cradling a horse's head.

As soon as the race was over, Amy was Georgie's side, shedding her helmet, goggles, jacket and vest as she got there. Georgie wanted to go to Tennessee Jack, but she didn't dare leave Prince, so Amy stayed with Prince as Georgie went to Jack. It appeared that Jack was more stunned and not as seriously injured but, Scott wanted to get both to the clinic as soon as he could but he wasn't sure what would happen when they tried to move them.

Sensing Scott's worry, he leaned over and told Scott, "Trust Georgie, cause Amy does."

"Ready," Scott said to Georgie softly and Georgie nodded.

"Back up and give us a little space," Scott said firmly to the track workers.

"Stay close in case we need help to steady him," Georgie said without taking her eyes off Tennessee Jack.

"Your lead," Scott replied to Georgie.

Georgie slowly moved around the front side of Jack and clipped a lead rope to his bridle. Finally she was ready to try and get him up. Georgie slowly coaxed him to stand and when he was on him feet, she rubbed him muzzle and softly cooed to him.

"Be a good boy, and go with these guys," Georgie cooed to Tennessee Jack before she handed him off to one of the workers, who lead him from the track.

Scott and Georgie then turned their attention to Prince. Ty figured that he hurt his hind leg and that there was a possible break. Georgie was cooing and rubbing Prince's muzzle. Amy sat there rubbing his neck while Scott and Ty worked. Ty ran to Scott's truck and grabbed a splint, quickly returning to the Scott's side.

"Should we splint him first," Ty asked Scott.

"Better safe then sorry," Scott replied.

Amy looked at Georgie and saw so much of herself, but at the same time, she was worried. Here was a thirteen year old girl and thoroughbreds, especially stallions could be headstrong. You never knew what a horse was going to do when it was in pain.

"Stay focused," Amy said softly to Georgie.

"I am here if you need me, but you are doing great," Amy added after a few moments.

Scott looked at both girls and knew he needed to warn both of them. Amy saw Scott look over and just nodded.

"Remember when Spartan got hurt and Ty and to splint him," Amy said to Georgie

"Yes, why," Georgie replied

"Remember how pain he was in," Amy said softly and Georgie nodded.

"This is going to be as bad, if not worse," she went on. "We need to keep him still and quiet."

"Got it," Georgie whispered.

"Here we go," came Scott's voice.

As Ty and Scott were splinting Prince's leg, Georgie spoke to him softly and cooed to him. Scott and Ty were both surprised how little he fought them while Georgie sat with him. Once the splint was on, Scott wanted to get him up.

"Once again, your lead Georgie," Scott said softly.

With that Georgie moved around Prince slightly and clipped a lead rope to his bridle and talk to him softly. As she coaxed him to his feet, he whinnied in pain. Georgie was right there.

"I know, I know," she cooed. "Please you have to do this for me and then Scott will get you fixed up."

Slowly Prince's breathing calmed and was focused on Georgie. One of the track workers went to take his lead, but Georgie refused to let go.

"It is okay," Scott said. "Georgie's got him and will lead him to the trailer."

With that, both horses were loaded into Scott's trailer. Georgie without even thinking, jumped in the passenger side of Scott's truck and was going to the clinic. Ty said that he would follow in his truck. It wasn't until they pulled into the back side of the clinic that Scott even realized that Georgie was there. When Georgie jumped out to help untrailer the horses, Scott stopped her.

"What are you doing," was his firm question.

"Helping," replied Georgie as if her being there was the most normal thing in the world.

"I can't risk you getting hurt," Scott said, laying a hand on Georgie's shoulder.

Seeing he meant it, she stepped back. Just at Ty pulled up, he saw Georgie.

"Call your mother or Amy," Ty said to Georgie with a tone that meant he was serious.

"I don't have my phone," Georgie quickly realized.

"Here," Ty said handing her his phone.

"Just leave it on the counter before you go." Ty said to Georgie as he and Scott got in work.