Chapter 288 – Coal Creek Jumpoff
Once the last rider came off, the announcer came on and announced those that made the jump off and that there would be a short break while they raked the field before the jump off. The thirteen riders to make the jump off were – Nathan Grant on Athena with seventy-eight point twenty-nine, JP Thornton on Bandit with seventy-eight point thirty, Doug Burke on Ghost with seventy-eight point thirty-nine, Oliver Kennedy of Sugar Creek on Flash with seventy-eight point forty, Connor Walker of Knox Farms on Sugar with seventy-eight point forty-one, Trinity Jones of Silver Shadows Stables on Ringo with seventy-eight point sixty-eight, Mike Anderson of Phoenix Rising Stables on Firefly with seventy-eight point seventy, Will Davis of Honey Dew Riding Center on My Fair Lady with seventy-eight point seventy-three, Chris Miller of Triple T Stables on Ceaser with seventy-eight point seventy-seven, Jade Wilson of Wishing Well Stables on Pepper with seventy-eight point eighty-two, Carrie Martin of Larkin Hill Stable out of Schuylerville on Arrow with seventy-eight point eighty-nine, Cory Cook of Vine Stables on Storm with seventy-eight point ninety, and Marcy White of Double Horseshoes Stable on Diamond with seventy-eight point ninety-nine.
Jack was excited about the jumpoff. He had seen a bit of the previous one and knew that Nathan on Athena could beat him. He was almost wishing they would have had a grass ring for the show, but was glad that they were in the arena given that it was quiet hot out. He knew that he would possible have the advantage at both Schenectady and Cooperstown since they were both on grass. He also knew that Albany was going to be back on sand so Nathan might again have the advantage. Jack needed to shake his head and focus on the course in front of him and not get ahead of himself.
While they waited, Doug, Jack and Nathan went to look at the jump off course and try to figure out every fraction of a second that they could because they knew that Conner and Oliver were gunning for them. With only Connor and Oliver plus the boys from Coal Creek to ride, there were only two clear rounds – Marcy White who ran a fifty-one point ninety-seven. It was close but it was clean. The other clean run was Jade Wilson from Wishing Well Stable in Lake George with a fifty-one point eighty-eight. Jack, Doug and Nathan lined up just to the side of the in gate to watch Connor run. Jack cheer to himself just a little when Connor took down a rail at four. He was smiling and both Doug and Nathan caught it out the corner of their eye. They weren't going to call him on it, because they were just a bit happy as well. None of the three of them liked Connor. The three continued to watch as Connor came off and Oliver went on course. Jack reached out and touched both Doug and Nathan.
"No matter what." Jack said. "We hold our heads high."
"Of course." Doug said.
"Okay." Nathan said.
Neither were sure what Jack was talking about, but they wondered if he wasn't going to do something. They turned back to Oliver and noticed that he was taking a very fast and aggressive line. They weren't sure he had the experience to handle what he was throwing down. Oliver's fast and aggressive line caught up with him at five when he landed in the water. Jack's smile got just a little brighter. He wanted to beat Sugar Creek and it didn't seem to matter who it was that beat them. As Oliver finished, Jack turned to Doug.
"Good luck." Jack said. "You got this."
Doug nodded and then clicked to Ghost. He showed him the water tray again and then brought him up to a canter. Doug took a tight, aggressive line and was fine with it. He slowed down when he needed, but otherwise knew that he could run. When Doug crossed clean, he looked at the clock and was at fifty-one point fifty-five and in first place. Doug had a smile on his face when he came off. Jack clicked to Bandit and moved forward just a bit. He then took a deep calming breath and went through his routine. As he went on, Doug went over by Nathan. They watched as Jack took the same aggressive line that Doug had taken, but he didn't mind. Suddenly when Jack landed at six c he pulled up. He veered off course, waved to the crowd and then headed for the in gate. He didn't say anything to anyone, just nodded to Nathan. Father Mark came over, but Jack waved him off for the moment. Father Mark stood there as Jack sat on Bandit and watched Nathan run. Again Athena was in the mood to run and Nathan let her. He sailed through the course and came across in fifty-one point fifty and won the competition. Jack nodded to Doug to go join Nathan. Jade Wilson lined up to get her third place ribbon as was ecstatic. As the three went to get their ribbons from James, Father Mark once again turned to Jack.
"What happened?" He asked.
"I landed and something felt off." Jack said. "I don't know if he threw a shoe or what, but I figured it wasn't worth risking it."
"Okay." Father Mark said.
Jack jumped down and there were several hands there to take Bandit, but Jack waved them off and went to get Bandit settled in a stall knowing that he would be moved back to the family stable later. As he brushed out Bandit, Marco appeared at the stall.
"What happened?" He asked.
"Like I told Father Mark." Jack said. "I landed after six there and something felt off and figured it wasn't worth it. I don't know if he threw a shoe or what. I am checking now."
"Okay." Marco said. "I have the farrier coming tomorrow for other horses, so I will have him check Bandit."
"Thank you." Jack said. "Can you also have him check Bubbles and Squeak."
"They were on the list." Marco said.
"Thank you." Jack said. "Before you ask, I am fine and I don't mind the way things turned out."
"Wasn't going to say anything." Marco said.
Jack just nodded and continued to care for Bandit. When he checked Bandit's hooves, he was right, the horse had thrown a shoe. Jack was just finishing with Bandit when Nathan and Doug brought their horses to stall.
"Congratulations." Jack said.
"What happened?" Nathan asked.
"Threw a shoe and didn't think it was worth the risk." Jack said. "I am going to gather my tack case and head up."
"We won't be long." Doug said.
By the time that everyone got up to the house, they knew that Bandit had thrown a shoe and to not continue to ask Jack what happened. They all knew that was what it was and while he might not be happy about it, Jack had accepted it as part of riding horses. It wasn't long after everyone got up to the house and the guys got cleaned up that they sat down to a nice supper that Gran, Trish and Abigail put in the crock pot. The Averys and Caitlin stayed because it was easier then them going home and trying to fix a late supper for the children. It was a nice supper and lively conversation about the show. They all agreed that the show was a success and looked forward to do it again the following summer. The guys all knew that if they jumped at all, it would probably be advanced, but they were okay with it.
"So, Nathan." Bill said. "What does it feel like to win two weekends in a row?"
"It is amazing." Nathan said. "But I will be the first to admit that it was all Athena. I have never ridden a horse as wonderful as she is."
"She is an amazing horse." James said. "I am glad you are riding her. She was meant to be ridden."
"Grandpa John." Jack said. "Can I talk to you after supper?"
"Sure." John said. "I needed to talk to you and Nathan as well."
"Okay." Jack said.
Nathan looked between John and Jack.
"Don't worry." John said. "It is just about this fall, Nathan."
"Okay." Nathan said.
Once they were done with supper, John, Jack and Nathan headed to the office to talk. Everyone else worked to clean up from supper and the Averys plus Caitlin headed out. Everyone agreed that they would get together the following weekend, even if it was just late Sunday afternoon to have supper and music after the races.
… … … …
"So what did you want to talk about?" John asked.
"Why don't you go first." Jack said. "Not that Nathan won't know what I am talking to you about, but at least this way we are getting the things taken care of that need it. I had a thought about future plans."
"Okay." John said.
John pulled a folder from his briefcase that was in the office and handed it to Nathan.
"I think the boys already spoke to you a little." John said. "But this makes it official. I would like you to move in with the Doug and Lee in the apartment down from Jack and Elizabeth. Also this is the paperwork enrolling you in Columbia. You will be taking the same classes as JP this fall and can choose what you want for spring. If you are going to be around my grandson, some business classes are never a bad idea."
"Thank you." Nathan said. "I already talked to Devin about clearing out my old apartment."
"I know he spoke to me." John said. "I also don't want you to worry about rent or tuition, it will be part of your compensation package. I don't want any argument from you."
"I would argue, but I am learning that is a futile exercise when it comes to you and Jack at times." Nathan said.
John just chuckled and Jack smiled.
"Good now that is taken care of." John said. "Have you spoken to your sister anymore?"
"She still doesn't want to move." Nathan said. "But I keep trying to tell her that you both mean well and just want her to be safe because she is important to me. While she is worried about Dylan, she doesn't want to leave the few people that she knows."
"Okay." John said. "But if he crosses a line and goes after them instead of just sitting there and trying to intimidate her, I won't give her a choice, especially since there is a child involved."
"Okay." Nathan said. "I will tell her that, she is not happy about one of Devin's guys sitting on the apartment, but so far it has kept Dylan at a distance."
"Good." John said. "I also looked into that other matter regarding him and hopefully there will be movement early this fall."
"Thank you." Nathan said.
"Is there anything else?" John asked.
"No." Nathan said.
"Then please allow me to speak to my grandson." John said. "We will try to be brief, since it sounded like Doug and Father Mark were looking forward to playing some music tonight."
"Okay." Nathan said.
Nathan got up, patted Jack on the back and left the office.
"So what is on your mind." John said.
"Couple things." Jack said. "I was looking more at the sale and those already listed for it after the Breeder's cup. I don't think I will be able to be down there for the sale, especially if we go to the Big Easy to watch Uncle Martin and then actually go down for the Breeder Cup races. Anyway, there are two potentially broodmares that might be worth looking at a little more. I was also going to suggest that if you want another set of eyes down at the sale, to maybe take Frank."
"I will consider that." John said. "Send me the information on the broodmares and why you think they are worth it. Also if you see any other potential studs that might be worth investing in."
"I will do that." Jack said. "As much as I want to be down there, I realize that I can't be jetting off somewhere several weekends in a row while still going to school. While I think that some of the professors might be understanding that it is business, I really don't want to push things this first year."
"I understand." John said. "There will be plenty of other times that we might not have a choice and have to have you at meetings so you are right, it is better not to push it this first year."
"Thank you." Jack said.
"You got everything set for the honeymoon?" John asked. "I saw that you had put the formal request in for the jet and Connor said that he had gotten several billing statements from Margaret, so it sounds like things are being taken care of."
"Yes." Jack said. "I have everything planned for the honeymoon. I made the change and we will be flying back to the city on Saturday afternoon and landing at Teterboro. I sent a message to Devin to put it on the calendar and to also arrange for a car to get back to the apartments."
"Very good." John said. "Let me know if you need anything else. I know that you sent me an itinerary, but can you send another and copy Devin. I will have him forward it to the company in Canada."
"I can do that." Jack said.
"Thank you." John said. "Then if you have nothing else, let's go join in the music and enjoy the nice evening."
Jack nodded. Jack left the office and John said he wouldn't be that far behind. Jack went out to check on everyone and make sure things were set up.
… … … …
After John, Jack and Nathan went to the office to speak for a few minutes, Doug and Father Mark worked to get things set up to play music for a bit. Frank went about cleaning out and resetting the portable fire pit. He got everything ready to light. They all knew that it wasn't going to be a late night, but it was still early at only just after seven. So they wanted to play some music and enjoy a little bit of a more relaxing time before bed.
Doug and Father Mark brought a total of five guitars down, including Nathan's new one that had arrived just a few days prior. Doug knew that not everyone might play, but this at least gave everyone a chance to play if they wanted. He also made sure that the music books were down there. Once they had everything ready, Frank lite the fire and everyone started to gather around, knowing that John, Jack and Nathan would join when they were done. People had a drink if they wanted one and Doug and Father Mark started playing while people were sitting around the circle.
Nathan was the first to join the group. He had made himself a drink and then picked up his guitar and sat near Doug. He joined Doug in playing. It wasn't much longer and Jack joined the group. And only about five minutes after that John came out to join the group. They ended up playing and singing for over an hour before the grandparents excused themselves. Trish and Chief stayed another twenty minutes before insisting that the girls head to bed and they were as well. The rest of the group put the instruments aways, and took the time to pray before also calling it a night. They were enjoying the group prayers each night. Yes, there had been some nights that not everyone joined, but overall, it was a great way for them to connect as a group and lift each other up. The one thing that they all agreed on, was that no matter what happened, the shared time of prayer was something that they were going to miss when they headed back to the city and life got busy with school and things again.