Chapter 338 – End of the Hudson River Classic

Jack moved forward just a Doug crossed the finish timer. He quickly reached into his jacket pocked and pulled the Rosary from where he kept in his pocked and wrapped it in his hand with the reins. He hadn't done that in a long time, but he felt he needed it at that moment. He closed his eyes and cleared his head as Doug came toward him. Jack went through his pre-ride routine before clicking to Bandit just as Doug passed him.

Jack took his time showing Bandit around. He checked out the area of concern from before and while he could see Doug's prints, he felt it was fine to run. He also checked out the shadows before stopping close to where he had before. He rolled his neck and cleared his head again, only thinking of the course and making the adjustments he had just figured out. He then leaned down, patted Bandit and whispered – 'one more ride buddy'. When Jack sat back up, he brought Bandit up to a fast canter and started his run. He took a very similar line to what Doug had just run, except that Jack made a slightly tighter turn on the second landing. As soon as he knew that Bandit's hind legs had cleared the rails, he started to turn him before fully landing to avoid the soft spot.

Jack barely straighten out and took the number twelve jump at a harsh angle. He got lucky and the rail stayed in the cup, but no one knew how. He also cut between the last jump and the finish timer before making the sharp turn back to the line of jumps. He let Bandit pick up speed as he went through four and five. While Jack knew that his grandfather might not be happy, he felt he could handle it. His grandfather had just asked him to not take unnecessary risks. Jack felt the speed was needed and therefore necessary. He also cut close to the trees to get to the double oxer at the number eight jump.

They cleared the double oxer and Jack let Bandit gallop across the open field. His line was a little tighter then Doug's had been. He came within inches of the five b jump as he passed between them. As they approached the number nine jump, Jack pulled Bandit back just a bit to slow for the jump. Bandit didn't respond as much as Jack had hoped, but they cleared the jump and once again, they had barely landed when Jack turned toward the last jump. He cut close to the planter near the start timer before straighten out. He blew out a breath and let Bandit gallop through the end. When he landed, Jack immediately pulled Bandit up, sliding to a stop. He dropped his head, saying a quick prayer before looking. But Jack didn't have to look as he heard Elizabeth cheering. When he looked up, he immediately looked for her. When they locked eyes, he gave her a dimpled grin while she gave him a thumbs up.

Jack finally looked at the board when he turned back to leave the course. He actually stopped when he saw his time. The board said that he had made his run in a time of sixty-four point forty flat. That was even faster then he had thought it was going to be. He felt it was going to be close to Jack's time. Jack raised his arm and waved as he continued off the course. He was speechless. Jack nodded to Nathan as they passed. Jack immediately went to Doug.

"Wow." Doug said. "What happened?"

"Couldn't tell you." Jack said, honestly. "I am completely shocked. I have no idea how I picked up that much time."

"How did you make that jump at number twelve?" Doug asked.

"I couldn't tell you." Jack said. "I honestly hope that someone got that on video, because for the first time in a long time, I have no idea how I made the run. I normally can tell you each jump and the line I took and why. I said a prayer and patted Bandit and after that my mind is blank. I honestly don't even know how I even made all the jumps in the right order."

"Wow." Doug said. "I am pretty sure Mom or Dad took a video. They usually do."

"Good to know." Jack said. "I have never asked because I usually can tell you every step my horse has taken on course."

"We can check with them later." Doug said.

"I will." Jack said. "So you going to be okay with another third?"

"Losing to you and Nathan." Doug said. "I don't really see it as losing. So, I am fine. But I think there is someone over there that is really not happy."

"What do you mean?" Jack said.

"Karry." Doug said, softly. "I think she is really upset about taking fourth place."

"We will congratulate her." Jack said. "She tried hard, it just wasn't her day. But I totally understand not wanting to lose, especially when she has been injured most of the season. She is also the reigning champion, so I know that there is extra pressure to win."

"It isn't anyone's day when you and Nathan are riding." Doug teased. "She won because you didn't ride last year."

"Fair enough." Jack said. "But she did earn her win."

"I know." Doug said. "She beat some stiff competition, but she has never rode against you before."

Jack nodded. He knew what Doug was saying. There was a part of him that felt bad for Karry, but at the same time he wasn't giving away a ribbon that he knew he could win. Maybe they can square off again at the fall finale. Jack and Doug turned their attention to Nathan as it looked like he was getting ready to start.

… … … …

Nathan moved forward, but stopped when Jack stopped. He realized that Jack just noticed his time. He was going to give Jack a moment. He was happy for his friend, but at the same time, Nathan knew that he still had a job to do. While he didn't think he would be able to beat Jack, he was going to do his best. He said a quick prayer as he moved forward when Jack got closer. He saw Jack nodded to him, but Nathan was thinking about his run and didn't respond. He knew that Jack would understand. Nathan showed Athena around and she again danced and was antsy, ready to run. Nathan took a moment and stopped where he had before. He said another prayer and patted Athena before bringing her up to a fast canter. He chose to take a line similar to what Doug had and not take the sharp angles that Jack had.

Nathan made his run on almost the same line that Doug had. In a flat race, he knew that Athena and Ghost were pretty evenly matched. While Ghost had longer slightly longer legs, Athena turned better. So in Nathan's eyes, they were even. Before Nathan realized it, he had cleared the number twelve jump and was headed to the fourth jump on a pace and line closer to what Jack had done. Nathan turned toward the line of three jumps and felt Athena wanting to run faster, but he did his best to hold her back. She was still going fast then he has wanted, but at least he was sort of in control.

Nathan didn't cut as close to the trees, but he did let Athena gallop across the field to the last two jumps. It was hurting his hands to continue to hold her back, so he was going to let her run. Again, Nathan blinked and they were crossing the finish timer. It was one of the first times that he couldn't tell you how he had gotten through a course. He took a moment before looking at the board. He heard the people clapping, so he knew it was good. When he looked at the board, he just laughed. He had posted a time of sixty-four point fifty-four. He was tied with Doug.

"Well it looks like there is a tie." The announcer said. "Officials are checking the camera with a side by side comparison to see which will of the two competitors will be awarded the Reserve Champion ribbon. While they do that, how about a round of applause for all of our riders today."

Nathan went off the field as the crowd applauded. He immediately went to Jack and Doug.

"Just had to be difficult, didn't you." Jack teased.

"Keeping it interesting." Nathan teased, giving Jack a small kick with his leg.

"Hey, I am in first." Jack said. "You can fight about the other ribbon."

"I am okay no matter what." Nathan said. "This has been one of the best summers of my life. So no matter what, it has been fun."

"I am glad you had fun." Jack said. "So did I, but just so you know. The adventures are far from over. You are a member of this group now and we aren't going to let you go too easily. We have a lot to look forward to and I want you right beside Doug, Lee and I as we continue the adventures."

"I am good with that." Nathan said.

"Me too." Doug said. "While I do have a big brother, we never got along. So it is nice having a big brother that I actually get along with. I was getting tired of being the big brother."

Nathan just smiled and shook his head knowing that Doug totally loved being the big brother.

… … … …

It took a few minutes, but the announcer finally came back on an official moved toward the group at the in gate.

"Well, ladies and gentleman." The announcer said. "It looks like the judges have made a determination. As they get them lined up, here are the top five riders in reverse order. In fifth place we have Hudson Paton on Miller from Bacon Hills Riding Club in Bacon Hills with a time of sixty-four point sixty-one. In fourth place is Karry Polansky on Cloud Dancer from Cedar Crest Farms of Middle Falls with a time of sixty-four point fifty-five. The next three riders are all from Coal Creek Farms of Saratoga Springs. In third place is Nathan Grant on Athena with a time of sixty-four point fifty-four three. That means that Doug Burke on The Ghost of Cody Malone is in second place with a time of sixty-four point fifty-four two. And finally winning the competition today with a blistering time of sixty-four point forty is Jack Thornton on Bandit. Again, let's have a round of applause for our top riders today. It was very close and they all did great."

The group went out to get their ribbons and take pictures. Before they left the field, Jack, Doug and Nathan made sure to congratulate the other two riders. Not only that, but Jack took an extra moment to tell Karry that she was a great rider and to keep it. She smiled and asked for a photo. Jack said he would pose for a photo when they went off the field. She was fine with that.

So immediately when they got back to the in gate, Karry handed her phone to her coach and had her take a photo with her and Jack, still on their horses. She thanked and Jack and wished him well. She said she hoped that he came back for the fall finale so she had another chance to beat him. Jack promised to try. He also told her to look him up on Facebook and he would add her. She smiled brightly as she went off with her coach. The three guys jumped down and handed the horses off to Marco, Andy and Carlo before turning to James to face the press.

"Good job guys." James said. "Thank you for being gracious winners and taking a moment to congratulate the other two riders."

The guys nodded.

"Smiles please." James said. "I promise to stay and not let the press go. We are only talking about the show."

Again, the guys nodded. They all took a deep breath before turning and moving closer to the press to answer questions. While none of them liked this part, they understood it was part of the job when they rode for Coal Creek and Thornton Thoroughbreds. It was more because of Jack, but they didn't blame him. They could hear the rapid click of the camera shutters. They didn't even know where to look, so just looked forward and were grateful for their sunglasses. Many reporters were shouting questions and they could barely understand. James held his hands up and the reporters quieted down a bit. James pointed to one report to start.

"Mr Thornton." He said. "How does it feel to win two weeks in a row and plans to continue jumping as there are four more shows?"

"It feels great to win." Jack said. "I am just glad that we all did good today. As far as more jumping, as I have said we are heading back to the city to get ready for school. While we have talked about coming back for the fall finale, we aren't sure at this point as we need to see if we can with our school schedules. As far as any more shows, there are absolutely no plans to try and jump several weekends while we adjust to school. We hadn't even planned to jump at this show and only decided to because we aren't planning to head back to the city until tomorrow or Monday."

"Mr Grant." One report shouted. "How does it feel to lose after winning four straight?"

"I don't see it as losing." Nathan said. "Like Jack said, I am glad that we all did great. We are taking the top three spots back to the ranch so that is a win in my book. I see these like little brothers that I never had. One doesn't lose to brothers, just bested for a day. It has been a fun summer and I am just glad to be able to ride."

Before James could point to another reporter, several started shouting questions about Elizabeth and asking for photos with her.

"We are done." James said.

The boys immediately turned away so they could head to the trailer. Reporters were still shouting questions as they walked away. The few that Jack could make out were asking about Elizabeth and the rumor they got married. He also heard a few questions about the ring that he was wearing. He was glad that his grandfather shut them down. He wanted to be married for more than twenty-four hours before he had to announce it to the press.

… … … …

As the boys walked away, James stayed. He didn't answer the press as they continued to shout questions after the boys. Finally, John who had been off to the side stepped next to James and held up his hands. The group of press quieted down.

"You refused to follow the ground rules that we set down." John said. "So the boys were sent away. You were warned to only ask about jumping or the questioning would be shut down. As we have said before we have no comment on the private life of my grandson or his friends. We have arrested several members of the press already for harassment and have no problem to do more if you continue to harass my grandson and his friends. Those reporters who refuse to follow the rules are going to have limited access to Coal Creek or Thornton Incorporated moving forward. This is the last time I am going to say anything. If and when my grandson is ready to make an announcement about his person life, a statement will be put out through our media relations teams."

James and John then turned and walked away together. Again, they heard reports shouting questions after them, but they were done. They didn't say anything until they got a bit further away.

"What a great show." John said. "So, I wanted to talk to you about something."

"I am listening." James said. "What did you think of the girl who took fourth?"

"Great jumper with a great future." James said. "She could use a bigger horse with more scope and extension, but otherwise I would love to have her jump for us."

"Glad you said that." John said. "That is what I wanted to talk to you about. Her parents approached me with just that idea. They know that she needs a place that will challenge Karry and carry her into the future. While they know it is going to be a bit of drive, they are willing to make it and even have looked at moving closer if it is what Karry wants."

"Have her come talk to me or send an email." James said.

"She will." John said. "After the fall finale. She is technically an exclusive under contract with her current stable and is not able to do anything until after the season is over. Her father wanted to gauge our interest before they did anything. He said they have already decided that they are not going to sign another contract with the current stable as they feel that Karry has outgrown them and they are holding her back."

"How old is she?" James asked.

"She is sixteen and will be seventeen in November." John said.

"So two more years of jumping intermediate." James said. "We can work with that. Maybe even find her another horse."

"We have plenty of those." John said. "I just wanted to give you a heads up as her father spoke to me unofficially since I really don't have anything to do with the jumping he didn't feel it was a violation of their contract."

"I will look forward to hearing from her and I won't say anything." James said. "But I think we need to give JP a heads up."

"We will." John said. "When they make an official request."

"Sounds good." James said.

By that time they had gotten back to the trailer.

"Good job guys." John said. "So Doug, how does it feel to be reserve champion. I don't think you have had one of those in awhile."

"It is great, Sir." Doug said. "I am just as surprised as the rest of them that I actually beat Nathan and Athena."

"Well." John said. "Good job all of you. And good job with the press. JP, much better today."

"Thank you." Jack said. "I tired to ignore them and not let them get to me."

"That is all I am going to ask." John said. "I will see you all back at the ranch. I have a stop to make before I get there. James, do you want to ride with me? Margaret is going with James and Trish. Frank said he would either ride with Nathan or Father Mark."

"I will go back with Marco." James said. "See you in a bit."

"Sounds good." John said. "If I am not back, please tell Margaret not to hold supper for me. I will be back when I get back. I have to deal with some business."

"Sounds good." James said. "Don't forget Father Mark is going to do a family Mass as well."

"I know." John said. "I should be back for that."

"Sounds good." James said.

John waved to the boys one more time and then left to deal with his business so he could get back and spend some time with the family before Jack and Elizabeth left. As John walked away to Peter and Andrew, James turned to Marco and Andy.

"Is there room with one of you to ride back to the farm." James said.

"Always, boss." Andy said. "Why don't you ride with me. Carlo will talk your ear off if you ride with Marco."

"Sounds like a plan." James said. "Let's get this all picked up and head out. It has been a long day and it isn't over yet."

As they were cleaning up their site the rest of their group came down. Elizabeth immediately went to Jack. He did a quick look around and didn't see any press, so he pulled Elizabeth into his arms and kissed her soundly.

"Missed you." Jack gasped when he pulled back.

"I missed you as well." Elizabeth said. "Great job riding today."

"Thank you." Jack said. "I need to finish picking things up."

"Okay." Elizabeth said. "We are riding back with Father Mark and Frank is riding with Nathan, Doug and Lee."

Jack nodded and let go of Elizabeth so he could finish loading his stuff.