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Cindy McLean groaned and rolled over to look at the time on her digital alarm clock. It was well past nine oclock. Cindy couldnt remember when last she had slept that late. Glancing at the empty pillow next to her, Cindy figured that Ben al-Rihani, her fiancée, had gotten out of bed hours earlier. Cindy was grateful that he hadnt woken her. Ben probably knew all about her sleepless nights anyway.
It had started a few weeks ago. Cindy still wasnt over the death of Gratis, winner of the previous years Breeders Cup Classic. Now her dreams were plagued by images of Gratis stumbling down the track at Dubai, fighting to keep going but unable to go faster. Sometimes, Gratis changed to Wonders Champion, a regal-looking stallion that Cindy had ridden in that very same race years before.
With a yawn, Cindy rolled out of bed and got dressed. She didnt feel like getting up, but she had a responsibility to Tall Oaks, the farm owned by Ben. Missing the morning workouts was bad enough.
Suddenly, Cindy remembered why she had to be there that morning. It was Fair Gueneveres first timed breeze. Cindy hoped that Melanie, Gwens rider, would forgive her.
The June sunlight hit Cindy in the face as she walked outside to the barns. It was hot already and Kentucky was in the grip of a heat wave. There wasnt a cloud in the sky and Cindy wondered when they would see rain.
A commotion by the stallion barn caught Cindys eye and she rushed to see what was happening.
Hey! She cried as a silver horse bolted out of the barn, his tail flying behind him like a streamer. Bits of wood lay everywhere from the stallions stable door.
Cindy set off in hot pursuit, grabbing a head collar as she ran.
Flight of Fantasy, the escapee, was a new arrival at Tall Oaks. He was given to Cindy and Ben as an engagement present from the Townsend family. Cindy figured that Brad was trying to impress Ben, whod quickly become a prominent figure in the States since moving there over a year ago. She, however, saw Brads gesture as a way of ridding himself of a problematic horse who wasnt worth the trouble.
And trouble was the best way to describe Flight. The stallion jumped out of paddocks, opened stall doors and generally made a nuisance of himself. His bloodlines were far from great. The only thing he had going for him was winning a few stakes races. What Brad failed to realise was the simple fact that no one would breed their mares to Flight when they could choose from Champion and Rush Street, two Triple Crown winners.
Spotting Flight flirting with Berlin Wall, Cindy slowly approached the stallion. She felt like a predator stalking its prey.
Swinging his dished face toward her, Flights dark eyes had a glint in them that spelt out his intentions. Lifting his tail, Flight, spun and roared into a full racing gallop, turning toward the trails.
Sighing, Cindy knew that she couldnt just leave Flight, as much as she wanted to. She sprinted back to the barns and called over Heinz Davidoff, a fairly new groom to help her. Stocky and strong, Heinz was the only one that could hold onto Flight aside from Ben.
Get on Lukas! We need to catch Flight! Cindy grabbed Pirate Treasures bridle and hurriedly tacked up the black gelding.
Heinz was on his Warmblood in no time. Brandenburg Lukas, an ex-show jumper, was the only horse built for Heinzs size. The burly horse stood at seventeen hands and was twice as broad as Pirate.
Urging Pirate into a canter, Cindy followed the path of upturned earth Flight had left in his wake. She looked at Lukas, who was flying alongside Pirate. Heinz moved with the bay Warmbloods lumbering strides, leaving his mouth alone. Cindy could clearly see the Germans training coming through. Before Heinz had moved to America, his family owned and ran a riding school in Germany. It was a pity that Heinz was so big. Cindy would have loved to have him ride some of the racehorses.
There he is! Heinz pointed ahead where Cindy could see Flights dappled hindquarters. He was grazing under a tree and his sides were sleek with sweat.
Lifting his head, Flight glanced at them and ambled further down the path, cropping grass.
Heinz went one way and Cindy went the other, cutting the stallion off if he decided to make a move. They slowly managed to corner him and Heinz jumped off Lukas and quickly wrapped a stud chain over Flights grey nose. He reprimanded Flight in German and swung back onto Lukas without letting go of the irate stallion.
Tossing his head, Flight tried to run but Lukas swung his shoulders in and almost slammed the smaller horse into the fence. Cindy was reminded of how Pirate used to teach Perfect Image, a spirited mare, manners. Snorting his surprise, Flight tried to bite Lukas and Heinz jerked the chain.
Im glad Im not holding him. Cindy muttered. Flight would have ruined her already damaged shoulder.
They made it back to the stables in one piece, though Cindy had no idea where she could put Flight. The other three stalls set aside for the stallions were occupied by Champion, Khan and Rush Street, though they were in their paddocks. Tossing Flight into Khans empty stable, Cindy surveyed the damage. Flights door was scattered in splintered fragments all over the aisle. Flight had also managed to scatter his grooming kit in his wake.
Not Flight again. Ben al-Rihani walked into the barn and scanned the wreckage. That horse has to go.
Cindy sighed. Where? No one would buy him, thats for sure.
Flights head snaked out of his stall and he began chewing on Khans head collar. Ben smacked he stallion across the muzzle and Flight tried to bite him back. Angrily shutting the top part of the door closed, Ben groaned and turned to Cindy.
Ill get someone to ride him. Hes only been here a week. Maybe he just needs to settle down. Cindy wondered what Flight was like to ride. The horse had to have something good about him!
Later that afternoon, Cindy checked up on their first crop of weanlings. There were only three as Tall Oaks old owner, Fredericka Graber was forced to sell off most of her stock before Ben bought the farm. Only two were from the original mares, Townsend Mistress and Quick Promise. The other foal was out of Berlin Wall, a mare that Ben had bought last year.
The pick of the crop, Oakley Manor, was stalking Berlin Blitz, a slender black filly with blaze and a long white stocking on her foreleg. Oakleys grey tail swished in concentration as he dashed forward and nipped Blitz on the rear. Squealing in anger, Blitz bucked furiously and galloped across the paddock, clearly not wanting to play with Oakley.
With a laugh, Cindy turned her gaze on the third weanling and her expression immediately changed into a worried frown. Oak Magic was lying on her side in the shade of one of the Oak trees. Every now and then, she would kick out as a fly landed on her side, but other than that, there was little movement from the filly.
Magic had been sickly from birth, but Cindy was hoping she would have gotten over it by now. Ducking into the paddock, Cindy knelt beside Magic and felt her ears. The chestnut filly lifted her head and nickered feebly.
Not another temperature, sweetie! Cindy pinched the skin the fillys flank and it stayed folded for a few seconds.
Magic was dehydrated.
Getting Magics lead, Cindy flicked it by the filly and Magic leapt up, startled. Cindy clipped the lead onto the metal loop on the head collar and led the filly to the isolation stall. They couldnt risk Oakley and Blitz getting ill too.
Just as well we know what to do by now. Poor baby. Cindy stoked Magics side as the filly coughed a little.
Going to the storeroom, Cindy fixed up a booster injection for Magic with vitamins and medication to boost the fillys immune system. The Immuboost was expensive, but Magic needed it. It was the only thing that worked for the filly when she got sick and kept her from getting sick too soon again. Cindy also made a special watery mash with electrolytes. This was designed to encourage Magic to get fluid into her body.
With the mash in a pan and the syringe, Cindy went back to Magic. She gave Magic the shot and watched as the filly lapped up some mash.
Oh no! Is Magic sick again? Elizabeth Wagner, one of the grooms, poked her head into Magics stall.
Cindy nodded. Looks like the usual. But, Im putting her in here just to make sure.
Magic had been born premature and she was always prone to the sniffles. But, even a mild case of a cold could be very dangerous for a young horse.
But, the big question was always; would Magic ever race?
Not able to see it happen, Cindy would be happy if Magic could even be ridden. Who knows what exercise would do to her if her health never improved?
Ill make sure to keep an eye on her. Elizabeth promised. She was the main groom in the mare and foal barn.
Taking a last look at Magic, Cindy felt like giving up on her. Even if she was half-sister to Gratis. Maybe that was reason enough to forget about Magic.
Come on Bejazzled! Show them what youve got! Cindy called as the dark grey filly changed leads and flew down the homestretch that weekend.
The three year-old filly was running in a graded race at Keeneland. Bejazzled had been very uncoordinated as a two year-old but she had matured over the winter. Her long strides put away the field as she drove to the wire.
Jumping up, Cindy cheered as Bejazzled won by a length.
Im glad I kept that filly. Ben said with a smile. Do you know that the reporters are talking about her running in the Distaff?
Cindy nodded. Its in five months though! I hope they arent getting their hopes up to much. Besides, Jazz still hasnt run against Pacific Blue. Well see about the Breeders Cup if she can beat that filly.
Pacific Blue was the top filly that year. Since Jazzs recent successes, there was a lot of talk about the two fillies running against each other.
They walked down to the winners circle and posed for a picture with Jazz. Prancing excitedly, Jazz nearly knocked over a reporter whod gotten to close to her.
Miss McLean! When will we see a match race with Pacific?
Is it true that you are running Bejazzled next month at Gulfsteam?
Whens the wedding?
Cindy stopped trying to answer the flow of questions and sought out the reporter that asked that last one. She felt Ben tense beside her.
Getting to it before her and perhaps more diplomatically than Cindy would have answered the question, Ben said, We havent decided on a date that will be convenient for all our guests.
Considering your close ties with Brad Townsend, one can assume that he is in the guest list? A chubby woman shoved her microphone under Bens nose.
Clearing his throat, Ben replied, We have not decided yet. He snuck a funny look at Cindy that made her laugh.
Brad probably is spreading rumours again. Cindy muttered as they headed back towards Tall Oaks with Bejazzled. Inviting himself to our wedding just because he gave us a lousy stallion with a personality problem!
Ben shrugged. Brad his hoping to get into our good books now that weve had several successes with Rush Street, Gratis and now Bejazzled. Hes probably thinking that our wedding will be a huge social event. Slipping into a reasonable imitation of Brad, Ben waved his hand around.
Thats the last thing I want! Cindy said adamantly.
I feel the same way, believe me. Keeping his eyes on the road, Ben squeezed Cindys hand. Dont worry about Brad.
Show her the whip if she isnt listening! Ben called to Liana Harrison as she breezed Potent Poison around the training track at Tall Oaks. The black filly was running haphazardly across the track and clearly had no intention of working that day.
Battling to make Poison mind, Liana flicked the whip past her face and crouched lower, giving the filly more rein. Cindy know why Liana was good with the more difficult horses like Gratis, but her quiet riding style did nothing for a horse like Poison whod use any excuse to slack off.
Cindy wondered how Pierre Smith, their other rider, would do on Poison. Pierre had ridden Rush Street to victory in the Triple Crown races.
Suddenly, a familiar voice caught Cindys attention. She spun around and saw Brad Townsend walking up with his haughty wife, Lavinia.
We thought wed stop by. Lavinia smiled simperingly at Ben.
Brad, more businesslike than his wife, nodded. Im looking at breeding my Townsend Princess mare to Rush Street and was hoping that we could discuss it.
Cindy wondered how the Townsends had come by a Princess baby in the first place. Lavinia herself had been responsible for ruining the beautiful mares career as a racehorse when shed ridden her and fractured her foreleg. Cindy had watched the mare break down after returning to racing, rebreaking her leg in two places.
I really was hoping to see that Townsend Mistress foal too, Cindy. Lavinia sounded so sweet, Cindy felt like punching her.
Instead she replied reluctantly, Sure. It was strange having Lavinia talk to her like that. She figured she might as well show off Oakley Manor. It wasnt like Lavinia could buy him!
While Ben went to the stallion barn with Brad, Cindy walked down to the weanling paddock.
There is the most exquisite place to buy dresses! Im sure that you will find the perfect dress for your wedding there! Lavinia emphasised the word wedding.
Uh, well I havent really thought about things like that yet. Cindy stopped by the paddock gate. The grey one is Oakley.
Lavinia looked at the colt for all of two seconds and then turned her gaze to Berlin Blitz and Magic.
The chestnut is very small. Has it been sick? A slight superior tone crept back into Lavinias voice.
Cindy figured that Lavinia was only trying to find a fault with their breeding program. She thought that shed burst her bubble a little. She maybe small, but shes a million-dollar filly. Shes the first Wonders Champion foal born in the States. Shes a half-sister to last years Breeders Cup winner.
Oh, you mean that colt Gratis? Laughing, Lavinia threw back her head. Didnt he die?
With that, Cindy had had enough. I have very important work to take care of. She muttered and spun around to head back to the barns. She didnt want to have to deal with Lavinia and her snooty comments ever again. Insulting Gratis was the last straw. Biting her lip, Cindy walked into her office and shut the door. Wasnt it bad enough that she blamed herself for Gratis death? If she hadnt been so eager to race him again, he would still be alive and well. Lavinia had some nerve!
Cindy picked up a framed photograph Ben had made for her. It was of Gratis taken during their trip to Dubai. The bay colt was standing looking at something in the distance, he head high and proud. Cindy was holding his lead and laughing happily.
Suddenly feeling angry, Cindy slammed a palm on her desk. Why was it that Lavinia tried hard to ruin everything that was sacred to her? Shed nearly terminated Cindys adoption with the McLean family because of a missing watch! Every time Lavinia had seen Cindy as a teenager, she had sneered and made remarks about orphan thieves and hired help. Well, Cindy no longer had to take it! She was the co-owner of an up-and-coming racing establishment and was no longer a groom.
How dare that witch insult me on my own property! Cindy spat at Gratis picture. I shouldnt let her get away with it, boy!
Storming back outside, Cindy found Lavinia smiling winningly up at Ben.
Why, I think that would be just fantastic! Well have Townsend Duchess over
Im sorry to interrupt you Cindy paused and then said cockily, Not really, but you wont be invited to our wedding.
Blinking at Cindy, Ben looked confused for a moment but then winked.
Lavinia, however, wasnt happy. What do you mean? Weve known each other forever!
Thats just it, Lavinia. I dont like you. Cindy kept her tone even. I never have. I dont want you here, prying into our operation. You, quite frankly, have no business to show up whenever you please. You dont have any financial interest in our horses. I do not work for you, Lavinia. Cindy spun to face Brad. I know what you tried to do to poor Fredericka Graber. I also partially blame you for her downfall! Dont think I dont know about your ties with Alexis Huffman. I am well aware that you tried to sell off Tall Oaks stock and get a sizable commission.
What are you implying Cindy? Brad smirked. You dont want to do business with us? Really, Ben. I thought you would have chosen a more competent partner!
And that was when Bens fist met Brads nose.
Whimpering, Brad stumbled to his Ferrari. Youll regret this. I swear you will! He called, sounding very nasal.
Lavinia pranced after Brad, looking back in shock at Ben and Cindy.
Throwing her arms around her fiancée, Cindy exclaimed, That was just what that jerk deserved!
I dont think itll do us much good in the future, but it felt so good! Ben laughed. He wanted to buy Rush Street! Can you imagine that? He offered half of what Id reasonably ask if I wanted to sell him.
Cindy grinned. You should hit Brad more often. Maybe hell take back Flight!
Brad never asked for the stallion to be returned to him, but Flight was pushing his luck. Cindy was getting tired of chasing after him.
Tall Oaks only had fifteen horses, but Flight was like five horses in one. He jumped over fences, fought with the other stallions and bit Heinz more times than the groom would care to admit.
Look, Mel. I dont know what hes like, but just ride him, okay? Cindy cast pleading eyes on Melanie Graham, a petite blonde who had been riding horses for them for a while.
Melanie grinned. That bad, huh? She secured her helmet and swung into Flights saddle.
Trying to dance away, Flight rolled his eyes and snorted.
Im riding with you guys too. Samantha Nelson, Cindys older sister, was up on Lukas while Cindy was adjusting her stirrups on Pirate Treasure. The two geldings were the best choices to use with Flight.
How come you dont ride him? Melanie looked at Samantha.
Patting Lukas broad shoulder, Samantha grinned. Your bones are young. Theyll heal faster.
As they set off along the trails, Flight twisted his body and angled across the grass, crossing his legs.
Nice half-pass. Just work on that impulsion. Sam was laughing so hard she had to hold onto Lukas dark mane to stay on.
Melanie sent her a smouldering look.
Pirate, a coal black gelding whom Cindy had gotten from Melanies aunt, Ashleigh Griffen, was the only horse Cindy permitted herself to ride after a bad shoulder injury ended her racing career. Pirate was Melanies first horse and was totally blind but Cindy trusted the big horse fully.
Whoa! Melanie cried out when Flight decided it was time to trot. The stallion wasnt happy with being near Lukas and Pirate. He probably remembered the horses from all the times theyd caught him.
So, hows Chris doing? Cindy asked tentatively when Melanie had recovered control of Flight.
Answering for Melanie, Samantha sighed. Better I guess. She hasnt gotten over Stars breakdown last year.
Christina Reese, Melanies cousin, had pushed her horse, Wonders Star, too hard. Instead of winning, Star had broken down in the Kentucky Derby and was retired from racing. It had torn Christina apart, though Cindy hoped that she learnt a valuable lesson.
Weve gelded Star. Melanie said, matter-of-fact. We have Pride, Princess, Mr. Wonderful, Winter Wonderland and Champion to carry on Wonders line. Chris has started retraining Star. Her voice sounded slightly bitter. Shes not interested in racing anymore.
Ashleigh could have sold him for a fortune. Cindy commented. People who have horses like Flight would want a valuable stud.
It was a pity that a horse with Stars bloodlines was gelded. If anything, Flight should be gelded and retrained, but Cindy didnt know who shed have to pay to take the stallion off her hands.
A flock of birds burst out from the nearby Oak tree and spooked Flight suddenly. The stallion shied violently and bolted with Melanie clinging desperately into his saddle.
Feeling like shed done it way too many times, Cindy galloped after them, Pirates long mane whipping into her eyes as she crouched forward over his neck.
Hold on, Mel! Samantha shouted and darted the other way on Lukas.
The Cindy saw something that made her blood turn cold.
An old fence from the previous layout of the farm was still standing at the bottom of the path. It used to be the quarantine paddock, but Ben had built a special quarantine unit and the paddock had never been used. The fence was broken in places and Cindy had intended to take it down before winter. Now she wished shed done it sooner.
Melanie must have realised that there was no way around and pulled the runaway horses head away from the looming fence.
There is no way hell clear it. Cindy heard Samantha murmur.
Thinking the same thing, Cindy pulled Pirate up. The gelding wouldnt be able to see the fence, so Cindy couldnt go after them.
With hardly any effort at all, Flight launched himself into the air. Clearing the whitewashed board by a foot, Flight landed and bucked, discarding Melanie into the long grass.
Sam jumped Lukas over a smaller part of the obstacle and cornered Flight before he could jump the perimeter fence and run loose in the road.
That horse is insane! Melanie was sitting up in the field, rubbing her head and looking a little dazed but otherwise unharmed.
By that time, Cindy had gotten off Pirate and was running to see if Melanie was okay. Glad that she was, Cindy turned to the horse.
Staring at Cindy defiantly, Flight was blowing hard, his neck lathered with sweat.
Id hate to say it, Cin, but I think hes trying to tell you something. Sam said, running a hand down the horses foreleg.
Snorting back a laugh, Cindy said, What would that be? Sell me now?
Samantha, however, was serious. Really. Do you remember Sierra?
Sure. If it wasnt for that monster, you wouldnt be into eventing.
Sierra was a failed flat racer who had become a brilliant steeplechaser after Samantha and her then boyfriend, Tor, found out what made the horse tick. Sam had ridden the chestnut in a steeplechase and worked him over fences regularly.
Melanie, dusting off her behind, clicked before Cindy. He sure can jump.
You want me to turn my stupid, no-brain stallion into a steeplechaser? Cindy was confused. That made no sense at all.
With that scope, Flight could be a Grand Prix show jumper, though I cant see him excelling in dressage! Sam laughed. The only problem is finding someone willing to take a shot with him.
They slowly lead their horses back to the barns. The sun was starting to set and cast a pink hue across the sky.
Cindy mulled over what Sam had said. Are you willing to take him to Whisperwood? she asked.
If you get him gelded and Tor likes what he sees. I cant guarantee that hell pay that much for him though! Flight may be more trouble that hes worth. Sam gave Flight an appraising look. But, then again, he may just be a champion.
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