A Spring of Revenge

[Sam]

Horses Tempered Passion and Studly Dudley
Jockeys Sam Lettington on Tim (Tempered Passion) and Max Lettington on Dudley (Studly Dudley)
Point of View Sam Lettington
Purpose Workout for Spring Cup

Tim was as excited as ever as I mounted up. He danced and swayed in excitement. His neck arched majestically when he saw my younger brother and Dudley come up. Soon though he forgot his little show and concentrated on trying to convince me to just let him gallop without any warm up.

My younger brother was soon on Dudley. Though he was at first simply a jockey to ride the stud since I couldn't, he proved to be a worthy opponent and even won the race ahead of Tim. It was a surprise to me. I believed the colt was an underdog and wouldn't place well. I'm glad I was given this little surprise.

I remember when I watched the colt's races. Sarah thought highly of her colt at first but after a while that seemed to change. The colt still had plenty of potential and with a bit more work he could probably turn into a champ. When he was put up for sale, I jumped on the opportunity.

Tim didn't allow me to delve into my thoughts much longer. He tugged heavily on the bit, demanding my attention. I just chuckled and nudged his sides, before giving him a bit of his head and allowing him to trot.

Tim always had a big trot. His legs stretched to take up as much land as possible and his hind legs would always push more then his front pulled. With his head slightly bent, he resembled more of a powerhouse then a racer.

Dudley and my brother followed after. Dudley looked nearly bored at the moment. He trotted after Tim like a trail horse, not minding how fast we were going or where we were going.

It didn't take long for me to realize that Dudley didn't love running or going. He simply loved racing. He would drive himself to pass another horse rather then simply run for the sake of running. I admired that about the horse but it made workouts a hassle as you always had to give him some competition. I didn't mind too much about that though.

Fifteen minutes passed and I allowed Tim to canter himself to the ten furlong marker. He pace slowed down as his strides went short with excitement when he spotted the gates set up on the track. I smiled at this.

Soon we were behind the gates. The staff opened up the second and third gate stalls for us. I nudged Tim in and with one staff member blocking any escape on one side and another staff member blocking it on the other, he carelessly went in- nearly knocking my leg off in the process.

Dudley entrance into the gate stall was smoother. Without so much as a nudge at his side, he slipped in.

I nodded to the staff members and quickly got into position. I grabbed a handful of mane as I felt Tim grow tense and ready under me. He shifted back and leaned slightly backwards.

The ringing of the bell was loud in my ear as the gates flew open and Tim bursted out.

He quickly took the lead in a matter of strides. Dudley followed after, keeping close to my darker stud but didn't pressure him or gallop on his heels.

Soon the club house turn came up. Tim cut deep into the turf and stayed near the railing to make the turn as effortless as possible. Dudley swung closer to the rail as well.

As soon as the turn opened up onto the back stretch, Dudley swung back out to the outside.

Nothing much seemed to change over the back stretch. Dudley remained where he was, neither coming closer or backing off. Tim was steady in his gallop. He seemed to be at ease with his pace.

Finally the back stretch came to a close as the final corner started. Both horses came to the rail to make the corner as easy as possible. Tim pace slowed slightly when his strides grew short with excitement. Dudley took the opportunity and started to gallop past Tim.

To say the least, Tim was confused about Dudley passing him. As soon as the stretch opened up I pushed with my arms. Go! I cried. I pushed again with my arms and quickly Tim's short strides nearly tripled in length. He dug deep into the turf and quickly caught up to Dudley who was slowly going into a sprint.

The colt's noses would dart in front of each other with each stride. Tim snapped to the side, trying to snag the colt. With a pop of the whip, I quickly stopped him. He pinned his ears and tried to dart forwards but Dudley was right with him, determined to take the win.

Before either of them could seize victory, the wire was over our heads. I gave Tim a pat and let him a gallop until Dudley was pulled. Tim slowed then, thinking he had won. I could only smile and pat his damp neck.

Word Count 848