Post by Snowflake on Sept 25, 2009 9:44:09 GMT 10
rider tryouts for sophie. she throws three riders before davo perez gets on her back, and to everyone's intense surprise, the filly likes him. The two are a perfect match, according to james.
It was dawn. The whole of GHS's staff were down at the track, watching as the first rider, Vicker Wilson, climbed aboard the spunky new grey filly, Sophie Might. I watched critically, noting Sophie's rolling eyes and swishing tail as she sidestepped and pranced away from her handler. Clearly, she didn't like this rider. Already Vicky's jaw was clenched; a sure sign that she was fighting with the horse. Sophie yanked her head around in the opposite direction from Vicky's opened arm, and broke into trot. I could see things were starting to get bad, but no one told Vicky to get down. Racehorses were always difficult, after all, and three year old Sophie had apparently switched owners three times now since starting her two year old season. After a couple more painful moments of fighting between horse and rider, Sophie Might burst into a full fledged racing gallop, then threw an enormous buck about a furlong down the track. Vicky, needless to say, went flying.
After the horse was caught and calmed, and Vicky pronounced as fine, the next rider got up. It was Stella Mackenzie, who was new to GHS this year but doing well with her two mounts, Amazing Grace and Sweet Points. I didn't know what Sarah and James were thinking - Stella was riding two very calm two year olds, and this filly was a highly spirited, badly behaved three year old. Stella looked a little apprehensive, but gamely started to steer the grey through some figure eights and circles. It wasnt hard to tell that Sophie was quickly becoming sick of the warm up exercises, and after only a moment more, she took off and dumped Stella over the rail. What a spectacular fall! Stella was also fine.
Jake Bailey was offered a try next, but he shook his head no. He was content with riding the breezing partners for now. Mimi Kingston had the same reply. Marissa shrugged and was legged up onto the filly's back. She lasted a fair bit longer than Vicky and Stella, but after Sophie bucked, reared and bolted, Marissa was finally thrown off by a huge, twisting buck. Sophie almost went head over heels herself. Anyone else? Sarah asked, looking straight at me. Davo, how about you? you only have Diva at the moment, and you're really good with fired up sprinters.. I thought for a moment. The filly was also looking at me, her eyes curious and intelligent. That was what won me over. Okay, I guess I could give her a go. I said finally.
Sophie held still while I mounted up, then miraculously waited until I cued her to move.