When Life Races You By

Chapter 6

Around six weeks had past and no one had work out Ben and my relationship, not even Georgia. We never dared showed any affection in public, for the fear that someone would catch us out. So much so that we hadn’t kissed since that night.

Today was Manny’s second race and he was the clear favourite, with the odds at two to one. It was only a small country race, but it had the pressure of a group one race. Well in my opinion in did. The country races weren’t as popular or fancy as the city ones, but they still had good price money.

Dad and I had arrived earlier than usual, as Manny was in the first race at twelve. I guess that meant that I had less time to get nervous.

I was waiting with Manny when Ben arrived for his instructions. Dad had said that I could be in total control today and that was just adding to my nervous.

“Hey,” I said. “Ready for the race?”

“You know, ready as I’ll ever be. It’s the same for every race,” he replied with that smile. “Often you have to expect the unexpected.”

“You sure do. Ok, for this race just hold him back until the last 200 metres or so and then let him run. Hopefully there will still be enough left in the tank. Hey boy?”

I gave Manny an encouraging pat. He replied with a nicker. Sometimes I swear he can understand what I’m saying.

“Ok. That sounds good. I’ll try my best as always.” Ben said, looking into my eyes, the only thing we would do to show our love to each other and only each other.

“I know you will.”

I placed my hand on his back, just in a way friends would. It felt like my body was tingling all over from one touch, just like on that night.

“We’re bring the horses around now,” the organiser yelled from the top of the aisle.

Ben and I immediately broke apart, as this was our reaction these days.

“Sure, coming now,” I replied. “Ok, let’s go boys!”

                                                                               ~

The race started as all races do. I lead Manny around the mounting yard and after watched Ben ride him to the barriers, waiting with the owners and dad. All the horses loaded fine into the barrier and everyone jumped fine. It wasn’t till the last 300 metres that things went downhill, like a roller-coaster coming down after it reached the top.

The next few seconds felt like they went for a life time. Manny clipped the hooves of the horse in front, as Ben began to bring him around to the front. Manny began to fall. You could see the fear in his eyes, as they rolled around in his head. His ears flickered in all directions, trying to know if Ben was going to help him and what was happening. The crowd, who moments before were yelling, seemed to go quite as they watched to see if he would recover.

The problem was he didn’t, he just kept falling. Ben was trying so hard to pull him up, but nothing was helping.

“Dad! Dad!” I yelled with absolute shock. “Manny falling!”

It wasn’t till later that I wondered why I said that. Dad would have been able to see for himself. Maybe it’s because I couldn’t quite believe what was happening.

Tears were threaten to make an appearance, but I think I was in too much shock to cry.

I had to just watch it all happen before my eyes, as I couldn’t run onto the field with the race still going, putting other horses and jockeys at risk. By this time, Ben had fallen off completely and it looked like Manny had rolled over him, if not, missing him by millimetres.

There was nothing I could do but watch. Nothing.

The last horses finally pasted the finish post and I bolted for the track, just as a horse bolted when they got a fright. I didn’t even wait for the other horses to come back to the mounting yard.

As I ran, my mind raced. Would Manny be ok? Please not a broken leg. Would he have to be put down? No Claire, positive thoughts. Is Ben ok? Does he have a spinal injury?

“Manny! Ben! Manny!” I shouted like a mad woman, alternating between their names.

Tears were now streaming down my face, like a mini waterfall. I no longer cared what I looked like, I just needed to get to both of them.

I wasn’t sure exactly who I was crying for, if it was Manny, Ben or both.

Manny was my first horse that I had trained by myself. We had an incredible bond that I don’t think I’ll ever have with another horse.

Then there was Ben. He was my first boyfriend and an excellent kisser. He was just starting to do really well as a jockey and had his whole life in front of him.

Nothing could prepare me for the scene in front of me.

 

 

Author's Note: Here is another chapter. I orginally planned to have the next few chapters as one, but I thought it would be better to split them up. Again this hasn't been edited as my editor is busy. If there are any mistakes please let me know. Also let me know what you think of it so far and what you think might happen. Please comment, vote or promote if you like it. This is the last chapter before Christmas and I have a couple of busy days coming up. Thanks everyone and Merry Christmas!