Stealing the Night

Chapter 8|Home Sweet Home|

~April 7, 2018-Day of the Santa Anita Derby~

Cam gave me strict instructions to let the colts rest. We decided to go back to home base which was our stable near Santa Anita were the horses would feel less stressed, and they could both relax until the Derby. We originally entered Night Fury in the Santa Anita Derby but decided to scratch; therefore Fury could rest, but we weren't out of the race action on April 7th.

We had a two year old dark bay filly named Muno Uno who was by Mucho Macho Man and out of Untapable racing in a Maiden Special Weight. We decided to let Madison ride her since she developed a close bond with the filly.

I sat with my wife Elizabeth, my two kids, Jerome who was now assistant trainer, Tommy, and Danielle in the Owner's Box.

Tommy is now constantly checking to make sure Jaylee isn't around. He says she "scares the crap out me".

"Easy, Tommy. She may be taller than you and scary, but I'll make sure she doesn't hurt you."

"She has already scared me with her cold, deep cutting words."

I chuckle.

The fillies were loaded in to the starting gate. I watched Muno Uno through my binoculars.

She was throwing her head in the gate. The split second she calmed, the gates shot open.

Muno Uno got bumped coming out of the gate but settled in a comfortable pocket. She stayed there until they entered the home stretch which is where I watched Madison change Muno Uno's lead, and Muno Uno started to surge. Muno Uno got to the front and opened up here lead by seven lengths before crossing the wire. Madison whipped her once out of the whole race. We all practically ran to the Winner's Circle where John led the new champion filly into the circle. After the pictures, I helped John untack Muno Uno. Then we took her back to the stable.

"You have a thing for champion horses." John says brushing her down.

"Yeah, who knew a $120,000 filly could look so fine." I say rubbing her face.

Muno Uno nickers.

"That's our rag doll." John says patting her shoulder.

The next day

I get up early the next morning. I made breakfast and got Amelia and Peter ready for school. By the time Elizabeth was ready to take them to school and go to work, the kids were in the car.

"Bye, Will. I'll see you after work." She says after giving me a soft kiss on the cheek.

"Bye." I say as she shuts the one big front door she opened.

A few minutes later my phone rings. I pick up my phone to see Cam's number.

"Hello?" I say.

"Hey, Will!"

"Hey! I heard about King Alexander absolutely romping yesterday!"

"Oh you have no idea! You realize I'm sending four horses to the Kentucky Derby?"

"Who is the fourth one?" I say taken back.

"River Run Stables colt."

"Oh, Stoked?"

Stoked was a grey colt by Orb and out of Stonetastic.

"Yeah."

"Will you be coming back here before the Derby?"

"Of course I am! The Derby is still a month away. I'm coming home in two days."

"OK! See you then." I say and hang up.

Jerome comes running through my front door, "Will, come with me now!"

"What's wrong?" I say jumping up.

"It's Fury and Mud Pie, sir."

I ran to Jerome's truck as fast as I could, and he drove me to the stable as fast as he could.