I'm not a huge fan of horse racing, although I do love horses. But then I've never had to clean out a stall or make sure they have feed and water in -40 F weather. My husband, Tom, owned a horse for many years. Stormy wasn't a race horse but he did chase down a few cows now and then. He definitely had a western attitude and although he allowed the kids to ride him, he was a one man horse. I sat atop of him on occasion but we had an understanding: If you don't buck, I don't scream!!
I just happened to catch the Kentucky Derby a couple of weeks ago. Seeing the horses and hearing the crowds cheering brought up pleasant memories of the movie Sea Biscuit. The movie was such an inspiration to me that I HAD to read the book. It amazed me the way that horse, as mismatched for racing as he was, and despite any handicap they weighted him down with could maintain the desire to take the lead. It was his heart more than his brawn that made him win.
The "run for the roses" ended with the favorite, Big Brown, winning in grand style, but it was the little filly, Eight Belles, that caught my attention. After winning second place, Eight Belles collapsed on the track and before any accolades were handed her way, was "put down" due to both front ankles being broken. I am not a horse expert by any stretch of the imagination, but I would guess that this must have happened in that last burst of speed that takes place in the last stretch for the finish line. I have read that she was whipped mercilessly by her jockey, that it was sheer cruelty on the part of her owner, trainer and the racing industry as a whole, but in my naivety, I would like to believe her spirit for winning pushed her physical beyond endurance. I would like to believe she gave her all for the prize. Nevertheless, a sad but inspiring story.
I would hope that I can take a lesson from this filly. Take a risk. Wager it all. Run with the big boys and give it all you got!
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