cool off

EUPHORIA'S WARRIOR AND STELLA MACKENZIE

Warrior was mad. He'd come out of the Bank On Silver Memorial Stakes a few days ago, in second place. To Instant Success. Stella felt like a bit of an idiot. She'd allowed herself and the colt to become over confident, and they'd thought they had it when Instant Success stuck his nose out to grab the race by just that, a nose. Stella frowned as she collected Warrior's gear. She really hoped this wouldn't have a negative effect on Warrior's race performance next time out. They were due to run in the Florida Derby in three weeks time, which would be their last race before the Kentucky Derby.

Hi handsome boy. She greeted the bay colt warmly. He quickly checked her hands and then her pockets for a carrot or something, then heaved a sigh, as though exaggerating disappointment that there was nothing there. Maybe later, babe. Stella grinned, clipping on his lead rope and letting herself into the stall. She spent a few minutes stroking him, feeling his legs for any heat and just doing a quick assessment of his health and wellbeing. After that, she gave him a once over with the dandy brush and lead him out of his stall to the equine pool facility. Warrior was going to have a walk on the water treadmill.

The colt's bay ears were alert to the pool sounds as they entered the building. He enjoyed swimming, and he enjoyed the water treadmill. But, he loved the beach. Crashing through the waves with the salty smell and the sea birds was just his favourite. That was only done occasionally in spring and summer because there were just so many horses to work.