The Thrill of Victory

Well my knowledge of the metric system was put to the test today, when the judges said make sure all horses should be on the gate one hundred metres before go, and they would be disqualifying drivers...so me knowing my metric, I was the first one on the gate in every race.

But before the day started we had lunch in the clubhouse for all parties involved from racing officials to coordinators, then we did a tour of the backstretch to talk to trainers of the horses we were driving. It was then I learned that with my four I also had four warm ups to do! And with no paddock barn!! That meant running around to find them as well. So I definitely had some challenges, from style of racing to some different rules, but my biggest challenge would have been my last race of the day.

When my horse came and they were trying to explain the equipment this horse was wearing, there were strings everywhere. I felt like a puppet master - pull out air hood, pull down blinds, pull up overcheck, kick over poles. My first thought was that this is going to be a disaster! But I must tell you it was one race I will never forget, the way this horse changed gears for me after being parked first up a long way I then pulled and kicked every string I could and he cleared and opened up on the field. The hair stood up on the back of my neck, to listen to the loud screams of people cheering was just amazing. Then hearing the words from our own Ted Smith as he was interviewed when I was making my way back to the winner's circle...it gave a feeling of something I've never experienced before, and I hope I get that chance again.

We ended the night with another big, Norwegian dinner. Main course: Deer