Longshot: A New York Times Bestseller

by Mike Rogers

  Little changed around the clubhouse turn. I had identified all the major threats. The Countdown had dropped back to tenth. The outside post had taken him a little out of his game. The pace was fast but not blistering with the first quarter was run in 23.25 seconds. Longshot and I were in fifth with Gambit right at our tail.

  Entering the backstretch, Longshot fluidly switched leads. He couldn't have been running any better. Because he was so content and relaxed, I allowed the reins to slip through my fingers until there was a slight loop. We had such wonderful communication and trust.

  Surveying Gambit, my confidence took a slight hit. He was also traveling beautifully. I had rarely ever seen Arthur ride so confidently. Nearing the far turn, Arthur shifted Gambit to the right, behind me so I couldn't see him.

  Refusing to jump and urge Longshot to move because of Arthur's subtle move, I remained still. Anyway, Longshot was starting to ease up all on his own.

  Halfway round the far turn, things really began to pick up. As the horse to my inside faded, I took a quick glance to my left. The coast was clear. Letting Longshot a notch, I steered him closer to the rail.

  Just at that moment, when I was looking somewhere else, Arthur and Gambit moved up for the kill. Spurting parallel and ahead, Gambit accelerated into his finishing sprint.

  "Darn it!" I yelled. I should have known Arthur would find a way to get the jump on us!

  At my cue, Longshot exploded. His legs churned faster and his head and neck pumped up and down furiously. The wind whistled past my ears until I could barely hear anything else.

  Within a few seconds, Longshot pulled even with Gambit. Now a quarter of a mile from the finish, I asked Longshot for everything he had and more.

  Screaming, "Get up, Longshot! Get up!" I smacked him left-handed and pushed as hard as I could.

  Longshot and Gambit were shoulder to shoulder, each refusing to give an inch.

  The announcer cried, "Longshot and Gambit are locked together as they come down to the eighth pole! But here comes Countdown, flying on the outside!"

  And he was flying! I never knew. Longshot and I were stuck down on the inside. The Countdown couldn't' get up anyway. His post and his position in the back of the pack undermined him too much. It was down to Longshot and Gambit.

  A hundred yards from the wire came the break. I have no idea how, but Longshot edged his nose in front. With his ears flat against his head, he stretched his neck reaching for the finish.

  Those last few strides seemed to occur in slow motion. I waited for the tantalizing lead to disappear but yearned for it to stay. And it stayed.

  Longshot and I flashed under the wire a scant nose in front of Gambit and a half-length from the closing Countdown.

  All the strength left my muscles. Relief, Joy, elation, and closure all swamped me at once. I just let Longshot do whatever he wanted. Besides, there was no strength in my body to stop him. I didn't hear the crowd screaming or the shouts of congratulations from my fellow riders. Suddenly, I began to cry and couldn't stop.

  Longshot was a great champion. That day on the racetrack, he laid out everything, Longshot, body, and soul. What a gift within itself! Just like people, most horses are afraid to commit one-hundred percent. The fear of failure is too great.

  Finally, I composed myself and gathered sufficient strength to give Longshot a well-earned pat on the neck. Then, I pumped my fist in the air and screamed, "Whoo! Yes!"

  Catching on to my excitement, Longshot pricked his ears, thrust his head out, and let out an ear-splitting whinny. Even though he was exhausted, Longshot proclaimed his dominance by breaking into a flashy trot. He knew the cameras were all pointing at him!

  The outrider approached. It was time for the immediate post race interview.

  The reporter said, "Congratulations on your win. How was your trip? When did you know you had it won?"

  "I had a great trip and knew he would punch strongly! Once he relaxed well around the first turn and backstretch, I knew we had a great chance.

  "I just want to congratulate Arthur on a fantastic ride. Arthur, you almost had us, but Longshot is game!" Leaning down, I kissed Longshot's sweaty neck.

  The reporter finished, "Thank you. That was Sarah Randall…"

  Pumping the air again, I trotted Longshot toward the winner's circle. As the figures began to materialize, I spotted Chrissy screaming and jumping up and down. Behind her was Lucero, a broad smile spread across his face. He approached as we neared. Grabbing my hand, he pulled me down toward him and kissed me. Our celebration ended when Longshot nearly fidgeted out from under me.

  Squeezing my hand, he then led Longshot in and positioned him for the photo. That was one of the happiest moments in my life. It was almost indescribable.

  One thing sticks out in my mind. It was the presentation. The reporter was talking to Lucero.

  Lucero interrupted the man, "Before you go on, may I ask Sarah a question?" Looking slightly puzzled, the reporter nodded.

  Turning, to me, he gripped my hands…and kneeled. My eyes widened and tears threatened to spill over.

  "Sarah, will you marry me?"

  Epilogue

  Ten Years Later

  "Mom! I want to ride, too!"

  Glancing down at my daughter from atop Longshot's Legacy, I smiled. Audrey's bright brown eyes beseeched me. The tell-tale lower lip jutted out and little palms pressed together.

  "All right," I said, jumping lightly down. "Come here."

  With a squeal of excitement, she sprinted up to me. Longshot's Legacy jumped slightly from the sudden movement. "Audrey," I reprimanded, "you know very well that you do not run around the horses. I'm not sure if I should let you ride now."

  A look of sincere sorrow and Longshotbreak shadowed her face. "I'm sorry, Mom," she whispered.

  I never intended not to let her ride. It was my way of emphasizing how important this occasion was. Taking off my helmet, I made a few adjustments before bending down beside her. "Promise me you'll never do that again."

  "I promise!" she said with a hint of hope in her voice. Reaching up, I plunked the helmet down on her head. A bright smile flashed on her face before a look of pure disgust appeared. "Ewww! It feels all wet!"

  "Well, honey, heads do sweat. If you want to ride, you'll have to get used to it." Laughter trickled out as I spoke.

  "I do want to ride!" she expressed excitedly, barely able to stand still.

  Turning back to Legacy, who stood so quietly through the whole ordeal, I threw the reins over his head. Then, I adjusted the stirrups to fit Audrey's short legs.

  "Ok," I said motioning for her to approach. This would be Audrey's first ride on a Thoroughbred. Of course she had her own pony and took lessons, but this was a new experience for her.

  Legacy was an excellent first ride. By Longshot, he was a solid bay gelding, much different from his bright chestnut father, with many miles under him. He was a multiple Grade One winner in his prime, but now, at the age of nine, he was used as a workhorse for the youngster. Turning his head, Legacy nudged Audrey, causing her to giggle.

  "Come on," I murmured, "I think he's getting impatient." Wrapping my arms around my daughter, I hoisted her up into the saddle. I watched as she gathered the reins and adjusted her feet in the stirrups.

  "Now, I need you to listen carefully," I instructed, touching her arm to get her attention. "I'm going to be standing over there by the rail." I pointed to a place near the gap. "I want you to circle him in front of me. It's not safe for you to go around the track. If you have any problems, yell, ok?"

  With a serious look on her face, she nodded. Audrey reminded me so much of myself at that age. She's just so mature. Always ready to listen and improve. What a rider she'll be someday.

  I was brought out of my reverie by the shocked exclamation, "What is she doing on that horse!?"

  Turning, I quickly approached and shushed my husband, "Bobby, she's just fine. Legacy will take care of her."

  "She's not ready and defi
nitely not old enough," he hissed quietly. Still, he didn't sound too upset. The shock was wearing off.

  "Really," I murmured in an amused voice, "you have to have known that it wouldn't be much longer…" Wrapping myself around his arm, I led him to the rail.

  "You're right," he said, kissing the top of my head, "I thought I could hold her off, but she's too much like you." His tell-tale smirk appeared on his lips.

  Poking him playfully, "Oh, I'm not so sure…I saw her giving you tips on how to train your horses last week. And I see you took her up on a couple?"

  Blundering a bit, he tried to explain himself. Thankfully, he was interrupted by a shout from behind.

  "Uncle Bobby! Aunt Sarah!" A little child-like blur catapulted into us.

  "Hey, Seth," I greeted, rumpling his hair. "Where's your Mom?"

  "Right here!" a cheery voice called from behind. Turning, I spotted Chrissy and Arthur approaching. In a surprising twist, those two had started seeing each other shortly after Lucero and I got married. Within a year, they tied the knot.

  Seth, their son, was born a year and one-half later, with Audrey arriving less then six months after that. The little boy was a little replica of his father, but had inherited Chrissy's mischievous eyes. Now, he was staring at Audrey in awe.

  "Wow! Audrey you're riding a real racehorse!" he gushed.

  Sitting up a little straighter, she stated proudly, "Yep! This is Longshot's Legacy, a multiple Grade One winning son of Longshot."

  Chrissy whispered into my ear, "She's definitely you daughter, spouting out facts like that." We laughed quietly.

  Audrey and Seth were now talking animatedly. Seth was patting Legacy's nose, who consequently eating up all the attention.

  Approaching the pair, I leaned down and whispered something in Seth's ear. Nodding energetically, he could barely contain his excitement. Ducking under the rail, I grabbed and extra helmet and gestured for him to follow. Picking him up, I swung him up right behind Audrey.

  Audrey bounced up and down excitedly. What kid wouldn't be excited about riding double?

  "Can we walk around, Mom?"

  "Sure, but just in a circle."

  Laughing excitedly, the kids rode Legacy in a circle. Even though Legacy was once a high powered unpredictable racehorse, he now seemed to understand that he was carrying precious packages. With his head hung low, he plodded around like an old plow horse.

  Returning to the adults, I officially greeted them.

  "So, what's new I the Bills' household," I asked going to stand beside Lucero.

  "Oh, nothing much, "Chrissy began. I gave her a pointed look. "I understand!" she laughed, "You mean Longshot! He's doing great. Misses you of course, just like in old times…"

  Longshot's success hadn't ended with is Breeder's Cup triumph. At his first year at stud, he serviced a full book of high class mares. Then, ever since those first foals hit the track, they never stopped running. Year after year, he got the best mares and those foals brought top prices at the auction ring. Right now, he is the top ranked sire in North America.

  Chrissy's farm has become a huge success. It now stands ten stallions, including Longshot, Gambit, Cage Fighter, The Countdown, Rodney, and Longbow, Longshot's full brother. She also boards fifty broodmares and operates a sales division.

  Arthur no longer rides, having retired a year ago. Chrissy and Seth are now his priority. All of us talk frequently and get together as much as possible. Our kids are best friends, getting along great. Even though we live in two different states the majority of the year, we try to get together as much as possible.

  So, Arthur and Chrissy came up to visit for a week before we all went down to their farm in Kentucky for the Fourth of July celebration. It was the big even of the year. A good, hot, sweaty time…

  Climbing out of the car two weeks later, the beautiful Kentucky countryside assailed my sense. The bright blue sky provided the perfect contrast against the Kentucky bluegrass. The brightly painted barns looked well cared for and in good repair. The horsy smell of freshly cut hay and a hint of manure was heaven to my nostrils.

  The front door of the house opened and Chrissy, Arthur, and Seth emerged. The kids went off to play and us adults went and sat on the porch. Lucero and I took the swing seat while Arthur and Chrissy occupied the bench. Casually looping his arm around my shoulders, Lucero leaned over and kissed my hair. Contently, I snuggled a little closer.

  Smirking, Chrissy said, "I always knew you two were perfect for each other."

  Letting out a dramatic sigh, I rolled my eyes and gazed at Lucero, "They never will let us forget, will they?"

  "No," he murmured, "but I'm glad. I don't know what I would have done without you all these years…"

  "Neither do I," I whispered quietly.

  When Lucero asked me to marry him, the whole track seemed to explode in cheering. I was so overcome with emotion that all I could do was nod. My surroundings became increasingly blurred by my tears. Lucero's gentle hands clasped my face and his fingers wiped my tears away. At that moment, he just seemed to know what I needed. Wrapping his arms around me, he held me until I was composed. Well…until I started shaking with laughter instead of sobs!

  Pushing me away slightly, Lucero gave me the strangest look.

  "Don't worry," I managed to get out in between giggles, "I haven't gone crazy." In a much calmer voice, I said, "I'm just so happy."

  Both our faces broke out into these stupid smiles. We were unaware of all the commotion going on around us. Of course, a reporter decided to interrupt us at this point.

  "Before we go off the air, let's get some quick words with the newly engaged couple—"

  Lucero never gave him a chance to continue. "If you would excuse us, we'd like some time alone."

  Leaving a dumbstruck crowd, Lucero ushered me away toward the backside.

  For a couple of hours, we just sat in his office and talked. We never really stayed on one subject for very long. For the first time in a long time, we were able to let down the emotional guards that held us fast. Yes, we were in love, and engaged, but in those two hours, we also became true friends.

  Still, we could not stay holed up forever. While Lucero made his evening rounds, I made my own. Alone time is a wonderful thing. Also, it always seems to end in one place, Longshot's stall.

  Upon hearing my footsteps, he poked his chestnut head over the partition. His black eyes shown with pride, accomplishment, and a hint of tiredness. That day, he had bared his soul o the racetrack, just as I had many times before. Thankfully, we both had come out whole.

  Reaching out my hands, I allowed the left to rest under his eye while the other caressed his forehead. Soft footsteps approached behind me and Lucero's arms enclosed around my waist. It was at that moment, as I stroked Longshot's face and Lucero's cheek touched mine that I knew all was right in my world.