Dream Valley (17 page)

As he drove along recounting the sequence of events that had occurred since he travelled that road only yesterday, he was amazed to think what could happen in a few hours. Things that came totally out of the blue, unplanned, unexpected, another example of the power of fate. But there was no
guilty feelings in his heart. Instead he had warm and tender feelings for Nancy, a little proud relief in his own performance, and in a strange way, an enhanced appreciation of Jenny. It put her in a clear perspective for him.
Solid, loyal, loving, his wife, his life, his all. That episode with Nancy - though relishing every second of it - only served to highlight in his mind the uniqueness of Jenny, her spirit, her exclusiveness, her beauty, her character
and her integrity. There was only one Jenny - he always knew that; he knew it now more than ever. He couldn't wait to get back, to make up to her for his past contrariness and awkwardness. He would change, prove to her he had changed. She would see - things would be different.

* * *

The Big Test

It was the first Sunday morning of the new year and Jenny was excitedly preparing to leave for Dream Valley. There was a real frosty bite in the wind but she didn't mind that. It was dry, and the forecast for down
south was good.

It was going to be an important day. The first Point-to-Point of the year, her first race for over fifteen years, the first ever race for 'Harmonica.' It was all so exciting.

The preparation had gone smoothly. Garry had done a
wonderful job schooling the mare over jumps. She was a natural jumper, confident and brave - just brilliant. She felt she was ready herself too. Fit, hard, muscled, just like 'Harmonica.' It would be the thrill of a lifetime.
Three miles of sheer exhilaration over wide open country, a "Rolls Royce" under her, a dream come true, and best of all, only the beginning.

Ken followed her out to the car, gave her a hug and a warm kiss.

'Take care Jenny, mind yourself, good luck.'

She was amazed. This was a new Ken. There was no hassle at all now - support, understanding and encouragement instead. She couldn't believe his totally different attitude to her riding now. All over Christmas he
was enquiring about the mare, her progress, the plans for her. They could even talk about Garry. It was so strange. He suddenly seemed genuinely interested, supportive, almost enthusiastic. It was a complete transformation, and though
she couldn't explain the reason - and wouldn't dare ask - it sure was most welcome.

The real pity was that he couldn't come with her on her first big day. She'd love to have him there, get him really involved, but she
understood his reluctance.

'I just couldn't Jenny ... couldn't bear to watch.'

She felt sorry for him. He was terrified but he was trying - he'll come eventually - it was just a matter of time.

'Harmonica' was ready for her journey when Jenny arrived in the yard. She was all dressed-up with colourful leg and tail bandages, knee boots and travelling rug. She responded to Jenny's patting, stroking and
tickling, blowing her breath in her face and bowing her head in appreciation.

'She looks a picture, Garry.' He smiled and nodded in the direction of Emily. 'There's the artist.'

'Oh Emily, you're a star.'

'Thank you. It was easy ... she's a lovely mare to do anything with ... always looks well.'

She walked quietly into the trailer. They packed the gear into the back of the Land-Rover and climbed in. Garry drove, Jenny sat beside
him, Emily was lying snugly behind.

The journey to Lisconway was about ninety miles into the heart of County Cork. 'Harmonica' was in the first race and they would need to arrive well on time. Approaching the field designated for parking, Garry noted
that they had an hour and a half to spare.

'Great', said Jenny, 'plenty of time to stretch our legs.'

The mare had travelled well. Emily took a look.

'She's fine ... not a bother on her ... almost asleep.'

'She'll soon perk up when she gets out and sees the other horses,' said Garry. He was happy with her, not too fresh, nicely relaxed and ready for her first run.

They walked the track, a good galloping circuit of a mile
and a half. Twice around, sixteen jumps, an uphill climb to the winning post. The ground was on the soft side of 'good', perfect safe ground for big national hunt horses.

'Well,' said Garry, 'it's a fair test ... no excuses for
anybody. The best horses should win here ... all you need is a bit of luck in running.'

Jenny agreed, but was a bit concerned about one fence which was on a downhill stretch. The landing side dropped away steeply, might catch
out the less experienced horses.

'Just watch it when approaching, Jenny ... catch a good hold of her head ... look for a good stride.'

She understood, felt confident she could handle it -
'Harmonica' would be okay too.

They headed for the 'Tented Village' situated on the hill overlooking the track. The bookies were setting up their pitches, crowds were converging from all directions, race-card sellers were swamped with customers,
shops, raffle stalls, three-card tricksters, all busily setting up. The 'tea' tent was a hive of activity.

'Three teas and three ham sandwiches,' Garry ordered. They enjoyed it and returned to prepare 'Harmonica' for her first big test. Tension
was beginning to set in - soon it would be released. Emily held the mare calmly while Garry saddled her up. Jenny had 'weighed out' and gone back to the jockey's tent. Being so light, her saddle-bag had to contain almost two stone
of lead.

'This mare won't mind that,' said Garry, she's big and strong and well able to carry it.

Walking tall around the ring as the parade of horses for the first race began, 'Harmonica' had her ears pricked, looking left and right,
taking everything in, fascinated by it all. She looked the pick of the ring, her dark mane and tail flowing gently in the breeze. The lustre of her rich bay coat shining under her paddock sheet, well muscled, fit, hard, athletic - Garry
was happy that he had her spot-on.

Shrewd judges had noticed too, picked her out as the likely winner. Garry was surprised to see her odds tumble from an opening twelve-to-one to the new favourite at two-to-one. Some bookies had her displayed
on top of their boards as the winner and were betting on which horse would come second to her. It all added to Garry's pressure. He would have preferred if she had been a complete outsider. He wasn't interested in betting - that was for
people with more money than sense. Still, for the sake of all those that did back her with their hard earned money, he hoped she could win for them - he felt quietly confident that she would.

The twelve jockey's arrived in the parade ring. Jenny looked
wonderful in her new colours. The big broad smile and the sparkle in her eyes told Garry that she wasn't the slightest bit nervous, tense, or under pressure. She was calm, focussed and ready to go. That re-assured him greatly. He knew
how good the mare was, but he also knew that she was only a novice, having her first race. She would need expert handling, calm nerves and steady hands to give her confidence. Jenny was the one for the job - she had all these talents
- he had no doubt about that.

The bell rang, Garry 'legged-up' Jenny. She was so light, fit and agile, just one little lift and she sprang into the saddle. A farewell pat on 'Harmonica's rump and a parting word. 'Enjoy yourself, Jenny ... Good
Luck ... Come back safe.'

'Thanks Garry, I will.'

They cantered down to the starting point, circled round the starter for few minutes.

'Line up,' he ordered. Some of the horses were fractious and
difficult.' Harmonica' was behaving like a lady, sharp, alert, ready and eager to be off. It took a bit of time to form a good line, eventually they were let go.

For the first mile, Jenny sat quietly in fourth. Jumping
brilliantly, taking a strong hold, 'Harmonica' was anxious to join the three horses running abreast in front of her. Jenny said no - she was happy where she was, getting a nice lead, conserving energy. Reaching the top of the hill and
beginning the descent towards the tricky fence with the big drop, she was happy enough - so was the mare. Everything was going according to plan.

Approaching the fence, they were on a beautiful stride. In perfect unison they took off, gliding through the air, then disaster! The horse
on the inside in front hit the top of the fence, tumbled over on landing, rolled into 'Harmonica's' path. Jenny tried to take evasive action. The mare tried valiantly to avoid the sprawling mass in front of her. She tried to jump
over, almost did, but tripped, went down on her knees. Jenny was now perched on the mare's ears, having lost both stirrups. She could almost smell the grass but was determined to hold on at all costs.

Garry was watching through binoculars on the hill. Cringing
with exasperation, he was shouting instructions to Jenny which he knew she couldn't hear.

'Hold on Jenny! That's it, hold on! No, it's no good ... let her go ... let her go, Jenny!'

Jenny wasn't letting go. She was still clamped on the mare's head. 'Harmonica' was bravely struggling to regain her legs. The commentator saw it as a lost cause.

'Harmonica' is now out of the race ... the field have
gone
thirty lengths clear.'
He concentrated on the others.

Jenny and her brave horse had other ideas. With one massive surge upwards, 'Harmonica' rose to her feet, flinging Jenny back in the saddle.
They galloped on in pursuit of the others who were now a fence ahead.

Garry couldn't believe what he was seeing. He wondered about the wisdom of it. Will it give the mare a really hard race for a reward of fourth or third place at best.

There was still a mile to go. He could see that Jenny was being sensible, wasn't panicking, making up the ground steadily. The gap was now about fifteen lengths with half a mile to go. They passed a few stragglers, then another couple. Only three horses left in front now, the gap was ten
lengths and reducing. With two fences to jump before the stiff uphill finish, Jenny got down low in the saddle - she could now ride a race. Changing the reins in her hands, she tightened her grip, began squeezing and pushing - the
mare responded willingly, soaring over the second last with a mighty jump, on to the last, she was catching them fast. Three strides from the jump she was upsides with them. Four horses rose together. The adrenaline was pumping
fiercely through Jenny's veins - 'Harmonica' was now all fired up too, her fitness and determination being tested to the limit. She lifted off, soaring high in the air, giving Jenny an almighty thrill, landing a length in front. The crowds were cheering loudly. Garry and Emily were jumping and shouting
wildly. 'Come on Jenny! Come on 'Harmonica'! You can do it!'

That last breathtaking leap finished the race as a contest. Jenny could afford the luxury of easing the mare down as they passed the
winning post with six lengths to spare. They had done it. Jenny was elated. 'Harmonica' knew too. Blowing, snorting, shaking her head up and down, side to side, appreciating Jenny's vigorous patting.

Emily ran out to lead them in. The crowd packed around the winner's enclosure, a jubilant human gangway, applauding them all the way to the number one spot. They all had backed her - she had delivered the goods - she had made their day.

Garry was waiting to greet them. A big pat for 'Harmonica' and when Jenny slid out of the saddle, on to the ground, he grabbed her, entwining her in a powerful bear-hug. It was a moment of pure rapture, a defining moment for two young thrill-seekers. The crowd understood, applauded
again, louder. They had been part of something special, something to savour, pure genius, rare talent, bravery, determination, brilliance.

Jenny was overwhelmed by all the acclaim, and Garry's hug had
touched her deeply. Smiling blissfully, she confined her response to: 'Thank you ... thank you so much ... I appreciate that ... thank you.'

In the Ard Ri Hotel, beside the famous Rock of Cashel, the
happy trio sat down to a welcome meal. It had been a long day. 'Harmonica' was in her trailer outside in the car park munching contentedly on her bag of sweet smelling hay - not a bother on her. Around the table, her future racing career
was being planned. After her heroic performance that afternoon, it was onwards and upwards. Garry confirmed the programme.

Now that she has won a Point-to-Point, she's qualified for the Tetradema Cup at Gowran Park next month. She'll be the least experienced in
the race but she's definitely good enough to take her chance. Then she'll be heading for Punchestown for the Champion Hunter's Chase. That will be enough for her first season. If she were to win all three, she'd be worth a fortune.

Jenny agreed, but wanted to make one thing clear.

'Worth a fortune or not, Garry, 'Harmonica will never be sold again. Mrs Dilworth was going to breed from her ... I'd like to do the same.'

'You're right, Jenny, what a smashing brood mare she'll make.'

'Yes, and all the better if we can make her a champion first.'

'We'll drink to that,' said Garry. They raised their glasses of red wine.

'To 'Harmonica,' said Jenny.

'To this year's Champion Hunter Chaser,' said Garry.

'To Jenny and 'Harmonica,' said Emily.

Garry still had to drive about fifty miles, and Jenny then
had to drive back to Dublin. They confined their drinking to one glass of wine each.

He pushed the bottle across the table to Emily.

'You finish the rest of that, Emily ... you've earned it.'

'Yeah, but what about my farting machine? I've to drive home too,'

'I'll drop you off,' suggested Jenny.

'Yeah, and I'll pick you up in the morning,' said Garry.

'Okay then.'

Having emptied the bottle, her cheeks had turned a rich crimson, her eyes glistened, and her shyness completely banished. She was in sparkling form as they left for home.

Back in the yard, they checked all the horses.

'Spot-on,' said Garry, 'that Johnny is a great little man ... works even better when we're not here.'

With 'Harmonica' snug in her stable, savouring the supper
that Johnny had left for her, they had a quick coffee before Jenny would set off for Dublin. Though still a little tipsy, Emily realised that perhaps Garry and Jenny would like to have a little private chat - she excused herself.

'I'm just going out to put the 'farting machine' in the shed ... I'll wait at the car, Jenny.'

'Okay, Emily, I'll be there in a minute.'

She did want a private minute with Garry. It was the end of
a perfect day and she wanted to thank him in her own special way.

'Tired?' he asked, 'you look a bit jaded.'