The Eight

The Eight.1

A hard jerk in the mouth grabbed my attention.2

A jockey snatching at the mouth of a run-down, old, bay, gelding.3

4

The groom unable to keep himto the right.5

The horse kept swinging his head left, trying to stop and turn.6

The Jockey, aggravated, snatched, pulled and kicked, as they made their jerky procession to the track.7

Unable to make it all the way there, a pony person came in to lead him out, and off they jogged.8

A huge, long legged jog as the pony galloped.9

I thought to myself; it’s just amazing what some trainers will enter in a race!10

I saw them break out of the gate, I was surprised the horse even came out. 11

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I go back to reading my book, as I await the next race.  13

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As the horses come past the wire, I look up to see where the old number Eight had ended up.15

I didnt see his number come by, did i miss him?16

17

I watch the last part of the race on the TV, and still no number Eight.18

I look back to the track and there he is, on his side, under the rail, laying still.19

People slowly begin to run over to help.20

The horse Ambulance comes to care for the fallen horse and the human  Ambulance comes to take care of the jocky, also laying still.21

For a long time, they laym people moving all over.22

I look at the video screen but the replay does not show what happened.23

He was too far behind the rest of the horses.24

Finally, the jock gets into the ambulance, and I go outside for a closer look at what will happen to the horse.25

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The Eight, still moving, then, up!27

He took a few steps. 28

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I look to see how he was injured.30

I see nothing wrong. 31

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He does not get into the horse ambulance, but walks back to the paddock, with his disgruntled groom, seemingly fine.33

It is absolutely amazing what these animals endure, and though try as they may to communicate to us, some still don’t listen.34

"The Eight"35

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~ And to all the horses that try ~37