| Dunraven Pass–A Dose of Reality Take another look at the pictures below from Dunraven Pass’ race on May 4th. It will be a while before we see another one of him overtaking other horses. After finishing a brilliant four furlong breeze Saturday morning, he came off the track limping. What do you think the chances are that a horse will break his right front leg in July and his left front leg the following May? In the Heppermann barn, apparently the changes are 100 percent. Really. Yuck. Darn. Shoot. No, these aren’t really any of the words I’m thinking–but at least they’ll get through the spam filters. Yes, we were quite glum over the weekend, with my pity party in full bloom still this morning. And then, as is always the case, I got over it. First, there is some good news. The break was a condylar fracture–just like the first one. So, with the help of four screws and a couple of months of stall rest, he’ll be fine again. Second, when we went out to see him today, he wanted out of his stall so he could run. I explained to him that he if would stop breaking his freaking legs, he would get to spend more time racing and less lollygagging. He appeared to listen and understand. But most importantly, one of you helped me put my life in perspective and at the same time helped me rediscover my optimism and good cheer.
I received an e-mail late this morning from someone that had just signed up to receive my horse alerts. Jen, a delightful thirty something young woman whom I had met during one of my book signings during Derby week, had just finished the book and she thanked me for making her laugh. She told me how she looked forward to owning horses with us in the future–once she wins her battle against breast cancer. Jen, I would be honored and look forward to that day as well. And I’d ask those of you reading this to remember Jen in your thoughts and prayers and to cheer for her as you have cheered for my horses. Thank you, Jen, for helping me find my smile again. |
