Harness Racing Report - final instalment

C

Crosshill Pacers

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Hi folks,

This will be my last post relating to the 2014 racing season and Missile because...

...he has been sold.

Following a third yesterday in the C Class and a stone last in the Ladies (he was cut up and galloped and then my friend kept to the back and just completed the race) Missile was officially retired from harness racing.

He was advertised just over a week ago; I had a girl out to try him on Thursday evening and she bought him that night, but gave me permission to race him on Sunday. Today we delivered him to his new home where he will be trying his hoof at hunting, common ridings and maybe a bit of jumping.

Racing had become something he didn't seem to enjoy, as his behaviour on the track was completely different to that at home and when I was hacking him out. I am happy that I made the decision to retire him at the right time, especially as his new owner and him seem to have clicked so well.

Thank you to everyone who has followed our progress throughout the summer, it's been a lot of hard work and stress and more disappointment than success but when we had success it was particularly sweet so I am grateful for those moments. I have gained so much confidence driving and also riding another horse, as I was spoilt a bit by riding my other mare so much. I couldn't put a price on the experience that I have gained working with a horse like Missile, and neither can J (although he's not so quick to admit it).

I've toyed with the idea of buying another project horse at public auction in a month's time BUT the even crazier idea of bringing my mare Star out of retirement (she's only six) seems to have won out so if people don't mind I might provide reports of her training and hopefully racing next summer.

Thank you again, I hope you've enjoyed the journey as much as I have!

Sarah :)
 
Lovely final report and although it must be bitter sweet I'm sure you've made the right decision! Really enjoyed your threads so I'm looking forward to hearing about Star next season.
x x x
 
Definitely sounds like you've made the right decision for Missile, and fantastic that he's found a lovely new home, just shows what a good job you've done with him.
Will look forward to seeing your reports with Star - got to get my "fix" somehow ;)
 
I think it was the right decision for us both and I feel quite grown up selling a horse. I could have been a bit stubborn and selfish and tried to persevere but I felt Missile was telling me he had had enough and I kind of feel like things worked out really well for him because the girl that has given him a new home couldn't be more perfect for him! Enthusiastic, motivated, sensible and willing to put in the hard work that it can take to teach an OTT Standardbred a whole set of new tricks! The best part is she's more than happy to keep in touch and I've offered to give as much (or as little) advice as she wants.

As for Star, I've already been told (incidentally by the same man who said the same thing about Missile) that I won't be able to win a race with her next year. I don't know whether he is in fact using reverse psychology to spur me on or he genuinely thinks I can't do this training malarkey. What he certainly doesn't realise is if at any point Star isn't making the grade then she goes back to what I know she's good at - hunting, jumping, hacking...generally being my awesome and trusty steed! There is slightly more to life than racing ;)
 
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