Cross Thoroughbred Racing Facility

[Story]

Early morning sunlight seemed to illuminate the mist that loomed over the racetrack. Despite being so early in the day, business had started for many. Equine and humanistic figures stirred and drifted along. It was nearly silent, save for faint birdsong, distant voices, and the occasional nicker or whinny of a horse.

The golden light shone through the mist softly, catching the dirt surface of the track and throwing the deep gauges of hooves into relief, shadows scarring the soil. The rapidly approaching rhythm of hooves to ground crescendoed as a powerful Thoroughbred galloped past a figure on the rail. The staccato click of the stopwatch and soft scratch of the pencil came as times were recorded.



This was the everyday life of the racetrack, as predictable as the course of a swiftly moving river. Everything worked like clockwork. The feedings, training, races. Old railbirds hung about, keeping an eye for horses showing potential and comparing to favorite horses, reminiscing for the old days perhaps. The track remained as untouched as the old days where the only changes were the names, dates, and faces.



As a jockey, you are determined to make something of yourself. You must get that horse and ride to fame. As you study the young Thoroughbred examining its surroundings, you reflect on how this horse might be able to make the cut. Perhaps this horse would ride to fame with you in the irons.



"Hey-are you listening to me?" A grizzled old trainer lightly smacks your shoulder with a Daily Racing Forms paper. Startled, you blink and wait for him to speak.



"This horse is doing well in training but it's time to step up. We're sending the horse to a breeding and training facility located in West Virginia. You're going with the horse to work 'em and when the time comes, race 'em." The trainer spoke in a gruff, detached voice. "Pack up and be ready before noon. You leave today." With that said, he disappeared, leaving you with the horse and a groom.

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To join, see the Information Section and look for Cross Thoroughbred Racing Facility Joining Page
For more information on this roleplay and anything to do with racing, see Cross Thoroughbred Racing Facility Info Page

[Story]

_{I, Story, declare this roleplay to be open!}

[Story]

<sub>Aiden Cross stepped out into the early morning, walking fearlessly and soundlessly out toward the stables. The sky was a creamy gray color, just beginning to develop streaks of color as the world stirred. The sun was just rising and casting its vibrant orange along the horizon. The grass was thick with dew and the air was cool. Looming over the pasture, a heavy mist dwelled, as of yet untouched by the warmth of the world. Soon enough, the sun would burn through the mist and everything would clear up.

Aiden slipped into the stables, breathing in the warm, familiar scent of horses. He'd grown up with this and felt a small tinge of nostalgia as he stepped into the building. A sleepy nicker captured his attention and a small smile graced his face, hazel-blue eyes lighting up. "Morning, Shadow, big guy. Hey..." He whispered, hardly daring to break the silence of the reverent morning.

The black Thoroughbred, Shadow Hunter, pricked his ears forward and brushed his velvety nose against his human's face. The motion was undeniably tender, speaking of their shared bond. Aiden closed his eyes, leaning against the stall door with one hand on his horse's exquisite face. Shadow's soulful, dark eyes gazed trustingly back at him before he pushed the black hat off of Aiden's head, snuffling at his mousy brown hair. It had been trimmed recently, now a bit shorter and harder to nibble at. Aiden didn't seem to mind though, just leaning against the sweet stallion and enjoying a moment of bonding.

Gallant Marines continued to sleep down the way. The palomino's forelock was a lot longer, as was his tail. No one trimmed it and he had begun to gain weight. He no longer resembled a proud racehorse, no longer the handsome stallion that he'd become. Instead, he looked like a pasture pony, all belly and no speed. Certainly, the aggressive stallion had an excuse for less speed. His left foreleg had been fractured the previous November and he'd healed up pretty well, though he would never again be ridden. He saw to that with his fierce bite and penchant for either scaring or annoying the heck out of anyone that neared him.

Despite the early hours, two horses were already quiet active. Stalled beside each other and as close as brothers, weanling Tremolo and yearling in training, Paranormal Vortex, were playing. They attempted to push each other's head away before nibbling at the exposed ear, each trying to gain the upperhand. Both were quiet, though an occasional nicker or whinny would slip out in delight or to scold when an ear was nipped too hard.

Miguel Mendoza had woken up long before the sky turned gray with the first light of dawn, heading to Cedar Creek Downs in the hopes of finding a few horses to exercise. The young Mexican jockey was mildly successful, snagging a mount or two for upcoming races. He had settled in well, keeping to himself for the most part, but being remarkably friendly when approached.

Celestial Zephyr was the vision of a true racehorse. His sleek, cherry bay coat was groomed impeccably and muscles rippled beneath it with every movement. He was at the perfect weight for his form. He carried himself with pride as he moved forward to the stall door, ears pricked. The early morning arrival of Aiden meant that his own human, Adam Apparel, would soon make his way over. He was aware that things were getting better around the area. People were happier, Adam was happier.

Sure enough, Adam turned up minutes later. The jockey's dark brown hair was ruffled as usual, no longer too long but also not very short. His navy blue eyes were lit up, running appreciatively over his favorite colt's face. He stood as tall as his 5'7" figure allowed and, though he was as thin as ever, he looked more healthy than he had been in the past few months. There was a certain air about him as he carried himself forward. He had a crooked grin, something so long absent from his face, and it made his eyes spark with mischief. He'd gotten back into racing, having won the Santa Anita Derby with Celestial Zephyr. The king was back and it felt good.</sub>

[haylee]

_{Sadie slid into the stables, eyes sleepy and her long, golden hair had been plaited back carefully in a french braid. She bore worn leather riding boots, straight jeans, and a V-neck t-shirt. She quietly moved her way down to Nevada Virtue's stall, where the proud mother-to-be waited for her owner. Sadie murmured something under her breath and rubbed her face before disappearing into the feed room to measure out Nessie's breakfast. The young apprentice jockey was slowly moving her way up to the better horses, she was gaining respect in the jock's room, and was no longer struggling to find mounts. She returned a few minutes later and hung a hay net up before filling up the water bucket. She set to work on grooming Nevada Virtue's stunning white coat as she sang something under her breath to sooth the pregnant mare.}

[Story]

<sub>"Morning, Sadie," Aiden greeted, looking up as the female jockey entered. He flashed a smile before leading Shadow Hunter out of his stall. He had to drive the black Thoroughbred down the road to his business partner's stables. Mr. West had requested to have Shadow cover a chestnut mare of his. The mare had recently retired from racing, following a promising career on the track. She was ready to relax and enjoy a good life as a beautiful mama.

Adam glanced up from where he was scratching Zeph's ears. An impish grin lit his face as Sadie entered the feed room. He waited until she had set to work, preparing to sneak up and poke her sides but stopped at the sight of the pregnant Nessie and calm Sadie. He relaxed as well, forgetting about his plan. Instead, he slid forward and wrapped his arms around Sadie's waist, kissing her cheek from behind. "Good morning, Sadie," He whispered.</sub>

[haylee]

_{Sadie nodded in greeting to Aiden. "Mornin'" She chirped to him as she passed. She was nearly done with Nessie's coat at the appearence of Adam. She smiled lightly and turned her head to look at him. "Good morning." She murmured back, frosty eyes bright as she brushed her lips against his cheek in response. She leaned into him slightly, eyes closing for a moment and she sighed in contentment. Nessie turned her head at Adam, wrinkling her nose and tossing her head in greeting to the jockey. She scratched her head on her front leg before she flicked her tail. The mare was slowly filling out, and was growing bigger by the day.}

[Story]

_{"When's Nessie due?" Adam inquired, trying for the hundredth time to recall who the mare had been bred to. He gently disentangled himself from Sadie and stretched luxuriously, groaning in pleasure. "Ooooooh, how I love a good morning stretch. Always helps me wake up," He murmured. He'd had a drastic turn around following the Santa Anita Derby. His low confidence, fear, and illness had seemed to evaporate like the mist that was being burned out by the sun. He quickly returned to his former glory, smiling cockily, sauntering about, and flirting. But most of all...he was winning. He was getting mounts that kept him busy, and was changed once more.}

[haylee]

_{"Uh... A few months still, probably July." She said with a shrug. She quickly finished off the rest of Nessie's coat before turning back to Adam and letting the mate eat. She raised her eyebrows slightly, a smile playing on her thin lips. The jockey seemed a bit thinner over the past month or so, but it was just the demand of weight. She'd had more races than ever and was careful about what she ate and when she worked out, that was all. She was getting increasingly better mounts, and like Adam, was winning, though, not so many Graded Stakes. She was inexpierenced at best, and was still learning the ropes of everything, but she was proving to be a talented jockey.}

[Story]

<sub>Adam furrowed his eyebrows for a moment, studying Nevada Virtue for a long moment. He smiled faintly, thinking about Immanaturalblue. He'd wound up sending the pretty blue roan mare to California to help his father out. Mr. Apparel had called, distraught at losing the three fertile mares that were in his stables, one during birth, a second to colic, and the third when things didn't go right in the breeding shed. Adam knew that Nat would be fine back in California under his father's care, even if they weren't exactly on speaking terms from a few months earlier.

Adam glanced up as he heard an impatient snort. "Oi vey. I can't get any peace. Sadie, would you help me feed my boys?" He inquired, gazing over at the stallion and colts under his care. Tremolo and PV had stopped their play, realizing that they were hungry and breakfast time was fast approaching. Zeph was patient and quiet, though also looking forward to breakfast. it was Gallant Marines that most fervently reminded Adam that it was chow time.</sub>

[haylee]

G2g