"Oh yes she is." The lady cooed. Dust lnew she was in the spotlight. "Your precious too." I said petting Numby when he felt left out. HE nipped to show his appreciation and the lady cringed a little. I laughed, I couodnt help it. "He's not mean really. When he nips, hes showing love really. He never aims to bit you, just sorta scare ya a little." I explained. The lady looked alittle reasurred, but wasnt exactly ready to give Numby a big ole kiss! "Shall we start?" She asked me. I nodded m,y head. "Where would you like to go? I jave cahirs for out here, or the house." I offered. "Here would be fine thanks." She smiled. "Good. Id rather be here anywyas. After all, most of this itnerview goes to the horses, more so Dust." At that the lady started scribbling so,ething down on her pad.
L-When did you know Dust would be a Derby contender?
A- Actually, i alwyas hope she would and it just all fell into place. I always pointed her to it, and took it for granted I guess. She was just that good, that she fit my plans. Does that make sence?
L- Yes it does. Was there a signal that she would win, or move on in the Crown?
A- She kept winning races, adn never gave up. She genuinely loved the track. She was the track.
L- Very true. What did you feel about al lof her setbacks?
A-Oh I was devastated. Dust had t be cooped up so much and she hated it. IF she couldnt race, she didnt let anyone else be happy. *I laughed* I knew that I had t do everything in my power to get ehr back racing-not to win the Crownjust to race. I dont think any horse could have done it. IT took so much strength on her part. And she is a small filly, not much meat onm her, but oh the heart.
L- How is she doing now? After that Belmont trip?
A- Excellent. You saw her. Thats what I mean about heart. She'll be content with not racing again, although shed love to. i think she wanted the Triple Crown win more then me. Im just glad shes ok, otherwise, id feel horrible.
She asked me a few more questrions and lots about each of my horses. Tehn I showed her around Eg, and dshe hoped to run into some of my friends.

Nick was riding on Macca while I bent Jedda around top the left. I had decided it was time I schooled Jedda a little, she had become lazy after all the relaxed trail riding.
I caught a glimse of Ashley giving a designer-labelled dressed woman a grand tour of Evergreen as I put Jedda through flying changes at a canter.
"Shh" I crooned, as Jedda threw her head up slightly, scattering her jet black mane. I straightened in the saddle and trotted her round the arena while Nick set up jumps in the middle of the sand.
Nick went through the jumps perfectly, Macca lifting his feet majestically over the wooden barriers, and Nick grinned as he turned Macca around and guided him over to me.
"Going good" I said, as I received his tender kiss.
"Hope we're not interrupting anything" Ash said with an impish smile on her face. The journalist stood next to her at the gate.
"No, Ash" I said with a smile. "So, what have you been up to today?"