But here’s what happened. Capp looked into my eyes and smiled a little smile. He said he was looking forward to sharing with me all he’d learned. Not just about horses either. I didn’t ask him any questions although I was wondering about Matilda. Then a few curls fell on his forehead. My heart beat faster and for one moment I lost my breath. Don’t know what it is about him, but he sure makes me feel something.
Maybe all this is a gift from my guardian angels. It has to be. I am almost certain. I’ve never been in a fine hotel before, or ridden in a Pullman car, or packed beautiful clothes into a leather suitcase, but here I am, all dressed up and feeling pretty. I thought about Mary and James in the room across the hall—so close by. This made me feel safe and secure. And Capp is only a few doors down. That makes my heart sing. He’s falling asleep, just like me. I wonder if he’s thinking of me.
Maybe my nightmares are over. Maybe instead of raging rivers, charging boars, and strange men I can be thinking of a family that includes Mary and James and everyone else at Glidewell? Is it possible I’ll have my own family one day? Maybe Capp is my guardian brother angel. Who knows? The thought fills me with warmth. I am feeling very happy tonight. Like all my worries have washed away for now. I just made a vow not to worry about my color any more. Not now, not this weekend, I hope never.
Bonne nuit, mon ami,
Maizie Sunday Freedman
Chapter 75
Kentucky Derby
May 7, 1932
The early morning of the Kentucky Derby held the promise of a cool, dry day. This fact was good news to all Derby participants; most horses prefer a dry track to a sodden one. The Buick Marquette pulled up to Churchill Downs and parked in the VIP parking spot reserved for the Glidewells. James, Mary and Maizie climbed out of the car and walked to Bob Hench’s barn to see the new Glidewell horses and find Wil and Capp. James, upon entering, took in a deep breath of horse, hay, and leather.
“Mary and Maizie, come over here. I want you to see the yearling we bought,” James said with pride. Maizie ran to the stall and looked in. The colt was small, but he was a beautiful light chestnut with blond mane, forelock and tail. His eyes were soft and warm, and he did not appear frightened to have a crowd of three strangers outside his stall.
“Oh, he’s beautiful,” said Maizie.
“Maizie, please call me Dad around here. Got to keep our cover,” James said lightly. “This little guy may be small, but we are hoping he will have a growth spurt under your care. He moves well and Capp says he’ll be easy to train.”
Maizie reached to stroke the yearling’s neck and the young horse began to nuzzle her through the stall bars. James opened the gate and let Maizie in. “Go on, he’s a sweet boy.” Maizie walked into the stall and patted the yearling’s chest and then stroked his flank. “I think he likes me,” said Maizie.
“He’s yours, Maizie.” James smiled.
Maizie put her hand to the colt’s forehead and then scratched between his ears. The horse nickered in appreciation. “I’ll have to think of a good name. One that fits him.”
James and Mary were now arm in arm watching Maizie as she got to know the new horse. “I mean it, Maizie. He’s yours. He’ll never be sold, unless you sell him.” Maizie looked at James warmly. “Really? He is mine forever?”
“Yes. Of course, with ownership comes responsibility,” James reminded her.
“Oh, I’ll take care of him. I’ll train him as best I can. Tommy will help me.”
James opened the stall gate to allow Maizie out and they continued their tour of the barn and beyond. There was more stock to see. The excitable dapple gray was a feast for the eyes, a beautiful horse with good conformation. He showed them Black Ace, the stud stallion, and the two half-sister mares sired by Blue Larkspur. Cherokee Sunrise was a source of pride, being the first Glidewell horse to win a race, albeit a claiming race. The other three claim horses were with Capp and Wil for their morning workouts. All the new horses were sound, all thoroughbreds, and all with potential for racing, breeding, or other purposes.
“They are all gorgeous, James. Guess you really are a thoroughbred owner. I love the dapple gray,” said Mary.
“He’s in need of good training. I hope he works out. Capp has been working him on the track. He’s running well,” said James. “Maybe you could ride him. Improve your horse-handling skills.”
“Are you kidding? I’ll stick with my quarter horse, thank you very much. But I appreciate your vote of confidence.” James smiled and pulled Mary to his side.
Soon Capp and Wil came into the barn leading the two claimed mares and stallion. A groom approached and offered to finish the cool down. Handing over the reins, Capp gave the groom a few instructions and then walked over to Maizie. “Good to see you so happy this morning, Maizie.”
“Things are looking up.
