Free Microsoft Word - John Francome - Inside Track.doc by Gene Page B

back but Bramble's mind was made up. The poles had been spaced for a trotting horse and, as a consequence, the moment the fast-moving Bramble was across the first one he had to adjust quickly to avoid standing on the next. That took him right on to the third pole and, from then on, it was like someone doing the hop skip and jump, with Jamie clinging on for dear life and both handkerchiefs gone.
    Ros was less than impressed. Ì know you said you hadn't jumped before but I didn't realise you hadn't ridden either.'
    In days gone by, Jamie would have given Ros a mouthful of abuse but Garstone had taught him to keep his rebellious feelings to himself. And, though he seethed inside, he knew he hadn't exactly covered himself in glory.
    `Let me have another go,' he said.
    Ros replaced the handkerchiefs without a word.
    This time when Bramble went to canter Jamie was ready for him. The old horse trotted straight down the line and hopped over the jump 53

    with his ears pricked. Jamie looked down to see the two pieces of cloth still in place.
    Ros showed no emotion. `Do that once more and then you can do it without a saddle.'
    Surprisingly, although it was more difficult without the saddle, Jamie could see what the exercise was meant to achieve. He could feel his legs moulding into Bramble's sides and the rhythm of the horse was easier to judge. The slight forward and backward movement as the animal took off and landed felt more natural.
    `That will do you,' Ros said curtly as he asked if she wanted him to go again. Ì think the horse has had enough, even if you haven't.' Jamie was thankful for the rest. He felt he'd done all right for his first attempt.
    Obviously his instructor was of a different opinion.
    As had previously been arranged, Ros gave Jamie a ride to Ridgemoor after the lesson. From there Jamie would either hook up with Malcolm and get a ride back or call Pippa. Ros, it seemed, had a schooling session with one of Toby's jumpers.
    The journey passed in silence, Ros driving fast, her face lined with concentration. To start with she took a back route and Jamie was unsure quite where they were. She joined the main road skirting the edge of the moor, heading upwards, and sudden dread gripped Jamie. He recognised the route as they crested the ridge and the road dived downhill, making a sharp curve to the right. In the months before the trial Jamie had made every effort to avoid this road - the scene of the accident that had killed Alan Kirkstall and stolen a year and a half of his own liberty.
    As the car flashed past the drystone wall and the thin copse of trees overlooking the valley, Jamie caught a glimpse of red and white - a bunch of fading carnations tied to the new fence in front of the trees. Someone must be tending the spot, keeping it as a roadside memorial. Jamie's stomach turned over.
    Àre you all right?'
    He nodded, unable to speak, surprised that she had registered his unease.
    Hard act though she might be, Ros did not appear to miss much.
    Toby himself came outside to greet them as the car pulled into the Ridgemoor courtyard. Jamie assumed it was because of his interest in 54

    Ros but, after bestowing a polite kiss on her cheek, the trainer focused on his former jockey.
    `Good to see you back, young man. We've missed you in this yard.'
    `Thanks, Colonel,' said Jamie, a little embarrassed.
    `Sorry to hear you're lost to the Flat,' Toby continued. He turned to Ros.
    `Best apprentice I ever had. You'll have no trouble making a jump jockey out of him.'
    `Not on the basis of what I've seen so far,' she said drily.
    Toby laughed but Jamie didn't join in. He knew she wasn't joking. `So where's this horse you want me to look at?' she asked Toby. Ì've put him in one of the back boxes. He's been in a filthy temper ever since he pitched up.'
    The trainer turned and headed through the courtyard along a path that led behind the main row of stalls. Ros followed and Jamie hung back, aware that this was not his