Firefoot Sprint Winners Announced

[Kiralynn]

Heartstring gamely charged through the ruins of Ost Laden for an uncontested win in the Firefoot Sprint presented by Windy Acres Ranch on February 13.

Making her second start in the Lone-lands, veteran rider Caiyyd took charge from front-runner Craicwyth to lead at the third checkpoint, outpacing Rohan stablemate Lossenmeril. The first-place finish elevated her to second rank in the Windy Acres standings, two victories behind the current champion. Her current stats are seven starts, one victory and two third-place finishes, for a total of fourteen points. Caiyyd returned home with favor of the Valar (1,600 Turbine points).



Ridden by Treasaigh, Westfold-bred Hector covered the course in less than four minutes for his first top-three victory. If this stallion enters the Bywater Steeplechase in March, he may gain enough experience to win a qualifier race and enter the Bree Cup Championship Race in May.

3-year-old bay pony Barbossa proved that agility is more important than speed in the stone maze of Minas Eriol. Although Barbossa failed to raise Aalloria's standing in the Winter Derby, it was obvious the pony's stamina had improved over the last four weeks. If Barbossa hadn't given his best effort in the below-freezing mountain climate, he showed considerably more fire in warmer weather.

Shintako's Zephyrus galloped across the finish line in fourth, three lengths behind Barbossa, after a rally on the back stretch came too late to make up the distance. This blue roan may be a contender in future events with additional training and wagering odds will be adjusted accordingly.



Six other riders also entered the race - Bethanora on minstrel steed Melody, Carafinthir on medium star steed Calista, Craicwyth on light war steed Lossenmeril, Daeleg on lite war steed Stewball, Galadlen on medium war steed Bronestel, and Hogdof on blonde sorrel Guerrero.

The horse show began with five contestants competing for gold and fame. The show was launched by Beorbrand, sporting short red robes with orange embroidery, a fireworks-laden steed, and his infamous beard. Carafinthir took the stage next in red armor on a steed with red and gold barding. Lhinnthel rode before the audience in a decorative crimson hauberk on a steed of the Horse Lords. Aalloria vied for votes in black robes with gold embroidery and a black pirates hat, riding her bay pony Barbossa. Last but not least, Shintako closed the show in a red spring-flinger hauberk on a red-clad steed of the Gap.

The audience voted quickly to award first-place to Beorbrand, followed by Carafinthir in second and Shintako in third.



Click here for additional images from the race and show.

Many thanks to our checkpoint judges - Beorbrand, Galzagar, Hilthorin, Kyrian, Liserona and Lhinnthel. Without volunteers, horse racing would not be possible.

The final race before the Spring Racing Carnival season is the Bywater Steeplechase, scheduled for Saturday, March 9 at 8:00pm servertime (EST). Meet at the Methel-stage north of Bywater in the Shire. Contact Kiralynn up to one hour before the event begins to register. Until next time, happy trails and we'll see you at the races!