SRC Begins With Fine Music and New Riders

[Kiralynn]

The Spring Racing Carnival began with a volley of colorful fireworks on Friday night. The rain cleared just in time for the pre-race festivities in Michel Delving. Several riders were seen practicing the course before the ground had dried from the storm.

Twelve riders registered for the Mathom Cup. The course judges played music to entertain the crowd while the race master made sure the riders knew the rules. Signing up for the race - Aalloria on bay Barbossa, Caiyyd on blue roan Windrunner, Calatharan on Algraid-bred Flapjack, Craicwyth on glittering Yule Snowrose, Draugelen on grey Sheer, Errowen on Eastemnet-trained Thunderfoot, Faerochil on smokey black Tiernan, Lonsen on blonde sorrel Highbright, Meneladan on glittering Yule Firien, Menina on Autumnfest-clad Kanga, Shintako on blue roan Zephyrus, and Vrehn on bay Hawthorn.

At the call to post, there was considerable jockeying for position at the start line. Once the horses settled down, the race master moved into position. The crowd was breathless with anticipation. With a shout of "Charge!" the race began. The course took the riders up into the south farms, back down through Waymeet, across Sanderson's chicken farm, and back into Michel Delving.



Aalloria brought Barbossa across the finish line first with a clear length-and-a-half lead, winning 10 gold and 1,000 Turbine Points. Craicwyth rode into a solid second place. Shintako outpaced Errowen by mere inches in a dramatic photo-finish. A length behind, newcomer Draugelen missed his chance to compete in the Bree Cup.

A group of racing fans rode together to the site of the fourth qualifier race of the season, the illustrious Moonstone Cup held in the beautiful elven city of Duillond. The pre-race concert featured "Bright Star" - Orladan, Sholah, Aevireth, Daylak, Doviel and Aelaan. This amazing band drew a large crowd who danced with great enthusiasm until post time.



With the sun setting over Ered Luin, eleven riders registered for the Moonstone Cup - Caiyyd on blue roan Windrunner, Calatharan on Algraig-bred Flapjack, Draugelen on Esteldin-bred Scout, Emlissel on blonde sorrel Sifflaed, Errowen on Eastemnet-trained Thunderfoot, Faerochil on smokey black Tiernan, Lhinnthel on grey Tucker, Meneladan on glittering Yule Firien, Menina on Autumnfest-clad Kanga, Rosiee on Mathom-bred Speckles, and Vrehn on bay Hawthorn. The bookie took a record number of wagers.

The call to post sounded and the crowd made their way to the start line. With fewer first-time horses chomping at the bit, the race started quickly. The Moonstone Cup course is one of the most difficult, forcing steeds to climb winding stone stairs, cross bridges suspended high above the ground, pass through narrow gates, and charge up steep hills. The clatter of hooves on cobblestone heralded the return of the horses from the back stretch. The crowd began cheering for their favorites as the leaders charged toward the finish line.

The race proved to be a boon for novice riders. Errowen's dedication paid off as she rode Thunderfoot to victory. Two lengths behind, Draugelen also demonstrated that hard work pays off. Galloping into third place by a neck, Sifflaed brought an elated Emlissel across the finish line. Drawing randomly from the list of wagers placed on Errowen, Meneladan won a landscape soldier token.



The list of qualified riders now includes -- Aalloria, Andeon, Craicwyth, Draugelen, Eliwren, Emlissel, Errowen, Kikilaa, Lifebringer, Maytook, Nisael, and Shintako.

Assuming they register for the final two qualifier races on Saturday, the bookies have made some interesting predictions. Placing sixth in the Mathom Cup and fifth in the Moonstone Cup, look for a strong performance by Caiyyd and Windrunner. Meneladan showed considerable improvement, following an eighth with a fourth place finish. Faerochil's Tiernan has the tenacity and endurance to take the lead. Also look for a winning run from Beorbrand if he joins the competition.

Our thanks to Atli Spider-bane of Archet and Faerochil for their sponsorship, covering the race entry fees. Many thanks to Sapience for providing amazing Turbine Point prizes. Thanks to the Lonely Mountain Band for providing generous gold prizes. Thank you to Bright Star for providing beautiful music. Many thanks to our judges - Byrcha, Floradine, Limorel, Mornawen, Patria, and Sonca. These events would not be possible without volunteers and sponsors.

We hope you had a great time and we'll see you at tomorrow's races!