The race to championship

In a secret horse derby arena hidden in the middle of nowhere, the air buzzed with anticipation. Spectators filled the seats around the platform, their eyes fixed on the track. But this was no ordinary crowd,they were derby racers from across the country and beyond, drawn here by the promise of a spectacle unlike any other. For the first time in the sport's history, a woman was set to race.

Since the inception of derby racing, the thrill of the track had been reserved for men, while women cheered from the sidelines. This break from tradition was as shocking as it was exhilarating, and the audience could hardly wait to witness history unfold.

In an upper room overlooking the track, a group of men gathered, their expressions a mix of curiosity and skepticism. These were the same men who had been present when Jethro first proposed Patricia's entry into the derby racing club. All were accounted for, except for Congressman Saccoth, who was preparing for the race, and Jethro himself.

"Tsk, tsk... I can't believe how much people are willing to pay for this ridiculous spectacle," Governor Rockworth muttered, a cigar perched between his fingers. "A woman racing? We all know she's going to lose. What a disgrace."

"Brian, when will you stop being such a pessimist?" one of the men who looked to be around the same age as congressman Saccoth countered, his maroon suit catching the light as he swirled a glass of whiskey. "The world is changing, my friend. What we once held as unshakable truths no longer apply. Women are claiming their place in society, and it's high time we embraced that. This race is more than a spectacle, it's a symbol of progress."

"A wise perspective, Governor Wilby," Senator Williams chimed in, nodding. "Change brings excitement, and excitement draws the crowd. Isn't that what we want? To keep the world watching?"

Rockworth snorted, exhaling a puff of smoke. "New doesn't always mean better, gentlemen. Mark my words, this woman will cost us our dignity. Don't say I didn't warn you." His phone buzzed, and he glanced at the screen. Two words flashed: 'It's done.' A smirk curled his lips as he took another drag from his cigar.

Meanwhile, in the preparation grounds, Patricia stood beside her horse, her long, wavy black hair cascading over her shoulders. Dressed in a sleek black-and-white derby outfit, she worked with practiced precision, securing the saddle. She didn't flinch as footsteps approached, since she already knew who it was. The overpowering scent of expensive cologne gave him away.

"Damn, woman," Jethro drawled, his voice dripping with desire as he sauntered closer. "Now I'm regretting this whole thing. All those dogs out there will be drooling over my sweet doll. And I don't like it. Not one bit."

Patricia rolled her eyes, her disgust barely concealed. "Did you come to wish me good luck, sir?"

Jethro sighed dramatically, his gaze lingering far too long on her curvy hips and full backside and her big breasts hid behind a black derby racing jacket.

"Oh, Patty... you've no idea the trouble you've stirred up, my pretty doll." He stepped closer, his tone softening into a sickly-sweet murmur. "It's not too late to back out. Be my woman, and I'll treat you like a queen. Forget this nonsense and live the good life. What do you say?"

Patricia turned to face him, her expression calm but her eyes blazing. "You're already doubting me, sir. That's disappointing. I thought, of all people, you'd support me. Clearly, I was wrong." She returned her focus to the saddle, feigning indifference.

"Come on, Patty, it's not like that," Jethro protested, reaching out to touch her. But Patricia sidestepped him with ease, her resolve unshaken.

"Don't worry about me, sir," she said firmly. "I entered this race knowing exactly what I'm up against. Whether I win or lose, it's my battle to fight. So save your concern, I don't need it." With that, she tightened the last strap on the saddle, her determination unyielding.

Before Jethro could respond, a booming voice echoed through the arena, electrifying the air.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the world's most thrilling and exhilarating sport! Today, we are about to witness a once-in-a-lifetime event. A race so rare, so unexpected, it will mark history! For the first time since the founding of our beloved sport, we ask; can a woman rise to the challenge, embrace the thrill, and ride for glory and fame? The anticipation is unbearable! So now, without further ado, let us welcome the racers who have made this spectacle possible. Take your positions, competitors, it's time!"

Patricia's eyes sparkled with determination as she turned to Jethro. "This is it!" she said with quiet resolve, mounting her horse with practiced ease.

"For what it's worth, sir, I'm grateful to you for making this happen. If I do win this race, I suppose I'll owe you dinner," she added, a playful smile tugging at her lips.

Jethro smirked and tipped his hat. "You better surprise me, doll! I'm counting on you to make all my efforts worth it. But win or lose, I'm still taking you out for dinner, but don't think you're getting out of that promise. Good luck, pretty doll!" He blew her a teasing kiss.

Patricia chuckled softly, her amusement fleeting as her focus sharpened. "Thank you, sir. I'll do my best. Hyaah!" With a flick of the reins, the horse trotted off toward the tunnel, readying to answer the call to the track.

The tension thickened as she waited, and a voice from her side startled her out of her thoughts. "That's one fine-looking steed you've got there, miss. Let's hope it brings you the win."

Patricia turned, meeting the gaze of a handsome man in a dark leather jacket and jeans. His blue eyes glimmered with warmth under the shadow of his black cap, and a charismatic smile played on his lips.

She smiled back, her confidence unwavering. "Don't worry, sir. Liberty is well-trained, and fast as the wind. Our competitor won't know what's coming. We're going to give him one hell of a show. Right, Liberty?" At her words, Liberty neighed softly, as if in agreement.

Isaac stepped closer, his smile widening. "Then I guess I placed my bet on the right racer." He gently took Patricia's hand, brushing a kiss across her knuckles. "Go get them, princess. You've got this."

Patricia beamed, her cheeks warming slightly. "Thank you, my handsome knight. I'll make sure not to disappoint!"

The air shifted as the announcer's voice thundered again. "Ladies and gentlemen, the moment you've been waiting for has arrived! Let us welcome the competitor who inspired this historic event! The one everyone is eager to see in action! Daughter of the late, great second-best horse derby champion, Patricia Milton!"

Cheers erupted across the arena as Patricia rode forward, Liberty's hooves striking the ground with a commanding rhythm. She took her position on the track, her gaze falling on Congressman Saccoth mounted on a powerful brown stallion, his red-and-black derby racer outfit standing out against the muted tones of the field.

He turned to her, his expression inscrutable, before offering a slight smile. "Godspeed, child. And remember, 'It started with a race, and it will end with a race.'"

Patricia stared at Saccoth, bewilderment flashing across her face. 'How does he...' But before she could finish the thought, the sharp blare of the blow horn jolted her back to reality. The race had begun.

Congressman Saccoth was already in the lead, his horse charging ahead with practiced power. Patricia steered Liberty forward, urging him to pick up speed and close the gap.

"And they're off!" the announcer's voice roared over the arena. "Saccoth takes an early lead, with Milton charging in from behind! What a thrilling start! It's already remarkable that she's stayed mounted, but can she best a seasoned champion? The tension is electrifying, folks, anything can happen!"

Patricia leaned into the rhythm of Liberty's gallop, her voice sharp and clear. "Come on, Liberty! Hyaah!"

With determined precision, Patricia closed the gap, drawing up alongside Saccoth. Her breath quickened as she prepared to overtake him, but Saccoth had other plans. Slowing his horse slightly, he matched her pace, riding side by side. For a fleeting moment, Patricia felt victory within her grasp, until Saccoth abruptly steered his horse into her path.

The sudden move forced Patricia and Liberty dangerously close to the edge of the track. Her balance wavered, and panic threatened to set in, but she quickly recalled her father's lessons. With practiced precision, she adjusted her reins, guiding Liberty out of danger and back onto the track. Saccoth, however, had already reclaimed the lead.

"Whoa! What an incredible recovery!" exclaimed Senator Williams from the upper room, his eyes wide with excitement. "Milton is proving she has the instincts of a champion!"

"Of course she does," Governor Wilby agreed, pride evident in his tone. "She's her father's daughter through and through."

"She just got lucky," Rockworth growled, his scowl deepening. "Saccoth's letting her play along. One misstep and she'll be out of the race, mark my words."

"Getting nervous, Brian?" Jethro teased with a smirk. "What? Do you hate that your ego is being bruised by seeing your predictions fall apart?"

Rockworth snorted in response. "Don't celebrate yet, Jethro. Your 'sweet doll' still needs to cross the finish line, and that's not happening anytime soon." His eyes narrowed, dark with intention. 'It better not happen.'

On the track, Patricia had regained control and was closing in on Saccoth once more. This time, she steered Liberty to his right, where the track offered more room, and no opportunity for Saccoth to repeat his trick.

"The finish line is in sight!" the announcer boomed. "Saccoth remains in the lead, but Milton is gaining ground! The crowd is on the edge of their seats, this is neck and neck, folks! Could we be witnessing a historic moment? Will a woman claim the title of a seasoned champion derby racer?"

Patricia's voice cut through the roar of the crowd. "We can do this, Liberty! Hyaah!" Her eyes glinted with unyielding determination as Liberty's hooves thundered over the ground. The finish line loomed closer, but then, disaster struck.

The saddle was slipping.

Patricia's heart raced as she felt the straps give way, one by one. Her balance teetered dangerously, her mind filled with panic and the determination not to fall. Meanwhile, Saccoth surged ahead, his horse devouring the track, as the finish line loomed in sight.

But Patricia wasn't one to crumble under pressure. Her knuckles whitened as she tightened her grip on the reins. With one daring move, she pushed herself up from the saddle, balancing on the foot holsters like a circus performer defying gravity. Gasps rippled through the stands as spectators leaned forward, mouths agape.

"Stay with me, Liberty!" she yelled, her voice steady even as she felt her heart about to leap out of her chest due to the adrenaline. She tugged the reins to the right, forcing Liberty into a sharp veer. The motion tilted the nearly dislodged saddle further, yet Patricia remained upright, a vision of sheer willpower. She maneuvered her horse close to the edge of the track, giving herself just enough time to recalibrate.

Saccoth glanced over his shoulder, confusion flaring in his eyes. What was she doing? Patricia seized the fleeting moment of distraction. She yanked the reins to the left, pulling Liberty into a feint that sent Saccoth's horse skittering sideways, nearly colliding. The crowd erupted in stunned cries, the tension unbearable.

Time seemed to slow as Patricia urged Liberty forward, the finish line blurring ahead of her. With one last surge of strength and adrenaline, she threw her weight forward, urging Liberty to give everything they had. The spectators were on their feet, the energy electric, as Liberty and Patricia surged ahead, crossing the finish line a heartbeat before Saccoth.

The stadium fell into an awed silence before exploding into thunderous applause. Patricia, now seated on Liberty's back with the saddle miraculously balanced, she slumbed on his back to catch her breath for a while and whispered in heaving breaths. "Well done, Liberty... well done," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.

"Patricia Milton has won the race!" the announcer shouted, barely able to contain his excitement. "Ladies and gentlemen, in all my years, I have never witnessed a race like this! Milton has shown us the heart of a true champion!"

Tears streamed down Patricia's face as she straightened in her saddle. She gazed around the arena, taking in the standing ovation. Her voice cracked as she whispered, "I did it, Dad. I did it. I won."

The men in the upper room were struck silent, with disbelief written on their faces. Governor Rockworth's eyes bulged, his mouth agape as if words had abandoned him entirely.

"Did... you... see that? Did you see that? She won! She actually won!" Senator Williams exclaimed, leaping to his feet in excitement. The room erupted into murmurs of astonishment and excitement.

"I don't believe this..." Rockworth stammered, his voice barely audible.

"She's incredible! Did you see what she pulled off?"

"She's a Milton through and through!"

"With her in our branch club, we're bound for the big leagues for sure!"

Jethro leaned back, a smug grin spreading across his face as he eyed Rockworth's stunned expression. "Well, Brian, looks like your ego didn't just get bruised, but it actually got obliterated." He chuckled, his tone dripping with mockery.

Rockworth looked at him, his face completely red with anger, it looked like it was about to explode.

Jethro smirked, adding fuel to the fire. "Guess my pretty doll really did surprise me after all. You might want to see a doctor, Brian, looks like your face has been hit hard with the case of 'allergy of defeat'. And oh..do send me your room number will you, so that I can send you some flowers for your speedy recovery." His laughter echoed through the room.

"You... son of a...bitc..." Rockworth spluttered, but his fury rendered him speechless.