“I think you’re going to love this girl,” Leo smiled as he watched Connie run a brush through the bay mares coat, the thoroughbred standing quietly like an obedient childs pony. “I get the feeling I will too, she is just my type!” Leo had been working hard with the mare to get her into racing form, and he was confident she was going to succeed on the track. It was anybody's guess why she hadn’t been started until recently; she was easily one of their most exciting pick-ups at a sale to date. At first glance she didn’t seem like anything special, and in all honesty the Highgrove Staff had purchased her with the view to try her on the track and retire her next year to brood. But, Leo felt he had found a diamond the rough; and after working with her, was convinced she’d be a more successful router than they had originally planned.

Perry had the wisdom of an experienced horse well into retirement, and the self-confidence of a mature and well-run thoroughbred who had seen more wins than could be counted. And yet, she was yet to see a race start, and was only a 4yo. There was something about her, rather many things about her, that not only was likeable, but convincing. She was quiet but spirited, eager but controlled, average in build and yet mighty in performance. Connie felt the hairs prickle along her arms, jittering with a familiar buzz as Leo legged her up into the jockey pad. The moment Persian Virtue saw the track, her ears pricked forward and her tongue began to roll at the bit in quiet anticipation.

Leo had done well with her. She responded to queues seamlessly, even her transition to a trot was like satin; almost as if she had read Connie’s mind. She was breezed yesterday, so today it was just going to be a steady lope around the track, just enough time to give Connie an enticing taste into what to expect from her. Steadily she moved, with a high-stepping gait and forward momentum, her trot was eased into a canter and again the transition was liquid-smooth - anticipated. Connie could feel the bunching of eagerness beneath her, the full expansion of the mares lungs in preparation to gallop. But with contact on her mouth Perry remained composed, her muscles loose and fluent, limbs rolling out beneath her with ease.

Even in her brief workout the mare was calculated, responding to aids from her rider and using them to determine what would be asked next. Her position on the track stayed symmetrical, always maintaining the same distance from the rail and never venturing from her line. That was something that couldn’t always be taught. Connie made a mental note to get her out on the track with another horse and study her responses to them.