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when there is a long break between races, the regimentation frequently breaks down as riders get together for small celebrations.
“I guess parties are a way of relieving the tension,” Speedy says with a smile as he remembers many long nights, and the painful mornings after when he did not show up at the bam.
“They (parties) are a chance for you to see your friends whom you don't get to see that often and a chance to relax. Most riders have been very good all week getting ready for a race and parties are a way of ending that tension.
“During the week you’re afraid to go out and drink because drink puts weight on you and when you go out to drink you usually eat, too. At the end of the season it’s nice not to have to worry about it and be able to eat and drink like a normal person. ”
But, at Sunnybank, as is the case at horse farms all over the country, training for the horses never really lets up, so Speedy must stay in good shape to be able to ride year round.
Training a horse for steeplechasing involves a lot of work, probably more than a horse requires for racing on the flat, Speedy admits. Owners are charged about $d() a day to keep a horse in training, less than it costs to keep a racehorse at the track.
For his money a steeplechase owner has his horse regularly exercised, schooled over fences, hunted in company of other horses and raced.
With almost fanatical care the Smithwick mother and son team work to give each horse in their care the best chance it has to do well at the races. It is what steeplechase owners and spectators have come, to expect from a family of champions.
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