WINTER CHILLS/SUMMER THRILLS

The thoroughbreds are as skittish as kittens at a dog show as they whinny and snort steam into the early morning chill.

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Their minuscule riders keep them in check with hands of steel. The breath of horses and riders hangs in the freezing air as the eerie sound of cantering hoof-beats echo in the silent snow-filled stands. This winter pain will end in the summer gain of sunny skies, flashing silks and sweet smelling grass as these steeds-of-speed thunder into the home- stretch while thousands cheer.