The Great Horse Race

Yesterday, we participated in a horse race for the ages.  Jockeys Easton, Chezney, Grandma and Great Aunt Dianne braved the cold rain (not a whine but merely a statement of fact) donned their jockey duds and mounted their assigned steeds.  Hearts were aflutter with the anticipation of racing out of the starting gates and galloping into the winners circle. Bets were laid awaiting the start signal.  And then after an eternity of waiting, the race was on.  But there was some confusion at the gate resulting in downed horses and jockeys:

Three jockeys and their brave steeds hit the dirt!  No one was hurt.  They were able to right themselves and the race continued:

But one fearless jockey was not involved in the three-fall.  Easton managed to hang on and steer his horse into the lead.  Steady and sure he rode:

And he rode into the victory circle where he collected his pirate-loot winnings:

As the winner, Easton recieved a real pirate's pistol, an eye patch and a hook to attach to his arm if he ever lost a hand in combat with fierce deep sea denizens.  Chezney in second place earned a photo shoot with the winner.  The excitement of the race lasted throughout the day.