#Buying Racehorse Shares

[sladebloodstock]

What Should You Know Before You Buy a Racehorse?

Owning a racehorse is a dream for many, conjuring images of thrilling races, glamorous events, and the excitement of being part of the equestrian world. However, to Buy A Racehorse in Australia involves more than just passion - it requires careful consideration, significant financial investment, and a solid understanding of the racing industry.

If you're considering stepping into the world of racehorse ownership, there are a few key things you need to know before making this substantial commitment. Here's what you should be aware of before buying a racehorse.

The Initial Investment

Purchasing a racehorse isn't like buying a pet - it's a substantial financial commitment. The price of a racehorse can vary widely based on its bloodline, age, potential, and training. A top-tier thoroughbred with a strong pedigree can cost anywhere from thousands to millions of dollars.

While there are more affordable options for those looking to enter the industry at a lower level, it's essential to understand that your initial investment is just the beginning.

Aside from the purchase price, you should budget for vet checks, travel costs, and insurance. Bloodstock agents - experts who help buyers navigate the market - often charge a commission, which is typically 5% of the horse's purchase price. Additionally, auction fees or private sale commissions may also apply.

Ongoing Costs

Buying a racehorse is only the first expense; the ongoing costs can add up quickly. You'll need to factor in:

Training fees: These can range from $30,000 to $60,000 annually, depending on the trainer, location, and the horse's training program.

Veterinary care: Regular vet check-ups, vaccinations, and injury treatments are necessary to keep your horse in top condition. Unexpected medical costs can also arise from injuries on the track.

Farrier services: Horses need to be re-shod regularly, and farrier services will add to your monthly expenses.

Race entry fees: Depending on the race, entry fees can be significant, especially for higher-stakes events.

Transportation: Whether moving your horse between stables or traveling to different race events, transportation costs should also be factored into your budget.

Owning a racehorse is a long-term investment, and you should be financially prepared to sustain these costs even if your horse doesn't start winning races right away.

Choosing the Right Horse

When buy a racehorse Australia, pedigree plays a crucial role in its future success. A horse's bloodline is often an indicator of potential, especially for thoroughbreds. Look for a horse from a proven sire and dam, with a history of winning races.

However, pedigree alone doesn't guarantee success. Factors such as conformation (the horse's physical build), temperament, and soundness (whether the horse is free from injury) are also critical.

It's advisable to work with a reputable bloodstock agent or experienced trainer when selecting a horse. These professionals can evaluate the horse's potential, help with vet inspections, and advise on the best purchase strategy.

Remember that buying a yearling - an unproven racehorse - offers the potential for higher rewards but also carries greater risks compared to purchasing a horse that has already shown promise on the track.

Deciding on Ownership Type

Racehorse ownership comes in various forms, depending on your budget and level of involvement. The main types are:

Sole ownership: You own 100% of the horse and make all decisions regarding its training, race entries, and career. This option offers full control but also comes with full financial responsibility.

Partnership or syndicate: You share ownership with other individuals. In this arrangement, you'll split the costs and potential winnings with fellow owners. Many first-time owners opt for syndicates, as they offer the thrill of ownership without the high costs. However, you'll need to be comfortable sharing decisions with others.

Understanding the pros and cons of each ownership type is essential before making a decision.

The Importance of a Good Trainer

Your horse's performance on the track is largely dependent on its training. A skilled and experienced trainer is crucial to the horse's development, health, and race preparedness. Choosing the right trainer requires research.

Look for trainers with a history of success in your preferred type of racing (flat racing, steeplechasing, etc.), and ensure they have a good reputation in the industry. Trainers typically charge monthly fees and may take a percentage of the horse's earnings from races.

Building a strong, trusting relationship with your trainer is key. You'll be working closely with them to make decisions about the horse's race schedule, training regime, and care, so clear communication is essential.

Understanding the Risks

As thrilling as horse racing can be, it's important to understand that it comes with inherent risks. Injuries can occur on and off the track, which could sideline your horse for an extended period or end its racing career.

Additionally, not all horses perform well despite their pedigree or training - it's possible that your horse may never win a significant race. The racehorse market is also competitive, and betting on a horse's future value is uncertain.

For these reasons, some owners purchase insurance for their racehorses, which can cover medical expenses, mortality, or loss of use. This can provide some financial protection but is an additional expense to consider.

Legal and Regulatory Considerations

Racehorse ownership is governed by a variety of rules and regulations, which vary by country and racing organisation. Before purchasing, familiarise yourself with the legalities of racehorse ownership in your region.

This includes licensing requirements, registration with relevant racing authorities, and adherence to racing regulations. Consulting a lawyer with experience in the racing industry can help you navigate these complexities and protect your investment.

Final Words

Buying a racehorse is an exciting venture, but it's not a decision to be taken lightly. From the significant financial investment to the potential risks involved, understanding all aspects of racehorse ownership is critical to success. With careful planning, expert buy a racehorse Australia guidance and a passion for racing, you can turn the dream of owning a racehorse into a rewarding experience.

[deluxewhump]

I Know You Remember Me

John recognizes a wealthy client’s stolen pet immediately, even filthy, with two black eyes. He moves quickly to buy him back from the box truck driver in possession of him, and then must think what to do about this. Meanwhile, he looks after the abused pet in a motel room.

CW: lay it on thick hurt/comfort, pet whump universe (not bbu), caretaker has some ulterior motives but is largely sympathetic, offscreen noncon with multiple whumpers, sti mention, underweight whumpee mention, whumpee offering sex, bruises, burns & cigarette burns, nonsexual nudity and bathing, platonic bed-sharing, medically inaccurate care I’m sure, one shot probably

-

“I know you remember me. I’m sure I remember you.”

The unfortunate creature— for he looked more a creature than a boy in the low light, in the filthy west Texas motel room John had rented for the night with cash— dared to steal a glance up at him.

His eyes were dark, and bright with fear. Bruises ringed both of them like an unlucky fighter, purple as the Easter cloth draped on all the crosses they’d driven past. John knew from the taut look of the eyelids they’d been swollen shut a day or so earlier. The boy pet had dried blood caked in his nostrils and on one side of his downturned mouth. His hair was a matted and filthy mop that fell over his forehead and ears in greasy, wavy sections crusted together with more old blood.

The boy looked at him cautiously. There was too much fear in his posture, in his eyes. It was impossible to tell if he recognized John, too.

John squatted down to be eye level. As he thought it might, this made the frightened pet drop his eyes and flatten his spine as best he could against the nicotine stained paint of the motel wall.

“Hey, now,” John murmured, as if to one of his racehorses. They were spirited, flighty things, nothing like the quarter horses he’d grown up with. He talked to them all the same, though, from the spring colts to the swaybacked veterans.

“I’m not gonna hurt you. I know you’ve seen a lot of people lately, huh? You probably don’t remember me. That’s okay. I remember you. You were at Jack Kinsington’s place before all this.”

The boy did not look back up at him, and his dirty hair gave away his trembling, but he was listening.

“I came by with a couple of horses. Bays, both of them. Soaked in sweat and prancing all around, you remember them? They’re high strung, they don’t like to ride in the trailer. Anyway, I told Jack he ought to let you stretch your legs. He did, but you were so numb you couldn’t stand for a while. You looked right at me.”

The boy turned his head an inch, so he could glance up at John’s face again.

“You remember that day. Sure you do. I thought you were in rough shape then, but I have to say, you look worse now.”

That lost him the eye contact. That was okay. The boy remembered. If not his face, then the incident.

“I thought it was awfully cruel to keep you in a space that small,” he went on. “I don’t know how some people do to a person what they wouldn’t do to an animal. They justify it, I guess. They project things onto these pets they buy and then they punish them for it. Gives them their kicks. Even Jack Kinsington, who I have to admit I respected up until that day.”

He stopped that train of thought.

“Why don’t we get you up off the floor there and let me take care of you, huh? No offense, you look kind of like roadkill.”

The boy made no sound, no indication that he’d even heard except for the way his chest expanded a little faster with his quickening breath. The poor thing's heart must be pounding. John had a knack for fixing things up, be it a business his brother had fucked up or a lame horse, a broken water heater or a vehicle. He spent less time fixing things now and more time delegating what other people needed to fix, but this boy was downright hurting his innermost, rarely expressed tenderness of heart, and he wanted to fix something for him.

“I’m not gonna hurt you,” he said again. His knees were getting tired in this deep squat, and his boots had no give in the toes for it. “I’m gonna clean you up and look after you. You don’t have to do anything, just don’t fight me too much. Can you do that?”

He reached out and laid a hand over the boy’s. The abused pet flinched but didn’t jerk away. John encircled the boy’s wrist in his hand and pulled it slowly away from his body, towards him. “Can you stand?” he asked, pushing himself to standing and bringing the boy with him.

He made it to his feet, and was nearly as tall as John, but stumbled when he tried to take a step.

“Please,” he whispered reflexively as John moved closer, flinching to protect his battered face.

“Please what, baby?” John muttered, lifting the boy’s arm over the back of his shoulders and wrapping his arm around his slim waist to help him walk. “You’re okay, you’re right here. I’ve got you. Let’s get you in the tub.”

Slowly, they staggered to the motel bathroom a d John flicked on the staggeringly white lights that buzzed and hummed to life. He sat the boy on the lip of the low bathtub as gently as he could.

“I’m going to give you a bath,” he said matter-of-factly, turning the taps so warm water began to fill the tub. “Where did all this blood come from?”

The boy was watching him warily, dark eyes following his every move.

“You hear me? Where’s all this dried blood coming from, huh?”

“I don’t know.”

John nodded, pleased the boy had spoken. Some didn’t, or wouldn’t, he knew, not once they looked like this one did.

“Did they beat you? Is that what all this is from?”

He gave a small nod, blinking in discomfort at John’s bluntness.

“Did they hurt you in any other ways?”

He nodded again.

John felt a tug of adrenaline in the pit of his stomach. “How?”

Jack’s pet looked evasively at the rising bath water.

“If you tell me how you’re hurt, I can help you better.”

Nothing.

“What’s your name?”

“Paulo.”

He put the emphasis on the au, and there was a way he said his L that positioned the tongue differently than he did when saying other words.

“Paulo,” John said, putting the emphasis on the vowels of the first syllable too, but with no attempt at altering his very American L. I’m John. I bought you from that man, the one with the box truck. I take it Jack Kinsington sold you? Or were you stolen?”

Tears shimmered in the boy’s dark eyes, swollen and purple still like a raccoon mask. He bit the inside of his cheek to steel himself and keep from letting them fall.

John gentled his voice. “Paulo. I only ask because it’s important. If you legally belong to Jack, I gotta bring you back to him.”

Paulo’s head snapped up. He lost control of the tears, which spilled down his bruised cheeks. He grabbed hold of John’s sleeves, pulling himself closer as if his whole body was not bruised and sore. “No,” he begged urgently. “Please. I’ll do anything. Please. I-I’ll do anything you want, I can’t… please don’t….”

An idea dawned on him and he let go of his latest captor’s sleeve in order to lift his trembling fingers to his own tattered shirt. He pulled it over his head with a barely-suppressed whimper of pain. His torso was bruised like his face and arms, dark black and purple impact points on his warm toned skin like fists or boots, some that looked like electric burns left from a cattle prod and others more reminiscent of the yellow, oozing wounds cigarettes tended to leave. He was ribby, in a dehydrated, sudden sort of way that looked like he hadn’t eaten much of anything in the last few days.

He started on the button of his pants and John reached out to stop him. “Hey. No. What’s this?”

“Do- do you prefer girls? I can be just as good for you.” His glittering eyes were simultaneously like a starving animal and horribly blank. “They all say so.”

Ah. There was an answer to one of his questions. He pulled Paulo’s wrists away from the opening of his pants, held them in his own on the cool edge of the tub between them. “Don’t take this the wrong way, but I’m not interested.”

“I could take a bath,” he whispered hopefully.

“You will take a bath. But I’m still not interested. I need to know— were you given to someone by Jack Kinsington rightfully, or were you stolen?”

The fear was back. John didn’t know which was worse on this one, the dead eyes or the fear. “Don’t take me back to him.”

“He hurt you a lot, then? Jack?”

John already figured as much. Despite his admiration for the man’s business sense, he was a cruel and sadistic pet owner. Once he’d seen a boy shoved into a cage fit for a fox, he’d reconciled that much in his mind. It was like that often, when it came to human pets, and never quite who you’d expect.

The boy begged miserably. “Please, Sir. I’ll do anything.”

“You mentioned that. He didn’t sell you, did he?”

Paulo glanced down.

So he’d bought a stolen pet. That’s what he more or less suspected when he’d seen the boy at the rest stop, weeks after he’d seen him in the cage at Jack’s and much worse for wear.

Jack Kinsington would probably be even more open to buying more of John’s racehorses in the near future if he returned his favorite boy-pet to him. Don’t worry what it cost to get him back, Jack. Less than the yearling I’ve got for you to look at this spring, I can tell you that. Call it even.

John turned off the taps and tested the water with his fingers. He’d wondered if the boy would be willing to take those filthy clothes off in front of him, but seeing as he’d just offered himself, he thought it more likely now.

“Take those off,” he said of the boy’s remaining clothing. “You can borrow some of mine when you’re cleaned up.”

Despite his offer less than five minutes ago, Paulo was modest to the point of shyness once he was naked.

“It’s okay. I’m not even looking at you,” John assured him a little gruffly as he helped him into the water. “I just want to get you clean.”

Paulo flinched as he submerged, undoubtedly feeling every burn, cut, and bruise as he did. He was so dirty that tear tracks were now visible on his face from his crying. John wet a rough motel washcloth in the warm water and brought it to his face. He dabbed and nudged the dried blood from Paulo’s mouth and nose. The boy tried very hard not to flinch and shy away, and in return he tried to be very gentle. “Good,” he said quietly, wetting the cloth and returning it to the blood and swollen tissue. “Tell me if I hurt you.”

Paulo made brief eye contact with him at that, probably because it had become a foreign concept that someone would make an effort against hurting him. Just as quickly he slid his gaze away, back to an indeterminate point on the bathroom tile.

“You wanna do this next part?”

Paulo didn’t answer.

John moved as gently and quickly as was prudent over the rest of his body, knowing he was hurting him when he passed over the yellowed cigarette burns on his legs and hips.

“I know. You’re gonna be okay. Almost done. You’re doing really well.”

Paulo let John wash his hair, using some of the hotel shampoo that would likely sting some cuts but was desperately needed. He closed his eyes as John worked his fingers through the blood and dirt, the snarls coming apart slowly with gentle patience. As he rinsed the boy’s dark hair clean, John noticed he had stopped shaking.

He drained the now red-brown water and wrapped Paulo in a white hotel towel. He looked better clean, though there was nothing to do for the bruises but wait. He sat on the side of the motel bed as John went through his black duffel bag, pulling out sweatpants, a gray cotton T-shirt, and ibuprofen for him.

Paulo dressed in the bathroom and accepted two of the pills. He came out and sat on the end of the bed afterwards, staring at the pattern on the comforter.

“Does Jack know who had you?” John asked as he set up his phone charger. “The guy with the box truck out there?”

Paulo shook his head. “That man wasn’t the first.”

So he’d been bought and sold multiple times since being stolen—kidnapped— from Jack's property. It was possible Jack knew the original perpetrators, but had no idea where his pet was now. John sighed. His mind was working analytically, trying to understand every facet of the situation before he acted— trying to understand how he could manipulate it most in his favor. But that all felt shallow and cruel when he truly saw the boy in front of him, his damp hair and his bruised face, his narrow chest and the way he was nervously picking at a scab on the inside of his wrist.

“Don’t do that,” John said softly. “I don’t want you getting any infections.”

Paulo stopped immediately but looked intrigued by the care in that statement. Likely no one had said anything like it to him in a long while now.

“Are you hungry?”

Paulo shrugged. John raised his eyebrows and he went with a more committed shake of the head. “No, Sir.”

“…Are you scared?”

The boy swallowed, touched the scab on his wrist without picking it.

He’d said it before, but he knew he’d have to say it a hundred more times, and show it a thousand, before it sunk in. He likely would not end up doing that, but he’d say it as long as the pet was in his possession. “I promise I'm not gonna hurt you.”

“What, then?” Paulo asked, shrugging one shoulder to his ear in what felt like embarrassment at his own question.

“If I’m not going to hurt you? What then?”

He nodded.

“Nothing. I'm gonna take you back to Tennessee.”

“To Jack?”

“For the time being, to my place in Lewisburg. I have a farm.”

“What kind of farm?”

“Horses. You wanna come?”

He said he did. Not that he had much of a choice. John suspected they both knew that killing him on the side of a dirt road in west Texas would be better than what might happen if he took him back to Tennessee and failed to promptly return him to Jack. Jack would take it out on his lost little pet as much as he did John.

“I can’t believe you’re still even sitting up and talking. Come here.” John stood up and pulled the corner of the bedsheets down. “Lie down.”

Paulo did as he asked.

Before John would cover him up he asked, “Can you tell me if anyone kicked you in the back or abdomen, or if you feel any pain when you move or breathe?”

He thought about that. “I don’t know. I’m sore.”

“Any sharp pains, anything feel broken?”

“No?”

“Can I touch your stomach right here? It won’t be for long.”

A little apprehensive, Paulo agreed. John placed his hands on his abdomen and prodded his way along, trying to feel anything amiss or to get a sharp yell from Paulo. None came.

“Does this hurt anywhere more than soreness?”

“No,” his patient said in a small voice.

“Okay,” he said, and covered the boy to his chest with the blankets. “I’m done. Thank you. I was worried you might have internal bleeding, or broken ribs.”

“I don’t think so.”

“We’ll need to get you checked for other things too, soon. Make sure you didn’t contract anything.”

It took a moment for this to register, but when it did, Paulo blushed scarlet.

“It’s okay,” John assured him. His next gesture surprised him. Tenderly, he brushed the back of his knuckles to an unbruised spot on Paulo’s cheek. He was quickly becoming endeared to this unfortunate little pet. “You’re probably alright. And even in the event you did, it’s not your fault.”

“Is that why you didn’t want to?” Paulo asked, leaning his cheek almost imperceptibly into John’s knuckles.

John retracted his hand. “No. I didn’t want to because I am not interested in hurting you.”

“I said you could.”

“You and I both know it would still be hurting.”

Paulo laid his head back on the pillow. “I don’t understand what you want.”

“For starters, I want you to tell me what you want to eat.”

He didn’t eat much, but he did make an effort. John got the impression he was suspicious of every simple kindness, every time there were footsteps outside their door in the breezeway.

When he turned out the light and put a partition of pillows between them to sleep, he felt Paulo start awake every time a car pulled into the parking lot, or the AC beneath the window kicked on with a rattle.

“You’re okay,” he said drowsily from across the pillow divide, which made it feel more like bunking together and less like sharing a bed. “Nobody knows you’re here. Nobody knows where you are at all. That door is deadbolted. And I’m here between the rest of the world and you. You can sleep tonight. Nothing can hurt you.”

He doubted words would actually help, since the boy's nerves were probably completely shot, and who knows when was the last time he’d had a good nights sleep, and felt safe enough to do so? Still, he thought it should be nice to hear. It was the least he could do. He didn’t make any undue promises. Just tonight.

Paulo was quiet for a minute, and then John heard a wet sniff that was the unmistakable sound of crying. He didn’t think he should say ‘don’t cry’ to someone in his position, so he didn’t. He just listened from across the pillows until the little pet fell asleep.

[reincrimination]

stop waking me up in the middle of the night

9-1-1 | eddie diaz x evan buckley

content warnings: nightmares

collection: buddie week 2021 (reposting sept. '24)

read on archive of our own

“Do you not like sleeping with me, Diaz?” Buck hazards, taking a swig of his nearly-empty bottle. Chim parts his lips like he’s going to make a comment- but Hen hands him a chip instead to occupy his mouth. “If you would stop waking me up in the middle of the night, I might like it more,” Eddie sighs, half-genuine in his annoyance. “Buck kicks like a racehorse.”

Eddie doesn’t mind sharing the bed with Buck, not really.

The comforter is that crisp kind of down that he’s only ever had in hotels, and the sheets are some Egyptian cotton that he’d never consider buying, even if they went on sale. Eddie’s not sure, and he doesn’t want to ask, but he would put money on the mattress being one of those fancy ones he sees TV ads for. 

When Eddie bought his mattress, he went to the store, found the cheapest one, and then bought the next one up from that. 

So, no, all things considered, sharing the bed with Buck is not that bad. There’s also the added element of having another living, breathing human next to him that soothes his PTSD hyper-vigilant tendencies, and the fact that his other options are the downstairs with either Hen or Chimney- and Chim snores horrifically. Hen is fine, but he’s not totally ready for her to see him when he’s just woken up, hair looking the most like Christopher’s it’s ever going to get, and a trail of drool down his chin. No, that version of Eddie is reserved for himself, God, and, these days, Buck.

That said, there is a slight problem.

Buck kicks.

Not all night. He doesn’t do it on purpose, Eddie is certain. Yet, every few hours, a cold foot will kick against his shin, and he’ll be startled out of whatever sleep he’d fallen into. He’ll shift away and look to see if Buck is awake- he never is- and then another kick will come a few hours later. It’s like Buck is intentionally doing it, the entirety of his body still except for his legs, and only for a few moments per night; but that’s not his style, so Eddie is sure it’s unconscious.

It’s enough to start wearing on Eddie, especially after long shifts. He doesn’t want to insult Buck’s hospitality, and complain about sleeping in the queen-sized but fit-for-a-king bed he’s lucky enough to share. 

So, he shoves an extra pillow between the two of them and it’s enough to mostly stop it, except for on really bad nights. Buck got him under the kneecap once, and he swore loud enough that he woke up Hen from downstairs. When he sits up and looks over at Buck incredulously, the only clue to what he’s done is a slightly agitated expression on his very asleep face.

A week of long shifts seem to wind Buck up even more, and while he sleeps soundly, his limbs knock into Eddie at least twice a night. Eddie’s used to waking up a lot during the night, but not being startled awake by flailing legs, and he’s pretty sure the bags underneath his eyes can’t solely be attributed to the overnight shifts they’ve been pulling.

After the last of a string of shifts, preparing to enjoy a very boring, lazy weekend off, the four of them are gathered on Buck’s balcony with beers and snacks. Hen and Buck are arguing about something trivial, a movie or a sports game, and Eddie is zoning out as he stares out over the lights of LA. Everyone being stuck inside only serves to illuminate the skyline more, almost every single bedroom light on even at seven in the evening.

“Eddie? Did you hear me?”

He snaps his gaze over to Buck, who is waving a hand in front of his face. “Sorry. Tired.”

“We all are,” Hen sympathizes, patting his shoulder, and Eddie scrubs a hand over his face.

“Do you not like sleeping with me, Diaz?” Buck hazards, taking a swig of his nearly-empty bottle.

Chim parts his lips like he’s going to make a comment- but Hen hands him a chip instead to occupy his mouth.

“If you would stop waking me up in the middle of the night, I might like it more,” Eddie sighs, half-genuine in his annoyance. “Buck kicks like a racehorse.”

Chimney barks out a laugh, a few chip crumbs spewing out- he puts a hand up in apology and finishes chewing-, “Are you saying Buck is… bucking?”

“I said kicking, moron,” Eddie shakes his head, but a little smirk takes over his expression.

Buck remembers to laugh just in time to keep it from being awkward.

When Eddie steps out of the shower, steam-warmed and almost asleep, he’s ready to fall into the luxurious bed and sleep for as long as circumstances will allow. With no shift on the horizon, tomorrow’s looking like a great day to catch up on the sleep he’s lost thanks to work… and Buck.

Which is why he’s a little dismayed to see Buck striding around the upper loft, with blankets in his arms like he’s in the middle of rearranging the bedroom.

“What-?” Eddie mumbles, tossing his dirty laundry into the (now) communal hamper. He’s pretty sure he’s wearing some of Buck’s clothes as he speaks, and wouldn’t be able to differentiate between their t-shirts if there was a gun to his head.

“I’m gonna sleep on the floor,” Buck explains, sheet making a snapping noise as he fluffs it out vigorously. He doesn’t meet Eddie’s eyes, instead focuses on picking a feather out of the pillow tucked under his arm. “So I don’t wake you up.”

“What? That’s- no, Buck, it’s your bed,” Eddie sits down on the edge, leaning over to size Buck up. He’s being weird, he thinks. “Look, I was just kidding around on the patio. It’s no big deal. I’ve shared a bed with Chris enough times to get used to being kicked.”

Buck pauses, but then tosses the pillow down onto the shitty bed of blankets he’s made himself. It’s bound to be almost rock-hard with how little padding he has. Since Hen’s on the air mattress, there’s not anything else for him to use. 

“At least for a few nights, man,” Buck reasons, hands out placatingly. “You look dead on your feet.”

Eddie narrows his eyes discerningly. Buck raises his eyebrows, as if asking if Eddie’s satisfied with that reasoning.

“Alright,” Eddie grumbles, crawling up to lay his head on the pillows. “But if you’re uncomfortable, you get back up here.”

Buck turns out the light and shuffles around as he gets comfortable, but Eddie’s already on the fast track to unconsciousness.

A sigh is the first thing out of his lips when he’s woken with a loud smack. Nothing has kicked him, this time, but the bed frame did jolt. He sits up, rubbing sleep from his eyes- it’s just past midnight, so at least he’d gotten two solid hours in first- and leans over to look at Buck.

The man is sat up in his makeshift bed, hunched over and rubbing at his shin. His face is turned away from Eddie, but the silver light flooding in from the windows reveal that he’s biting down on his lip, hard, and his eyes are a little shiny.

“Buck?” Eddie murmurs, squinting to see him better.

“Shit,” he hisses, glancing at Eddie and then hiding his face, again. His voice wobbles as he says, “Sorry, I’m sor- shit. Go back to sleep.”

“Is your leg okay?” Eddie asks, sitting up fully and shuffling over to swing his legs over the side of the bed that Buck is beneath.

It’s his bad leg that he’s clutching like it’s been crushed all over again. Even in the gray-scale of the night, Eddie can make out a harsh, red line where he’d hit it. It doesn’t look like it’s bleeding, but it’ll bruise pretty bad.

“It’s fine, just- gimme a minute,” Buck hisses, clenching his teeth as he rubs his fist over the angry divot in his shin. He tips his chin up, blinking back tears. “Kicked the- fuck- the bed.”

Eddie reaches out and smooths a hand over Buck’s tousled hair, the movement practiced as it’s something he does to Christopher often. His unruly bed-head curls bounce right back into place after the pass of Eddie’s hand. Buck’s eyes flutter closed at the contact, and Eddie doesn’t even pretend that it doesn’t prickle at something inside his chest. In the privacy of the night, Eddie finds himself thinking a little freer, a little more honestly.

“What’s going on, Buck?”

Eddie rests his elbows on his knees and his chin in his hands, looking down at Buck like if he looks hard enough he’ll be able to parse out whatever is bothering him.

“Just a bad dream,” Buck mumbles, stretching out his leg and trying (failing) to hide his wince.

Eddie’s brain comes to a screeching halt.

“Just tonight, or-?”

“Forget it, it’s nothing,” Buck rolls over and reaches for his pillow. “Go back to sleep, I’m sorry.”

“Buck. Buck,” Eddie hisses, “Stop it. Look at me.”

Sheepishly, he turns back over. His head is resting on his folded arm, looking up at Eddie with the glossiest puppy eyes he’s ever seen from anyone except his kid. He’s wondering if Buck got it from Chris, or the other way around.

“You’ve been having nightmares?”

Buck just nods. Then, he turns onto his back and stares up at the ceiling, like he can’t make himself meet Eddie’s gaze. “Yeah. Since the bombing, since the tsunami, everything. Worse since- since COVID, but, we’re all struggling, I figured.”

“Sure, but not having nightmares three times a night,” Eddie reasons. “Is that why you kick?”

Buck passes a hand over his eyes, scrubbing a little too harshly. They’re a little wet around the edges when he pulls away. “I’m always either getting my leg crushed again or trying to swim through the tsunami, so, I guess that’s why I kick. I am sorry, I’ll try to- to stop.”

“Buck. Listen to me,” Eddie snaps, but at Buck’s flash of fear he softens his tone. “Hey. I’m not mad. Just… why didn’t you tell me?”

A touch of genuine confusion floods into Buck’s expression. “I mean, why would it matter?”

“Because I care about you, Buck,” Eddie exclaims. The words come out a bit loud, a bit harsh for the hour, but he needs Buck to know he means them. “I want to know when you’re hurting.” Buck’s bottom lip twitches, almost indistinguishably, but Eddie clocks it. Normally, he clocks everything about Buck- how he missed this, he’s not sure. Guilt hangs heavy on his heart, tripling in intensity with every glimpse of Buck’s wet eyes he catches.

“I’m hurting,” Buck whispers, voice cracking, and then Eddie is slipping off the bed to kneel down next to him and pull him into his arms. 

Buck goes willingly, melting into Eddie’s embrace even despite the awkward angle, hands tangling in the fabric of Eddie’s (his) shirt and folding himself as small as possible to fit as much of himself in Eddie’s arms as he can. Buck’s hurt leg sticks out awkwardly, and his back aches from how he’s sitting up, but God, is this what he needed. His nose presses against the soft skin of Eddie’s neck as the latter rocks him back and forth slightly, arms tight around his middle, one palm smoothing up and down Buck’s spine.

“Come on, get in the bed,” Eddie says, voice gruff from the guilt building up in his throat. His chin is tucked over Buck’s shoulder. “You’re not sleeping on the damn floor.”

He wrestles with Buck until he’s able to maneuver the pair of them into the middle of the bed. Buck lays, curled on his side, watching Eddie with glossy eyes as he tugs the blankets up and over the both of them. Eddie ends up facing Buck, one hand outstretched and resting under the other man’s head. His fingers curl in the hairs at the nape of Buck’s neck; petting, soothing.

Buck falls asleep quicker than he’d like to admit, even as the bruise on his leg still throbs, and his eyes still sting. Eddie keeps watch, playing with the short strands of hair, scanning Buck’s expression for the slightest amount of discomfort.

He’s barely drifted off himself when Buck twitches, and before it can get worse, Eddie is shuffling closer and wrapping his other arm around Buck’s shoulders. Eddie tucks Buck’s head underneath his chin, trying not to think about the way Buck’s hair brushes against the stubble of his beard, or how Buck’s lips ghost over his neck when he mumbles out, “…Eddie?”

“Right here,” Eddie whispers, tucking his chin down to press a not-kiss to Buck’s hair.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you before,” Buck mumbles like a confession, curling tighter into Eddie’s grip, stretching out his legs to interlock them with the other man’s.

Eddie cards his fingers through Buck’s hair. A fond sigh escapes before he can stop it, as he tries to wrangle his feelings into some palatable words. “I know you’re hard on yourself, and I can’t stop you from doing that, but, I wish you’d give the rest of us a little more credit. You assume we feel about you how you feel about yourself, but that’s not true.”

Buck’s breath stutters, and Eddie thinks the long-brewing tears have finally spilled over when a little spot of wetness blossoms on his neck.

“We love you- I love you, Buck. I want to be there for you, but you have to let me in,” Eddie breathes. Another not-kiss is pressed to Buck’s head.

“Same goes to you, Diaz,” Buck chuckles, voice wet. “Okay. I love you, too, you know?”

“Yeah,” Eddie buries his nose in Buck’s hair, lets his eyes flutter closed. “I do.”

[divinekangaroo]

Thomas Shelby as a semi-modern-era boss:

You get curtly worded letters from his secretary if you show up to work without a tie

Or if you’re a woman and you wear pants instead of a pencil skirt

No such thing as casual Fridays

Comes by your desk at 4.56pm on a Friday and spends three hours talking to you about very important business he’s failed to talk to you about every other time you’ve tried for the last four weeks

Knows the first names of your children

Knows your wife is pregnant before you do

Functional alcoholic

Very angry phone calls made after 3.30pm

Maximum 10 word emails

Whole office spends hours trying to help each other decipher the 10 word emails

No email signature

Mobile phone number is a mystery to all, no office worker has it, but yet it constantly rings

First in, last out, but totally absent between the hours of 9.30am and 3pm

The Office Fitout Is All Mahogany

There Are Even Mahogany Wall Panels in the Toilets

Resignation letters are not acknowledged

Depressing art of heather and pastoral scenes and moors

Considers Scotland an exotic destination

No such thing as paperless office

Weirdly, achieves and exceeds the diversity employment quotient on any corporate social responsibility measure applied

Says its because the loyalty people give you once you tell them they matter is worth more than any supposed white collar qualification

An explanation which makes you feel very uncomfortable

The family clearly holds a controlling interest

Significant property asset investments, cash and near cash assets, and extremely low leverage distort share price; won’t take advice on financial restructuring

Very high risk tolerance for R&D; very low risk tolerance for debt

Love/hate relationship with his shareholders

Keeps one token independent company director trotted out to the shareholders once per year for a speech

Very complex delegated authority structure (no one quite sure what authority for decision making they have, so everything ends up with him anyway)

Office parties are always at the races and he always issues a dress code reminder

Can never catch him doing coke at office parties but pretty sure he does (stares fixedly at each race and grinds his jaw the whole time)

Owns too many racehorses for someone apparently not involved in money laundering

Thousands if not millions donated each year (as tax offsets) to rehabilitate old or injured racehorses

Still has a tea lady because workers aren’t allowed up from their desks to waste time buying/making coffees

Lives in a run of the mill middle class suburb a very long drive away from work because it was all he could afford when he started out, but in the most fuck-off (yet non-functional and tacky) house you’ve ever seen because he’s just kept adding status symbols to it over time

Owns a boat

Never goes out on the boat

Doesn’t let anyone borrow the boat

Has a photo of the boat on his desk

Starts and sells spin off businesses at a rate of two per year

Attempted to retire once and leave the business to his cousin, but within a year it was going into administration so he came back out of retirement and started calling in favours

Pretty sure you once caught him viciously slitting the tires of a car that’d parked in his spot

[userscuderia]

I may be a little bit crazy but did I just buy shares in a racehorse? absolutely

everyone say hi to king of answers

[isfeed]

Travis Kelce buys 'Swift Delivery' Toronto racehorse

NFL star Travis Kelce has purchased a significant share of ownership in a Toronto-based three-year-old racehorse that shares a name with his musician girlfriend. Source: CP24 Travis Kelce buys 'Swift Delivery' Toronto racehorse

[pewterstable]

Understand Thoroughbred Syndicates: A Guide to Shared Racehorse Ownership

Entering the world of Thoroughbred horse racing can be very exciting, but it is often financially risky. For people in love with horse racing or those who may want this experience without bearing the costs that come with ownership, Thoroughbred syndicates are an exciting and very accessible way for one to do so. This article will explain Thoroughbred Syndicates and how they can help you realize your goal of owning a racehorse.

What is a Thoroughbred Syndicate?

To put it simply, a Thoroughbred syndicate is a collection of people that pool their money to buy racehorses. With this strategy, fans of horse racing can experience the thrill of the sport without having to make a big financial commitment.

Benefits of Joining a Syndicate:

Cost sharing: This is thought to be the most important advantage of syndicates.

Less Risk: The syndicate members split the financial risk associated with owning racehorses so that if failures arise, the members would be less affected financially.

Access to Expertise: Syndicates are typically managed by professionals with a wealth of experience who manage the day-to-day operations of selecting the horse, employing the trainer, and formulating strategic plans.

Companionship: The syndicate is all about a sense of belonging. Members go through the highs and lows of racing, celebrate together at wins, and generally turn the sporting aspect into a genuinely social event.

Flexibility: Syndicates have different levels of investment that one can participate in depending on their wallet size and the level of involvement one desires.

Conclusion

Thoroughbred syndicates provide a great opportunity for horse racing enthusiasts to join in the sport without bearing the full financial burden individually. Joining a syndicate means you share all the costs, risks, and pleasures of Buying a Racehorse with other people, while at the same time being the beneficiary of professional expertise. Be it for those seasoned racegoers or for those who are yet to test the charm of horse racing, syndicates provide a convenient and exciting route to the ownership of a racehorse. Take that opportunity and join a syndicate to sample the excitement of Thoroughbred racing at close range.

[aqsaa8685]

Preakness Stakes 2023 Live Updates: How to Watch and Race Favorites

They came from the owners’ suites, the second floor of the grandstand, the rail. From California and Michigan and beyond. They were not going to miss this moment. Their horse had just won the Kentucky Derby, and the winner’s circle beckoned. Among those wearing white Mage hats were Brian Doxtator and Chase Chamberlin, whose Commonwealth app allows fans to buy shares in racehorses like Mage for as…

[ansraali]

Preakness Stakes 2023 Live Updates: How to Watch and Race Favorites

They came from the owners’ suites, the second floor of the grandstand, the rail. From California and Michigan and beyond. They were not going to miss this moment. Their horse had just won the Kentucky Derby, and the winner’s circle beckoned. Among those wearing white Mage hats were Brian Doxtator and Chase Chamberlin, whose Commonwealth app allows fans to buy shares in racehorses like Mage for as…

[amdia80]

Preakness Stakes 2023 Live Updates: How to Watch and Race Favorites

They came from the owners’ suites, the second floor of the grandstand, the rail. From California and Michigan and beyond. They were not going to miss this moment. Their horse had just won the Kentucky Derby, and the winner’s circle beckoned. Among those wearing white Mage hats were Brian Doxtator and Chase Chamberlin, whose Commonwealth app allows fans to buy shares in racehorses like Mage for as…

[sladebloodstock]

Invest in the Excitement of Horse Racing

Horse racing has captivated audiences for centuries, blending tradition, athleticism, and sheer excitement. From the thunderous hooves on the track to the jubilant celebrations of victory, horse racing offers an unparalleled adrenaline rush. Whether you're a seasoned bettor or a curious newcomer, the world of horse racing provides an exhilarating experience. Beyond the entertainment, investing in horse racing opens a gateway to unique financial opportunities.

Understanding the Appeal of Horse Racing

Horse racing isn't just a sport; it's a lifestyle. The excitement begins long before the race day. Owners, trainers, and jockeys dedicate countless hours to prepare their horses for the big event. This commitment to excellence and the thrill of competition attract a diverse group of enthusiasts. Fans are drawn to the sport's rich history, its association with glamour and prestige, and the sheer unpredictability of each race.

Moreover, horse racing offers a communal experience. Racecourses around the world host events that bring people together, creating a festive atmosphere filled with camaraderie. The shared experience of watching a race, cheering for your favorite horse, and discussing the outcomes builds a sense of community among fans.

For investors, horse racing presents a unique blend of passion and profit. The potential financial returns, coupled with the excitement of being part of a horse's journey, make it a compelling investment opportunity. Investing in horse racing allows you to engage with the sport on a deeper level, adding a new dimension to the excitement.

Buying Racehorse Shares: A Pathway to Ownership

Investing in horse racing doesn't necessarily mean owning an entire racehorse. One of the most accessible ways to enter the world of horse ownership is by buying racehorse shares. This form of fractional ownership allows you to buy a percentage of a racehorse, sharing the costs and benefits with other investors. It’s an excellent way to experience the thrill of ownership without the substantial financial commitment of purchasing a whole horse.

When you buy racehorse shares, you become part of a syndicate or partnership. These groups manage the horse, handle the logistics, and distribute the earnings. This structure not only makes horse ownership more affordable but also provides a support network of experienced professionals. Syndicates often include trainers and managers who ensure that the horse receives the best care and training.

Additionally, buying racehorse shares offers investors a chance to diversify their portfolios. The returns from horse racing can be quite lucrative, with winnings from races, stud fees, and potential resale value of the horse. By spreading your investment across multiple horses, you can mitigate risks and increase your chances of success.

Navigating the Investment Process

Before diving into the investment, it's crucial to understand the process and make informed decisions. Start by researching syndicates and partnerships that offer racehorse shares. Look for reputable organizations with a track record of success and transparent management practices. Consider consulting with industry experts or financial advisors to ensure you're making a sound investment.

Next, evaluate the horses available for fractional ownership. Pay attention to their pedigree, racing history, and the expertise of their trainers. A well-bred horse with a proven track record and an experienced trainer is more likely to succeed on the track, increasing your chances of earning a return on your investment.

It's also essential to understand the costs involved. Apart from the initial purchase price, you'll need to budget for ongoing expenses such as training, veterinary care, and entry fees for races. Syndicates typically provide detailed financial projections, helping you plan your investment strategy. Ensure that you're comfortable with the financial commitment and have a clear understanding of the potential returns.

The Thrill of Race Day

One of the most exciting aspects of owning a racehorse, even fractionally, is race day. The anticipation builds as your horse prepares to compete, and the adrenaline rushes as the race begins. Whether you're at the track or watching from afar, the thrill of seeing your horse cross the finish line is unparalleled.

Race day offers more than just the excitement of the race itself. It provides an opportunity to connect with other owners, trainers, and enthusiasts. Networking at these events can lead to valuable insights and future investment opportunities. Moreover, the social aspect of race day, with its vibrant atmosphere and shared enthusiasm, enhances the overall experience of horse ownership.

Winning a race brings not only emotional satisfaction but also financial rewards. Prize money is distributed among the owners, providing a tangible return on your investment. Even if your horse doesn't win, participating in prestigious races can increase its value, leading to potential earnings from breeding or selling the horse in the future.

Long-Term Investment Strategies

Investing in horse racing can be both a short-term thrill and a long-term strategy. While the immediate excitement of race day is a significant draw, considering the long-term potential of your investment is equally important. Successful racehorses can have lucrative breeding careers, generating substantial income long after their racing days are over.

To maximize your investment, focus on building a diversified portfolio of horses. By investing in multiple horses with varying strengths and potential, you spread the risk and increase your chances of success. Collaborate with experienced trainers and advisors to identify promising horses and develop a comprehensive investment strategy.

Stay informed about industry trends and market conditions. The horse racing industry is dynamic, with new developments and opportunities arising regularly. Attend industry events, subscribe to relevant publications, and engage with the horse racing community to stay ahead of the curve.

Conclusion

Investing in horse racing offers a unique blend of excitement, passion, and financial opportunity. From buying racehorse shares to experiencing the thrill of race day, the journey is filled with memorable moments and potential rewards. Whether you're a lifelong fan or a newcomer to the sport, horse racing invites you to be part of its rich tradition and exhilarating future.

By understanding the investment process, making informed decisions, and embracing the communal aspects of horse racing, you can enjoy the thrill of the track while pursuing profitable ventures. So, dive into the world of horse racing, invest in the excitement, and experience the unique blend of sport and investment that only horse racing can offer.

[iqrakanjri7878]

Preakness Stakes 2023 Live Updates: How to Watch and Race Favorites

They came from the owners’ suites, the second floor of the grandstand, the rail. From California and Michigan and beyond. They were not going to miss this moment. Their horse had just won the Kentucky Derby, and the winner’s circle beckoned. Among those wearing white Mage hats were Brian Doxtator and Chase Chamberlin, whose Commonwealth app allows fans to buy shares in racehorses like Mage for as…

[iqra8482]

Preakness Stakes 2023 Live Updates: How to Watch and Race Favorites

They came from the owners’ suites, the second floor of the grandstand, the rail. From California and Michigan and beyond. They were not going to miss this moment. Their horse had just won the Kentucky Derby, and the winner’s circle beckoned. Among those wearing white Mage hats were Brian Doxtator and Chase Chamberlin, whose Commonwealth app allows fans to buy shares in racehorses like Mage for as…

[jemesbondracing]

Saratoga Race Track Insider facts For Fruitful Horse Dashing Impeding

Saratoga racing course is a pure breed horse racing track situated in Saratoga Springs, New York, US. It opened in 1863 and is one of the most established race tracks in the country. saratoga racing course is otherwise called the "Burial ground of Champions" in light of the fact that numerous well-known ponies have been crushed there.

Saratoga racing course is open for a mid-year meeting, as a rule from late July through early September. During the meet, the track has a few renowned races, including the Travers Stakes, which is frequently alluded to as the "Mid-Summer Derby." The Travers Stakes is a Grade 1 race for three-year-olds and is run a good way off of 1 1/4 miles.

Other outstanding races held at the saratoga racing course incorporate the Whitney Stakes, the Alabama Stakes, and the Woodward Stakes. saratoga racing course likewise has a rich history of facilitating significant stakes races for fillies and female horses, including the Instructing Club American Oaks and the Individual Ensign Stakes.

Notwithstanding horse racing, Saratoga Springs is a famous objective for the travel industry and highlights numerous attractions, including the Saratoga Performing Expressions Center, the Saratoga Spa State Park, and the Saratoga Public Verifiable Park.

A saratoga horse racing partnership is a business plan where various financial backers pool their cash together to buy and race pure-blood horses. These organizations are frequently framed to permit people to claim a portion of a racehorse, which can be a more reasonable method for taking part in horse hustling than possessing a horse by and large.

In a saratoga horse racing partnership, financial backers normally contribute a specific measure of cash to the association, which is then used to buy at least one racehorse. The organization is answerable for all costs connected with the horses, including preparation, veterinary consideration, and race section expenses. The accomplices share in any profit created by the horses, as well as any costs caused.

Organizations can be organized in various ways, with various degrees of buy-in and various measures of proprietorship in the horses. A few associations might permit financial backers to take part in choosing and naming the horses, while others might surrender those choices to an overseeing accomplice or coach.

Saratoga horse racing partnership hustling organizations can be a tomfoolery and energizing way for people to encounter the excitement of horse dashing and possibly bring in some cash all the while. In any case, likewise, with any speculation, there are gambles included and it is critical to properly investigate things and figure out the expected expenses and advantages prior to putting resources into an organization. 

We believe that hard work makes good luck. There is no easy road to success. We pay attention to detail and do what is right for each individual horse. Bond Racing Stables offers thoroughbred training, breaking, bloodstock services, pedigree analysis, foaling, layups, and vanning. For details visit us: https://www.jamesbondracing.com/ Contact Details :(516) 446-0220  /  (772) 285-4328

[userscuderia]

i am this 🤏🏻 close to buying shares in a racehorse syndicate