The Horse Race

Racehorses trot
around the parade ring
these wonderful animals
from the sport of kings

The jockeys on board
in colours so bright
like modern day gladiators
into the fight

The public around
the stands do amble
trying to guess
on which to gamble

The bookmakers standing there
shouting out names
enticing the punters
to give up their gains

The horses are cantering
down to the start
all riders hear
is one beating heart

That of their own
drums in their ears
the tension, adrenalin
drowns out the fears

Horses are locked away
one by one
the gates fly open
the race has begun

Wind beats their faces,
rain stings their eyes
as these galloping stars
race for the prize

The post, it comes nearer
whips they do crack
every effort's made
not to be at the back

Who will end up
in the 1, 2 or 3
public with binoculars
craning too see

The race it is over
gone in a flash
bookmakers curse
as they hand out their cash

The winner , a hero
greeted with cheers
the trainer is happy
the owners in tears

with joy unconfined
another horse wins
and all losing tickets
are tossed in dustbins

The eternal optimist
in gamblers sees
the next race's winner
"£10 on 4 , please"

Another loser? or winner
maybe found
on this, horse racing's
hallowed ground

For me? well,
i'll wander off home
maybe to write
a horse racing poem?

~PRD~