Tony's tail swished happily as he was lead off the track. He was lead to the winner's podium, where Liz, and what is Max doing here? Tony stated to break for his master, but stopped himself and instead whickered nervously. Still, a grin broke out on his face, "Master!" he called happily. Tony was lead onto the podium as the wreath of flowers was placed around his neck.
Max too looked like he wanted to hug his brother, but restrained himself. Once Tony's solo pictures were taken, with him mugging appropriately for the camera. He munched a couple of the flowers, they were tasty, and it got a chuckle from the crowd.
"You nut' razzed Max as he mussed Tony's mane. Tony just laughed and nuzzled his brother.
"So, how'd I do?" Tony asked.
"Not bad for a first win", replied Max. "Now the trick is to back this up, unless you want to rejoin that interesting pony across from you in the barn, I hear he wants a play date."
Tony laughed, "He has to catch me first."
"Tony, you're going to get moved to the winner's barn now. It's a much different environment with a lot more freedom. Don't go crazy", Liz warned Tony. "Remember, all things in moderation, and not everyone who pretends to be a friend, is. Enjoy it, but be careful."
Now Tony was really wondering what he was in for. "Don't worry Liz. I didn't come this far to screw up now. I'll be careful."
Following the obligatory photo session for the track photographer and the racing press. Max and Liz said goodbye to Tony as he was lead off. Tony took the opportunity to look around as he was lead to a different area. He discovered the facility was much larger than he realized. The barn Tony was being lead to looked different from the others. There was a large double-door standing open which lead to a wooden hall with straw on the floor. At the end was a T intersection with a sign marked "Reception" pointing to the right. Following the sign the hall ended in a small paddock room, ironically containing a groomsman sitting behind a desk.
"Good morning, you must be Tony Pony, welcome." The groomsman stood up and walked around the desk. "I'm Mike, barn supervisor for this facility." To Tony's surprise Mike removed Tony's arm restraints. He had been forced to wear them continuously, except for brief periods when he was helping with Amaranth.
Tony whickered, nodded to Mike, and started flexing his arms to restore circulation. "Thanks Mike, good to meet you." Tony reached out for Mike's hand, but Mike withdrew his.
"I'm sorry Tony Pony, one thing I'm not allowed to do is shake hands with you. The track has strict rules about pony fraternization. Except for grooming, medical attention, or discipline issues I'm not allowed to touch you. Remember, you are an animal."
Tony mumbled a quick apology which was waved off by Mike. "No sweat Tony Pony, you're new to this, that's the point of this meet after all. Follow me, I'll take you to your stall and let you meet your pod mates."
Tony followed Mike out a different door and down some halls before the hall turned and suddenly opened up into a large paddoc room. This room was furnished almost like a living room with large pony couches. There was a big screen showing the racing, that was being watched by three other ponies. They looked up when Tony entered and neighed in greeting. Tony responded in kind.
Tony was lead to a side room, that was actually his stall. It had a large pony bed, and not room for much else. "This stall is yours, remember you are in pod 6, stall 2 in case you ever get lost in the barn."
"Lost in the barn?" Tony asked, honestly amazed.
"Yes, you are allowed to roam inside the building, just don't go outside. If you ever do get lost just ask one of the staff for assistance. Remember, if you're outside you better have arm restraints on or you can be tossed from the meet."
"Got it", Tony nodded emphatically.
"Now let me show you some other things", Tony followed Mike back into the common area, where he was lead to the refridgerator. "This is kept stocked with beer, pony pellets, and pony liquid formula. Help yourself whenever you want. Just be careful not to overdo it."
"My trainer told me the same thing", Tony commented.
"i'm not surprised. Your trainer Liz comes from a family of trainers. She assisted her father for years, she knows her way around horses and ponies. You should definitely listen to her." Mike heard the next race being run as it came across the big screen. "I have to go meet the next winner, let me or one of the other staff know if you need anything."
"Thanks Mike, I will." With that Mike walked off leaving Tony standing by the refrigerator looking across the room at the big screen as the other ponies cheered on the race.