‘I would if I could, but I haven’t got a fit runner in the yard,’ Kimberley said sadly.

John Hastings shook his head ‘My two are already booked. Owners didn’t want an apprentice – unfortunately.’

‘I haven’t got a runner in the Woodcote this year,’ Barty said.

‘Great.’ Drew turned to Suzy. ‘Then I’d like you to ride Dock of the Bay.’

Suzy dropped her Bacardi. ‘Really? Honestly?’

‘Really honestly. I’ve spoken to Kit and Rosa – the horse’s owners in Jersey – and they’d be delighted. So – will you?’

‘Oh, yes, – thank you. Oh, shit …’ Tears sparkled on Suzy’s thickly mascaraed lashes and she threw herself at Drew.

Laughing, he held her away from him. ‘It’s going to mean some pretty hard work. As soon as you’ve finished at John’s yard each day I’ll need you to ride him out. I want you to do all the work on him between now and Epsom.’

‘I’ll do it in my sleep if I have to. I’ll never be able to repay you.’

‘Just give him a good ride,’ Drew said. ‘I’m not expecting him to win, but he’s well bred, and should get a place. I’ve got faith in you, Suzy. I know you’ll do well.’

‘Can I tell everybody? Jason and Olly and the others?’

‘All those who aren’t still floundering in the cells at Wantage, yes, of course you can.’ Drew laughed at her excitement. ‘I’ll get Holly to do the entry tomorrow.’

Watching Suzy being swamped in congratulations, Maddy snaked her hand into Drew’s. ‘That was a wonderful gesture. And very brave of you. I only hope she’ll be up to it.’

‘She’s very, very accomplished. I’m sure she’ll give a good account of herself and the horse. And of course,’ he stared deep into Maddy’s eyes, ‘it wasn’t entirely without an ulterior motive.’

‘It wasn’t?’

‘No.’ He stroked her fingers with his thumb, sending dancing waves of lust washing through her body. ‘Because, as Suzy’s mentor and guardian, you’ll have to come to Epsom with me, won’t you?’

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Eighteen

The days preceding The Derby were frantic with activity. There was a sort of election fever crossed with carnival atmosphere in Milton St John, as the press converged on the gallops for last-minute spying, and the Channel Four racing team holed up in the Cat and Fiddle to present their pre-Epsom coverage. This nervous excitement was repeated in racing communities across the country; and from Newmarket to Lambourn, Ilsley to Arundel, horror stories spread and rumours were spawned.