Chapter 34
After Dylan had spoken to Seamus, he was resolute: he intended to go ahead with his plans for the training yard. Seamus had been quite surprised by Dylan’s proposal at first. However, after listening to his friend and what he had to say about his father, although put as diplomatically as it had been, he could read between the lines. Seamus had also spotted Dylan’s buoyant spirit again, something that had been sadly lacking of late. Watching his face light up as he outlined his ideas, he saw the old Dylan return.
‘I wish you all the best, mate. Seriously, I admire you.’
‘You sure? How do you think your father will react?’
Seamus shook his head. ‘Couldn’t care less. Listen, Dylan, nobody knows more than me how hard he is to work with. I really don’t blame you for starting out on your own.’
‘Thanks, mate.’ Dylan shook his hand.
He had arranged to see Tobias at Treweham Hall to discuss renovating the old stable block to meet the British Horseracing Authority’s requirements. He had to prove to them that the premises and facilities were in full working order to train racehorses. He also had to apply to the BHA for a licence. This involved demonstrating he was fit and proper, with honesty and integrity. He paused when reading this stipulation. That bloody tabloid would hardly help his cause, but he was renowned for his care of horses, unlike some jockeys who had been suspended for overuse of the whip.
Dylan was geared up and excitement ran through his blood, building adrenaline, something he hadn’t felt for weeks. More than anything he longed to see Flora, tell her about his plans, ask her to join him in running a top-class training yard, to share his ambition. Was he being corny? So what? He was past caring. It had been six weeks since he had last seen Flora and every day she had haunted his mind.
At Treweham Hall’s door he was greeted by Henry, who showed him into Tobias’ study.
‘Good to see you, Dylan.’ Tobias was at his desk, the draft plans for the yard spread out before him. Dylan went straight over to survey them. His eyes narrowed, taking in all the details.
‘I need more stables. I want to be training at least ten horses, plus I’d need an office on site.’
Tobias nodded. ‘That can be arranged.’
‘There’s plenty of space, that’s the main thing.’ He looked out of the window behind Tobias. ‘All this land is ideal.’
‘It certainly is. Plus with the kudos of the Treweham Hall estate, you shouldn’t have too much difficulty in pulling custom your way.’
‘You’re right there. I’ve put a few feelers out and it all looks promising. Not sure how Sean Fox will react, though.’ Dylan looked wary.
Tobias shrugged. ‘Shouldn’t have too much of an impact on his yard. It’s been established for years. What did Seamus say?’
‘Wished me all the best.’
‘Good. I’ve a few contacts that might be interested.’
‘Thanks.’ There was something he needed to run past Tobias that he’d been delaying. ‘Tobias, about my assistant trainer…’
Tobias looked up. ‘Yes?’
‘I’m going to approach Flora.’
‘Flora?’
‘She works in your stables,’ Dylan answered with a slight edge. Didn’t he know his own staff? Especially given the amount of time and commitment she showed.
‘Oh, yes, very good with the horses.’ Then Tobias frowned. ‘But how do you know her?’
‘I… I… met her when looking round your stables.’
Tobias smiled wryly. ‘I see.’ An awkward few seconds passed for Dylan.
‘You don’t mind, do you?’
‘Not if you think she has potential. I can soon find another stable hand.’
‘Good. Good. Right then, I’ll… I’ll put it to her.’
Tobias grinned. ‘You do that, Dylan.’ Dylan coughed and made a hasty departure. Tobias laughed to himself: still the same old Dylan deep down.
