Man, what a day! I woke up in Zagreb, and let me tell ya, it was a rollercoaster. First off, I’m a jockey, right? So, I’m used to the rush, but today? Pffft, it was next level.
So, I’m chillin’ at my pad near Trg bana Jelačića, sippin’ on some coffee, tryin’ to wake up. The square was buzzin’—tourists everywhere, takin’ pics like they’re in a freakin’ postcard. I’m like, “Dude, it’s just a square!” But hey, I get it. It’s iconic and all.
Then, I head over to the stables. Gotta check on my horse, right? His name’s Thunderbolt. Yeah, I know, cheesy. But this dude’s fast! Anyway, I’m walkin’ down Ilica, and I see this street performer. He’s playin’ some sick tunes, and I’m like, “Man, I should be out there, not in the stables!” But nah, gotta focus.
I get to the stables, and guess what? Thunderbolt’s throwin’ a fit. He’s kickin’ and snortin’. I’m like, “Chill, bro! We got a race today!” But he’s not havin’ it. I swear, he’s got more attitude than a diva.
Finally, I get him saddled up, and we head to the track. It’s at Hipodrom Zagreb, and the vibe is electric. I’m feelin’ pumped, but also nervous. I mean, it’s a big deal, right? I can’t mess this up.
The race starts, and I’m in the zone. We’re flyin’ down the track, and I’m thinkin’, “This is it! We’re gonna win!” But then, outta nowhere, this other horse cuts us off. I’m like, “What the heck, man?!” I’m yellin’ at the jockey, but he’s just smirkin’. Ugh, so infuriating!
But then, Thunderbolt kicks it into high gear. We’re neck and neck, and I’m feelin’ like a rockstar. The crowd’s goin’ wild, and I’m just tryin’ to keep my cool. I can see the finish line, and it’s like time slows down.
We cross it, and I’m like, “YES!” But wait—did we win? I’m lookin’ around, and the other horse gets called first. My heart sinks. I’m like, “No way! This can’t be happening!”
I’m fumin’. I mean, I put my heart into this. I’m walkin’ back, and I see a bunch of fans. They’re all like, “Great race!” and I’m like, “Yeah, but we didn’t win!” They’re tryin’ to cheer me up, but I’m still salty.
After the race, I decide to hit up a café on Tkalčićeva. It’s this cute little street with all these cafes and bars. I grab a coffee and a slice of štrukli. Man, that stuff is heavenly! I’m sittin’ there, tryin’ to shake off the race, and I see this cute girl. She’s laughin’ with her friends, and I’m like, “Dude, go talk to her!” But I just sit there, sippin’ my coffee like a loser.
Then, outta nowhere, it starts rainin’. I’m like, “Seriously?!” I dash for cover, and I end up in this little bookstore on Preradovićeva. It’s cozy, and I’m browsin’ through some books. I find this one about horse racing, and I’m like, “This is fate!”
I buy it, and as I’m leavin’, the rain stops. I’m feelin’ a bit better, ya know? I stroll down to Jarun Lake. It’s beautiful there, and I just sit by the water, thinkin’ about the day.
I realize, yeah, I didn’t win, but I love this city. The vibe, the people, the food—everything. Zagreb’s got my heart, even if Thunderbolt didn’t win today.
So, I head back home, exhausted but happy. Tomorrow’s a new day, and who knows what’ll happen? But for now, I’m just gonna chill and enjoy the ride.