Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being a jockey in Gisborne is a wild ride—literally and figuratively. So, I wake up, right? Sun’s blazin’ through my window on Gladstone Rd. I’m thinkin’, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Spoiler alert: it was NOT chill.
First off, I head to the track on the corner of Ormond Rd. The horses are all hyped up, and I’m like, “Dude, calm down!” But nah, they’re bouncin’ around like they just downed a triple shot of espresso. I’m tryin’ to get my head in the game, but my mate Dave shows up, all excited. He’s like, “Bro, did you hear about the new café on Peel St? They got the best flat whites!” I’m like, “Dude, I’m about to ride a horse, not sip coffee!”
So, I hop on my trusty steed, Thunderbolt. This guy’s a legend, but today he’s actin’ like a total diva. We’re out there, and I’m tryin’ to keep him steady, but he’s like, “Nah, I wanna run!” And I’m like, “Chill, bro! We’re not in a race yet!” But then, outta nowhere, this seagull swoops down, and Thunderbolt freaks out. I’m hangin’ on for dear life, thinkin’, “Great, I’m gonna eat dirt in front of everyone!”
Finally, I manage to calm him down. But then, I see my ex, Lisa, walkin’ down the track. Ugh, just my luck! She’s with some dude, and I’m like, “Really? You couldn’t pick a better spot?” I’m tryin’ to focus, but all I can think about is how she dumped me for some guy who wears socks with sandals. Like, come on!
After that drama, we finally get to race. I’m pumped, adrenaline’s pumpin’, and we’re off! I’m feelin’ like a rockstar, wind in my hair, heart racin’. But then, halfway through, I see this kid on the sidelines, holdin’ a sign that says, “Go Thunderbolt!” I’m like, “Aww, that’s sweet!” But then I realize, it’s my little cousin, Timmy. He’s supposed to be at school! I’m gonna get in trouble for this.
We finish the race, and guess what? We win! I’m on cloud nine, but then I see Lisa again. She’s clappin’ and lookin’ all impressed. I’m like, “Oh great, now I gotta deal with this.” But whatever, I’m a champ today!
After the race, I head to the pub on Gladstone Rd. Gotta celebrate, right? I walk in, and the place is packed. Everyone’s shoutin’, laughin’, and I’m just tryin’ to grab a drink. I order a cold one, and the bartender’s like, “You’re the jockey, right? Nice ride today!” I’m like, “Yeah, thanks, mate!” But inside, I’m thinkin’, “Dude, I just survived a seagull attack and my ex!”
Then, outta nowhere, Dave shows up again. He’s got this wild idea. “Let’s hit the beach, bro! It’s only a few blocks away!” I’m like, “Dude, I just raced a horse! I’m not ready for a beach party!” But he drags me out anyway. We hit up the beach at Midway Beach, and it’s packed. People are surf’n, kids are playin’, and I’m just tryin’ to chill.
But then, I see a group of guys playin’ beach volleyball. And I’m like, “Oh no, not this.” They’re all lookin’ at me, and I’m thinkin’, “Great, now I gotta show off.” So, I jump in, and let me tell ya, I’m terrible! I’m spikin’ the ball like a madman, but it’s goin’ everywhere except where it should. Everyone’s laughin’, and I’m just rollin’ with it.
By the end of the day, I’m exhausted but happy. I’m sittin’ on the sand, watchin’ the sunset over the ocean. Gisborne is beautiful, man. The sky’s all orange and pink, and I’m thinkin’, “Life’s not so bad.” Even with the drama, the horses, and the ex, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
So yeah, that was my day in Gisborne. Full of ups and downs, but that’s what makes it real, right? Can’t wait to do it all again tomorrow!