Tuesday, October 24, 2017

The Write Race by Gail Johnson

Take a peek at the photos on my camera, and you will quickly surmise this girl loves capturing horses in action. So it was only natural that I watched the Kentucky Derby this year. However, it wasn’t the horses that held my attention but the amazing stories behind the majestic animals, especially Gunnevera's trainer, Antonio Sano.
The Kentucky Derby



In Venezuela, he was known as the best—the “Czar of the Hippodrome” until his life changed in 2009 when he was kidnapped twice in one year. The first time his kidnappers drove him to an ATM, forced him to give them money, and then released him. The second time, he was held for thirty-six days. This time a $360,000 ransom was paid for his freedom. That year changed Sano’s life forever. He and his family left the life they knew and came to America to begin again.

Sano built a new life in Florida and in 2015, along with three Venezuelan clients, purchased a $16,000 yearling named Gunnevera. That horse and Sano proved to be winners in nine races. Two years later, Sano stood in front of the Churchhill Downs stall that housed Gunnevera. The dream of a lifetime! The Kentucky Derby.


Sano’s story is one of determination in the midst of the most horrible circumstances. We may never face such conditions. But we all have our own race to run.

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 1 Corinthians 9:24 NIV

So what can a writer learn from a horse trainer?
  • Never let your circumstances dictate your actions.
  • Learn to recognize a blessing when you see it.
  • Before you can contend, you must show up.
  • Not everyone runs the same race.
  • One loss doesn’t prove your worth.
  • Keep your eyes on the prize.
  • Celebrate every victory accordingly!

So, my friend, run your race in your own unique way. And when you reach the finish line on this project, take a break, and then begin your next project! Happy writing!
Gail Johnson

To hear more about Gunnevera and Sano click here. To find out who won the 2017 Derby, click here.

About the Author
Gail Johnson is a retired cosmetologist and homeschool teacher. She lives in the South on a farm with her family and three dogs where she writes inspirational fiction/nonfiction. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and is currently learning the entire process of indie publishing. You can connect with her on Center of His WheelFacebook, and Twitter.

For more posts by Gail Johnson, click here.