Jake and Lucky were Kentucky bred race horses.
While young they led the proverbial "good life" for horses. They were free to frisk about in their assigned pasture to their hearts content, with all the sweet, luscious Kentucky blue grass to eat that any horse might desire.
Early in their training, it became obvious that Lucky was the faster of the two horses on the track. Jake did his best but, except on those few days when Lucky was "off his feed," he just could not seem to come in with a faster time.
One day, when they were alone in the pasture, Lucky said to Jake, "Let's race around the field, Jake!"
Jake replied, "I don't want to race you, Lucky. You always win so why should I even try to race you?"
Lucky answered, "It's such a beautiful day and I feel so great, Jake, that I'll just take it easy so you can win. Please race with me."
Jake said, "OK, Lucky, let's go!"
He took off in a whinny with Lucky in hot pursuit as they raced around the edge of the pasture. He lead most of the way but near the finish, Lucky pulled into the lead as they crossed the line.
After regaining their breath, Jake said, "You said you would take it easy and let me win, Lucky. Why didn't you keep your word?"
Lucky said, "I'm sorry, Jake, but in the heat of our race, I simply forgot. I'll not do it again."
Later that year, when the two horses were entered in their first race, Lucky won easily and Jake came in as an "also ran."
Several weeks later, when they were alone again in their pasture, Lucky once again was feeling at his frisky best.
He said to Jake, "Let's race, Jake!"
Jake sulked off, head held low.
Lucky stayed at his heels nibbling the sweet grass. With each succeeding bite of the savory grass Lucky's spirit rose. Finally he could stand no more.
"Jake, if you will just run with me around the pasture, we don't have to call it a race. I'll run along behind you. You can cross the finish line first."
Jake thought a minute and said, "It's such a beautiful day, Lucky. I'll take your word. Let's go!"
Off they ran through the knee deep grass with Jake in the lead and Lucky right on his heels. They whinnied with delight as they ran at full gallop.
Near the end of the course, Jake began to tire. Lucky had stamina to spare and passed Jake with ease. He crossed the finish line a full length ahead of Jake.
Needless to say, Jake was heartbroken. It was several days before he would even talk with Lucky.
When they finally made up, Lucky apologized endlessly. Jake accepted grudgingly but vowed he would never race Lucky again.
Lucky, went on to win almost every race in which he was entered: the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness, the Belmont Stakes. He had a long and illustrious career.
Whenever he was not racing, he was often returned to the pasture with his best friend Jake. Jake delighted in hearing of Lucky's triumphs, but won very few races himself.
Years later, after both had been retired from racing, when they were standing near the barn in the shade, Lucky suggested to Jake that they should gallop around the pasture, just for old time's sake.
Jake replied, "You know I won't do that, Lucky, because you always win!"
"On my word of honor, Jake, this time will be different," Lucky said. "I'll control myself and let you cross the finish line first."
Reluctantly, Jake said, "Don't run very fast, though. My old bones hurt too much when I gallop like we did years ago."
Lucky agreed and they trotted off around the field.
When they had almost completed the circuit, Jake tired badly so he slowed to a walk.
Lucky still had lots of energy so he cantered on ahead. He again finished in the lead as they neared the barn.
When they had both stopped near the barn an old dog who had observed the unfolding saga for years said, "I could have told you, Jake. You should have known. Lucky can't be trusted. He will always win whenever he runs."
Jake turned to Lucky and said, "Look, Lucky, a talking dog!"
