Two Men On A Horse—but One At A Time

The No. 2 pair, Williams and Brooks, was seventh through the first veterinarian check and did a great job of catching up on Stalley and Alexander, but they had some similar problems. Williams, a student working on his master's degree in economics, who had learned to ride only three months before, and Brooks, a real estate salesman, had their own strategy worked out before the race, but it came near failing when Brooks got sick. "The trouble was, Ken decided we should have Carnation Instant Breakfast," Brooks explained, "but he didn't know I hated chocolate, and that's what he got. It took me about 13 miles to lose it. But I feel Jesus is the biggest power and help. I got through because I prayed a lot."

He went on to tell what had happened the night before when their horse, named Prince Kolaf, was fussing at flies and got his foot caught in the halter; he went down thrashing and hurt himself. "He was all scratched and swollen, but we stood him in the creek and I prayed. That's how it happened he was all right, it's the power of prayer," Brooks said. "Jesus did it."

Formidable contenders, obviously. Stalley and Alexander will have their work cut out for them if next year is a better one for flies and if Williams and Brooks turn up with strawberry Instant Breakfast instead of chocolate.