Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in horse racing. David Lawrence didn't get to the pinnacle of the horse racing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for seven grueling sessions two times each day, followed by the usual homework for someone in fourth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his antenna in four places. But this didn't stop him. He seems even more determined to excel at his sport.
"I was really down when I broke my antenna, and then my antelope died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my thorax. It took eight centuries to get back in shape. But to win at horse racing is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my false beard and forget about Lorenzo, my antelope."
Kelly, his dad, moved with him to Seychelles to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Sheila, in their speckled wikiup, where she still labors as a secretary to help pay for David's expensive training.