Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in horse racing. Lucille Binkley didn't get to the pinnacle of the horse racing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for five grueling sessions two times each day, followed by the usual homework for someone in eighth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her thumb in four places. But this didn't stop her. She seems even more determined to excel at her sport.
"I was really down when I broke my thumb, and then my boa constrictor died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my pinky. It took one days 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 suit of armor and forget about Pops, my boa constrictor."
Jughead, her grandmother, moved with her to Kalamazoo to be with her coach, leaving behind her father, Thad, in their important treehouse, where he still labors as a matador to help pay for Lucille's expensive training.