People living in Ferry County know what it means to live in a remote area isolated from the rest of the world like some castaway stranded on a deserted tropical island in the middle of nowhere. Imagine a young girl living in an area so remote she never even saw a car until she was six years old. That’s what life was like for Pauline Truax who was born September 14^th, 1910 and grew up in Pleasanton, Nebraska. Her father was a mail carrier, but back then the mail was still delivered by horse and buggy, not by automobile. Pauline’s father John Truax was born in 1869. He was a warm, friendly man. Pauline’s mother Bessie was born in 1890. By all accounts she was a good cook. She once told Pauline that in order to be a good cook a person has to use a lot of butter and cream. Sounds good doesn’t it? Pauline fondly stated, “They were wonderful parents who were very active in the Methodist church.”

A vision of one day attending the world famous Breeders Cup as a spectator had been dancing around in Tom’s head for years. His desire to be present at the 2009 Cup was stronger than ever.  It wasn’t because so many races had already come and gone nor did Tom think this might be his last chance to go. No, this year's Breeder’s Cup was extra special. Zenyatta, Tom’s all time favorite horse, would be racing. In addition, the race was being held at one of Tom’s old stomping grounds, the Santa Anita Race Track located in Arcadia, California about 13 miles from downtown L.A.. Tom yearned for the chance to see the legendary filly up close. His idolization of Zenyatta is akin to a fan of a world famous rock star. With admiration in his voice Tom said, “I’ve seen a lot of horses, but Zenyatta is the best horse I’ve ever seen in my life.” He went on to say she has never lost a race. No wonder he thinks she is so special.