Actually, our tale starts in Blackpool,UK.
A horse walks ino a bar in Blackpool,orders a spring water and then surveys the bar.
He notices a zebra stood alone,so walks over to join him.
"Would you like some company?" asks our horse.
The little zebra almost faints with surprise...stood in front of him is none other than Black Brandy, the world renowned racehorse,winner of six Grand National's on the trot (Sorry!)
Black Brandy also happens to be the little zebras' all time hero!
They chat for a while,that is when the zebra can find his tongue...he really is overwhelmed.
Eventually Brandy asks him if he would like a quick tour of his stables.
"Oh I would be honoured" squeaked our zebra.
So, off they went,chatting as they trotted along.
Arriving at the stable complex the zebra was stunned at the opulence! Polished teak and oak everywhere, fresh hay and straw and spring water dispensers abounded. A huge plasma Tv screen featured on one wall, running endless loops of Brandies famous victories. Trophies and awards adorned every surface.
Our little zebra was in heaven!
Finally, after 45 minutes,Brandy said "I am sorry to cut this visit short, but I have some business people coming, how about I pop around to your place at, say, 11 tomorrow morning?"
The zebra,still on cloud 9 , agrees, and jots his address down. They bid each other farewell.
Then the panic sets in! All the way home he is thinking, how can I compare to that which I have just seen??
He gets home to his modest stable, looks around and feels glum :(. This is no way going to impress the greatest racehorse in history. His stable is,for sure,clean and well kept...but he goes to bed with a heavy heart.
Then, at 3 o'clock in the morning he has a plan!
By 7 o'clock he has gathered a camera and some black watercolour paint and a brush.
He runs along to a local park....nothing!
Then heads off to the next park...bliss! two young boys playing football!, he trots over to them and explains what he would like to do. They agree...then he is off again,running to a photographic studio nearby.
He enters, pays his money and waits.
Back home it is 11o'clock and there is a hoof knock on his door. Black Brandy stands there in all his glory and the zebra ushers him in to his humble stable. The tour doesn't last long, it being a very small abode, but Brandy makes appreciative noises and the zebra is pleased. But then Brandy nods toward the huge photograph that dominates one wall. It is a photo of our zebra, with a large #9 on his flank, and a white leather football between his two front feet.
"So, what is this my little friend?" says Brandy.
The little zebra replied "Oh, thats nothing ,just me when I played centre forward for Juventus!"
#As a footnote to all you none football fans..Juventus are famous for their black and white striped shirts.