Hawkins' Flight

In the vast, sun-drenched Hunter Valley of Australia, Richard Hawkins carved out a name for himself as a titan in thoroughbred breeding. Over a decade, he transformed a bankrupt farm into an empire, producing some of the finest horses to grace the racetracks, not just in Australia, but globally. His knack for selecting and breeding champions seemed almost prescient, making him a legend in the horse racing community.However, when an offer comes from an overseas investor, too lucrative to ignore, Hawkins does the unthinkable. He sells his life's work and moves to Lexington, Kentucky, the heart of America's horse country. The move is not just a geographical shift but a test of his acumen; was his success in Australia a fluke, a stroke of blind luck, or was it the result of honed skill and deep-seated knowledge and instinct?In Lexington, Hawkins sets out to rebuild his empire from scratch, facing challenges he never encountered in Australia. The cultural differences, the cutthroat competition, and the intricacies of American horse racing laws present new hurdles. But it's not just business that tests him. Personal trials emerge as well - from navigating relationships in a new country to dealing with the isolation of starting anew, far from his roots to having every second person he meets praying for him.As Hawkins learns to adapt, he confronts issues of identity, loyalty, and the true essence of success. His journey questions whether the pursuit of greatness is worth the personal cost, especially when the stakes are high and the outcome uncertain. Does one's legacy lie in the land they left behind or in the new ground they cultivate?"Hawkins' Flight" is not just a tale of horse breeding; it's a deep dive into the soul of a man who must redefine himself in one of the world's most competitive equine landscapes. Will Richard Hawkins prove that his Australian success was no mere luck, or will Kentucky reveal his true mettle? This is a story of ambition, adaptation, personal development and the relentless quest for excellence in the face of daunting odds.This is the first in the Richard Hawkins trilogy. David Loxton has led a colourful life and he has used that experience to produce a range of books in a range of genres. His life has included a diverse career including military experience and teaching which provided opportunities for living outside his home country of Australia His interests outside career include sailing, horse breeding, sport and, most importantly, watching people as they go about their daily lives. "My writing is full of vivid anecdotes gathered over many years," he says. And he uses them to build lifelike characters and scenes in his books.