Destrier is clearly glad to see his master once again, and stretches out willingly, Caspian low over his neck with the wind whipping his hair, but the mare's lighter frame and Susan's exceptional riding are both boons for their rivals as the speed and distance begin to tell on his old mount. The stallion reaches with each stride, but the cloud-dappled mare nudges first a nose, then a head, then half a length ahead.