Some good winners on Sunday; well done. Loose Buttons raised a point on the rules regarding first past the post/official result. Didn’t think of it at the start (which I should have), but my inclination is to settle on official result. If there are strong feelings otherwise, please let me know.
If I've left anyone out, I apologise; please leave a message on this thread and I'll update.
Finally, as a boy of 17 into both journalism and racing, I recall my delight and astonishment at the quality of an interview with Lester in The Observer by Kenneth Harris, who was not a sportswriter and who got the best out of his subjects by never taking notes, nor recordings. He simply wrote the piece from memory straight after the interview. Over the years I searched online for it (I originally clipped it and put it in a racing scrap book). I finally found it. 52 years on it remains the best piece of racing writing I've read.
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2005/nov/06/horseracing.theobserver
Lester on Park Top: "She goes into the gate as if she was going into church, and she comes out as if hell were after her. She knows more about racing than I do."
Beautiful.
Glorious angel won 6/5
Glorious Angel won 6/5
The Whipmaster won at 5/6.
If ever Mrs Harry finally chucks me out for losing my enthusiasm, going sour, making mistakes or whatever it is that older guys tend to do, I hope I will be able to go to Ben Haslam's. Whatever it is he does to JP McManus's old chasers that have lost their way, I want some of it. Jerrysback at Cartmel today is just the latest in a whole series of recent examples of horses in the green and gold that have suddenly rediscovered their spark and mad a mockery of the handicapper. On ground that wiser men than me were saying was far too quick for him, on a track that was unlikely to suit, Jerry (beaten 107 lengths last time) was back to winning ways and back to the standard of those distant days when he won novice hurdles in a bog at Plumpton under Barry Geraghty and was hailed as the next big thing. P Hobbs Esq must be shaking his head. That Middleham air - they should bottle it!!
Imperial Sands at Windsor 7.10 - I think Lilibet is at Balmoral for a wee break before the Jubilee celebrations, so may not be watching. Enjoyed the Unseen Footage last night of her early years. I'm not the greatest royalist, but it was a good well-crafted insight, imo.
There's a photo on irishracing.com from the Phoenix Park in 1985 of Lester being followed in the parade ring by a 12 year old Richard Hughes!!
Lingfield turf meeting abandoned after one race. WTF is going on?
Dear Lord Reith,
Watching the BBC news last night I couldn't fail to notice you put up that famous portrait of Lester Piggott wearing Charles Engelhard's colours - green with red sash, yellow sleeves, green cap - taken at Ascot on King George day when Nijinsky had just annihilated his first all-age opponents in a hack canter. The picture library goons didn't spot that the photo was the wrong way round, so the famous red sash was over Lester's left shoulder rather than his right. Also the clock was back to front on the results board as was the word RESULT.
This lack of attention to detail is sadly typical of the declining standards at our beloved national broadcaster. I am cancelling my TV licence forthwith.
Yours indignantly,
Disgusted (Tunbridge Wells)
A great article, thanks for posting the link, Joe. Lester said a lot there in 1970!!!
Just catching up with what has happened while I was away and will look forward to reading the Lester interview later. Thanks for posting the link Joe. What a jockey. He attracted me to racing when I was young because he had such an aura about him. His riding style was unique and tactically I doubt there’s been anyone better. He never said much but when he did it was usually interesting and often amusing. Lester Piggott, Bobby Charlton and Alan Knott, my childhood sporting heroes.
On more mundane matters, if my nap wins today it’s likely I’ll already be sound asleep. It’s Adatorio in the 20.15 at Windsor.
Redcar 1400 Glorious Angel
Am I imagining this or is Lester's steely demeanour cracking at the warm reception he is getting from the crowd at Leicester on his comeback day in 1990? Here he is wearing the famous silks of Charles St George, one of his most loyal patrons.
Cartmel today - Tontos spirit in the 3.45. maybe have a wee interest in diane sayers other two as well..
Satanic moon 2.35R. Fantastic article Joe thanks for sticking it on, very revealing & some great quotes. A man who transcended racing, nor many people do that in any sport.
Pasture Beach 13:40 Cartmel EW Nap
Great read, Joe. Thanks for posting.
Excellent LP interview thanks for putting it up Joe.
Glorious angel (14:00)
6.40 Windsor - Beyond Equal