Memories Of Lord Oaksey

It is terribly sad news about Lord John Oaksey who passed away yesterday at the age of 83.  John did so much for racing as a jockey, journalist and presenter, but his greatest legacy is undoutedly the Injured Jockeys' Fund that he helped to found and worked tirelessly for in the ensuing years. I met Lord Oaksey on a number of occasions when I appeared on a few episodes of the Morning Line when he was one of the presenters and I must confess that I would get very nervous.  John always made me feel fully welcome and put me at ease straight away - he was one of the nicest men I have ever met and he will be greatly missed and impossible to replace.

It is terribly sad news about Lord John Oaksey who passed away yesterday at the age of 83.  John did so much for racing as a jockey, journalist and presenter, but his greatest legacy is undoutedly the Injured Jockeys' Fund that he helped to found and worked tirelessly for in the ensuing years. I met Lord Oaksey on a number of occasions when I appeared on a few episodes of the Morning Line when he was one of the presenters and I must confess that I would get very nervous.  John always made me feel fully welcome and put me at ease straight away - he was one of the nicest men I have ever met and he will be greatly missed and impossible to replace.

There are four meetings taking place this afternoon - three on the flat at Salisbury, Haydock and Kempton as well as a jumps card at Sedgefield, although the stable does not have any runners today.

The amazing Dvinsky takes part at Kempton tonight - I say amazing as although he is only a modest performer, tonight will be the eleven year old's 216th career start.  He will then be only one behind old favourite Sharp Hat who raced 217 times during his career.  I love seeing these old horses kept on the go - it is an amazing performance to keep them sound enough to run all those times.

Talking of old characters - I was pleased to see Barney Curley among the winners yesterday as his Pindar won the 3.10pm at Hereford.  He was well-supported from 11/4 into 7/4, so I hope that Barney had a few quid on!  The stewards did ask for an explanation for the improved performance and after hearing evidence, passed it on to the BHA.

*****

What about the judge who said you have to show great courage to be a burglar?!  I certainly wouldn't have the nerve to do it, although the judge must have the nerve of the devil to release the offender!  How can people like this really be in charge of our justice system and just who is it protecting?  It certainly doesn't seem to be the victim!  Personally I hope that the burglar he freed goes and robs his house next, then maybe he will take a harder line on criminals.  These judges seem to be by and large old and out of touch with real life and what the public really think.