Great memories Tam. I was very young when Kirriemuir won but his win means a lot to my family and I have a large framed photo of them jumping the last that day. Dave Dick rode many winners for Walwyn and as you say led Kirriemuir over the last - ironically DD also led Walwyn's other Champion Hurdle winner Anglo over the last in the 1962 Champion. My best ever day at the Festival was Sun Alliance day in 1986, when Ten Plus won the novice hurdle by 15 lengths and I put most of the winnings on a horse called Motivator, who skated up for Mick Ryan and Graham McCourt. I then got very drunk, fell onto my coach and woke up in Shepherd's Bush - luckily I was residing there at the time. Betting wise 1985 was a great year for me with a horse called Von Trappe going in at long odds. Like you Tam I was gutted when Crimson Embers was not awarded the Stayers Hurdle. I backed him to win but also had a dual f/c with Rose Ravine, so still collected. Of course connections wanted the mare to keep the race for her breeding value and I remember Fulke punching the air with delight when she kept the race - I think he had had a word with the stewards!
Fulkes, I think you mean Anzio, not Anglo (easily done- I do it often). What sickened me about Crimsom Embers was the stewards never even initiated an enquiry. As regards Dave Dick , he was top notch and very strong, but his weight prevented him from getting enough rides- I think he never rode below 11st and later on as heavy as 11st 5lbs. Fulke always knew how good he was.
Yes, Tam - Freudian slip! There should certainly have been an inquiry into the Crimson Embers race. That's why I'm convinced Walwyn had a word, which is grossly unfair on the punters of course.
Have a day out with the lads every Gold Cup day - some love their racing, some there for the beer only. Many years ago the commentator in the Gold Cup said 'and spectacular falls at the rear of the field' instantly followed by one of the here for the beers only lads to say in all seriousness who had their money on spectacular!!! How we laughed and have every year since. Remember one saying in the Gold Cup as the were coming round the final corner - 'it's cruising' as we couldn't see any of the principles 'cruising' we asked which one - Norton's Coin he replied - £1.50 e.w. at 100-1 yes we've heard about it every year since. Alderbrook sticks in the mind as an impressive winner of the Champion Hurdle. Master Tern county hurdle 2000 in the getting out stakes also memorable - probably because my only winner all week (and I've had worse years).
