Of Apples and Slow Horses

Well we're back from a fun few days in Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire. The scenery was wonderful, we were particularly impressed with the orchards and my beloved was so enamoured of the fine crop that she decided to smuggle some home. I don't think anyone noticed.

                         Thats the next Apple Crumble sorted out.

On Friday we attended Cheltenham's first meeting of the year . The day got off to a good start with Sizing Symphony, who was recommended here last month, hosing up. Things went on improving in the next race when the Paul Nicholls trained That'll do was a slightly fortunate winner. Next up my nap of the day; Liberate in the 3 mile chase. I got 8/1 on course and settled back waiting to collect and retire early.

             Liberate and Richard Johnson about to go for a gentle stroll around Prestbury Park

Sadly Liberate jumped like he had never seen a fence before and that few bob disappeared into the bookie's satchel. My saver was Tim Vaughan's Judiciary in the maiden hurdle. It was a close thing but he just got touched off in a driving finish. Another betting slip shredded.

Never mind , we decided to go to the Seafood bar for one of their fabled Platters only to stagger out after seeing the £23.50 price tag. As we were leaving the bar the racecourse klaxon sounded "Stewards Enquiry, Stewards Enquiry"

For those not in the know this means that it was possible that the winner might be disqualified and the race awarded to the runner up, Judiciary. Cue undignified race back to where we standing to see if I could find the betting slip that I had carelessly chucked away. After a demeaning scrabble about on the floor I found the pieces below.
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                         The bloody enquiry was thrown up and I lost anyway