Epsom Derby and Oaks Meeting 2007

The classic trials at York showed that Authorized and Passage of Time are worthy favourites for the Derby and Oaks at Epsom next week (1st and 2nd of June ). Authorized could become Frankie Dettori’s first Derby winner and Passage of Time would be an emotional winner for Henry Cecil. For all the runners and riders go to sportinglife.com/racing.
I mentioned in my York blog how the early 1960’s were an interesting time for my betting escapades. I found the 1962 Derby winner Larkspur which returned 22/1. I was obviously lucky as six horses fell that year including the favourite Hethersett. The 1963 Derby winner escaped me but the 1963 Oaks winner Noblesse did not. Although she returned 4/11 I had backed her at 8/1 the previous season after she had won the Timeform Gold Cup which is now the Racing Post Trophy. I have had quite a few antepost bets over the years and not had a run for my money ! Unless you are in the know they are best left alone.
The 1964 Derby winner Santa Claus was an interesting bet. I used to get a car ride to work with four other guys. In order to make the 35 minute journey more interesting we use to play silly games. On one occasion my dear friend Steve produced a £10 note and said anybody who can guess three consecutive numbers can have it. Of course nobody could ! I looked at the note and memorised three consecutive numbers in case the same question came up again. Steve always had quite a bit of money on him. His Dad was a bookmaker and Steve used to moonlight some evenings of the week at the Dog racing tracks. About three weeks later the same question came up again. The three numbers I had memorised were correct as it was the same note! Steve did not think it fair that I had remembered the numbers ! I gave him the chance to win it back. The deal was for him to give me 4/1 Santa Claus for the Derby. Santa Claus at 15/8 became Scobie Breasley’s first Derby winner at the age of 50. I had won £50 which was more than my weekly wage. Steve and I were trainee accountants at the time and after this became firm friends.
In 1965 I took my best friend Brenda to Epsom to see the Derby and saw the great Sea Bird stroll up the Epsom straight with his head in his chest. What a horse !
In 1966 I was on Charlottown at 5/1 (Scobie Breasley again). Just before this Brenda and I had got married on the Bank Holiday Monday. This was a nice wedding present. Of course about a month later England won the World Cup and I now had two mortgages.
Magic Memories.

For all the runners and riders with the jockey's colours go to Paddy Power and click on "Horse Racing".