Just now the mundane seems such an attractive option; I will find out for myself on July 30 when I wave farewell to the daily grind. About time too, with a few gaps on my voyage, I've been on the go since September 1, 1969 the week after Bob Dylan's Isle of Wight concert; I wasn't there but a fellow trainee city slicker started on the same day. As we say on TV, it's time for a break.
However, I mention the appeal of uneventful daily life in the aftermath of the unspeakable horror that has been inflicted on my colleague John Hunt. Seldom has racing been so united with their love and support for John and his family. Such a hammer-blow is impossible to imagine but I hope and pray that the indomitable human spirit of survival will permeate John, his daughter Amy and their family, and emerge from this darkest of tunnels, most definitely not unscathed but with courage and our support, to return to a peaceful continuation of their lives.
I've decided on the first thing I'd do if I was successful with my application to be CEO of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) once the current incumbent Julie Harrington steps down at the end of the year. It's a far cry from the cushy life of a broadcaster but I'm sure the money is good, and even if I only lasted a couple of months there's bound to be a six-figure pay-off. Cancel that the application form says 'no previous experience necessary' and I've only spent the best part of half a century ferreting a living at the cutting edge of the racing industry. So maybe I'll email the poor blighter who gets the job and make a few suggestions.
Denne historien er fra August 2024-utgaven av Racing Ahead.
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Denne historien er fra August 2024-utgaven av Racing Ahead.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
CAL'S UP TO TOP SPEED
John Anthony keeps close watch on the top ranking track fliers
ACTION REPLAY
Graham Buddry recalls the exploits of legendary hurdler Large Action
SHADOW IN THE LIMELIGHT
lan Heitman follows the fortunes of next year’s leading Classic prospects
GONE WILDE
Rolf Johnson fears the effects of a thoroughbred market bubble’
DIGGING OUT THE JUMPERS
The former Sky Racing frontman is all geared up for the change of codes and clothing
MORE AMO FOR RALPH
Dave Youngman shares the joy and gossip from the Newmarket gallops
GO COSMIC NEXT YEAR
Andy Ayres shares his pick of punting prospects from the autumn action
NICO'S CAREER LEAP TO GLORY
Nick Townsend talks to Nico de Boinville about his life-changing choices
ALL SET FOR FRESH START
Karl Hedley is on the spot for the new season action across Ireland
DAN'S GRAND BID DAWNING
Paul Ferguson tracks a route for Skeltons from Carlisle to Aintree