A Day At the Races
A relaxing afternoon.
It is nice to recall past moments
that brightened one’s life
like a picnic on Epsom Downs
and watching a brilliant horserace.
I remember the day, in 1981,
when Shergar won the Derby.
Young Walter Swinburn
took him ably past the finish
by a good ten lengths.
We had come on a day outing
organised by our social club;
We did not have to pay to get in
and we made our own way around.
The bookies overcame the hubbub
by giving odds with hand signals .
The favourite at 10-11 didn’t appeal
so I chanced my measly ten bob
on a horse called Glint of Gold.
I didn’t need to be told
that his name was a good omen.
He came second at 13 to one
so not everything was lost.
It wasn’t a fortune I got back
– I was more or less even –
but what pleased me most
was seeing all those thoroughbreds
taking part in a splendid contest.
© Luigi Pagano 2017
Ah yes… the sport of kings. You’ve shared a magic memory here, Luigi. I went to Ladies Day at Ascot about 40 years ago when I was an upwardly mobile young man. Never won any money, but did enjoy the races… and seeing the posh fillies in their fancy hats. Enjoyed the read, young man!
The sport of kings and queens. Queen Elizabeth is a keen racing enthusiast and owns several champion thoroughbreds. The same can be said for late Queen Mother whose many horses triumphed over the jumps.
Anyone who thinks of getting rich by betting is deluded: the bookies always win.
A better proposition is to watch and enjoy the races and…those lovely fillies of the human variety with beautiful long legs.
Cheers Mick.
With all this talk about queen I assume you’re next poem will be a night at the opera 🙂 I enjoyed the day at the races you capture the essence of the day and the buzz of the place really well. Very much enjoyed, Keith
I am prepared to write about any topic, Keith, even Duck Soup if I can find the right ingredients. 🙂
Thanks for the comment.
I know you can and I envy that, For me I have to first connect with the topic and that can be a challenge in itself. Blind is on its way 🙂