Jape

I gather it is first two races at Riccarton on Saturday. Two changes: it has to be fixed odds, and your selection must run 2nd or 3rd to get your bet back. 4th is not included. Still up to $30.

Among the first English essays I marked when a "newbie" at Central Southland College in Winton was one from a young lass who told me all about that win by Poupette in the Trotters' Final. She proudly closed her essay with "And that has made Winton famous!" Lots of youngsters from harness families then (1968-69) at CSC including John and Gaynor Cox, Brian Rabbit, an accomplished 1st five in my undefeated Fourth Grade rugby team, Dave McDonald, soccer goalie complete with black hair, Ray Jenkins who learnt how to do the triple jump. Many others. Good days, interesting youngsters. The Winton Harness meetings were always well attended and the family groups were noteworthy.

Thank you to Scooby for the very comprehensive coverage of the career of the late Errol Skelton. Thank you also to Chestnut for that sterling photo of the Skelton clan. My own treasured possession of the Skeltons is the Souvenir Card -- 2/- of the Greymouth Jockey Club's Summer Meeting of Monday, November 28, 1966. The cover shows the 5 brothers in their racing silks - in age-ascending order - and in the centre pages of the race book.are further excellent photos. First, the boys' parents, Mr & Mrs W G Skelton, then, below, Mr & Mrs R J Skelton & their young family of 4. Atop the next page it is Mr & Mrs W D Skelton and their family of 3 young ones. Finally Mr & Mrs F H Skelton and their even younger 3 children. This is a genuine Souvenir Card. I have two personal memories of Errol. One of my brothers and I were in the Regent Restaurant in Broadway, Reefton, waiting on our fish and chips when jockey Errol came in and ordered Steak and chips. We were amazed but, on reflection we realised that at the time it was not unusual for horses to be rehandicapped 10lbs for a win and this could happen 2 or 3 times over the Coast circuit. Consequently Errol, always a little heavier than his brothers, could put away a good meal without having to worry too much about over-tipping the scales. Only a few years ago, I saw Errol at Riccarton at the Grand National meeting. He seemed a bit lost so I called out to him to offer some assistance. It turned out he had been told there was a lift at the bottom of the main public stand and it is/was almost hidden away right round the back. On the way there, I asked him if he could confirm what one of my uncle's used to say. Namely, that the first time the 5 boys rode together in a race was at Reefton. Yes, said Errol, that is correct and it was the only time we were all in a race together. A very engaging person, Errol Bryan Skelton. May you rest in peace.

Not what was said on Peter Earley's show on Wednesday.

Your 10m handicap is quite generous. Often, depending on the size of the field, it is closer to 20m.

If I heard them correctly at Oamaru today, Get Lucky has jumped two or three to make the list and one of those to miss out is/was OB. Probably needs two withdrawals.

An interesting discussion and it reminds me of the fate of Ethereal. Caulfield Cup/Melbourne Cup/BMW. Yet, remarkably in my opinion, not the HOTY

... which reminds me of a trivia question. How did that lolly on a stick get its name? Named after Lolly Pop, a popular racehorse of that time. (New Haven, 1908)

Race 1 -- 12 BB Race 2 -- 2 BB Race 3 -- 10 Race 4 -- 6 Bonus Race 5 -- 1 Race 6 -- 9 Bonus Race 7 -- 6 Race 8 -- 5 Race 9 -- 3 Bonus Race 10 - 3

1. I cannot recall a greyhound race meeting starting any earlier than the race 1 at 11-16am at today's Addington meeting. Very early kennelling - I hope all were up and about in good time. 2. A total of 3 hours and 8 minutes from 11.16am to 2.24pm. Again, I cannot recall a shorter time-frame. My "recall" is certainly not infallible (these days!) so if these are not records, feel free to correct me.

Chitina Tin - I was rather suspicious of the name of this greyhound when it first showed up at Addington. However, I was assured it was reputable and my research confirmed this Chitina is pronounced Chit-nuh and is a small town in Alaska. The Chtina Tin Shop is an historic building there. It is also known as Fred'Place and Schaupp's. The greyhound is by Apatche (sic) Jet from Angel of Mine. Bred, owned and trained by Alison Lee of Rangiora and has won 8 races, I believe.

Quiz Kid

Thank you. So not quite off the next but any more defeats were perhaps going to diminish his value. Top horse.

Did Pierro race beyond 3? I seem to remember he had a stunning record but got beaten one day and was off to stud the next. Correct?

A staggering performance. Well done!