The Racing Horse was given a much needed winner in Where's Riley, and whilst we visualised the race much differently to how it panned out, the horse won by the best part of 2l.

I now have an affection for the vivacious Alison Lidderdale and take this opportunity to share my greatest day out in racing!

My friend Vernon Allen, the famous Pontardawe gambler and I, were invited to Cheltenham to meet Alison, the wife of Alastair Lidderdale and share a hospitality box provided by Sportingbet and Andrew McIver. We had the company of Andrew himself, John Reid MBE, Mick Fitzgerald (who gave us both signed copies of his book), Derek Thompson and actor Charles Lawson who plays Jim McDonald on Coronation Street with his partner Debbie Stanley. What a mix?

As it turned out Charles and I were the only real drinkers on the day and in the heady atmosphere readily availed ourselves of the champagne and claret, of course the outcome was inevitable, but only after we had thoroughly enjoyed a fantastic day.

 Alison introduced me to many celebrities including a sozzled Nicky Henderson, Lord Vesty and Jilly Cooper and to cap a fantastic day I was given the privilege of nominating the best turned out horse in the supporting race on the card.