Irish Derby Day remembered….

[IanDavies]

1977: The year I first went racing. Remember watching The Minstrel (again given the treatment by Lester Piggott) following up his win in The Derby.

1978: I am at Headingley, failing to see a ball bowled despite no rain (outfield too wet) in the only and only Test Match I ever attended, going in the Ladbrokes tent and seeing Shirley Heights also supplement Epsom gains in what looked like driving rain. “We’re in the wrong game here,” my Dad remarked. I agreed and we ditched cricket for racing entirely.

1981: I am boardman aged 18 for Habbershaws Bookmakers at their HQ office, I’ve had £30 (my week’s wages) to win £10 Shergar and listen to it on Extel. Won easily – thankfully!

Seems like a lifetime ago and I suppose it was.

Always a great race at The Curragh – note the capital T.

I am "The Horse Racing Punter" on Facebook
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It's the "Millwall FC" of Point broadcasts: "No One Likes Us - We Don't Care"

[Gladiateur]

1986 Shahrastani. Many thought he was flattered at Epsom but his demolition job at The Curragh showed he was a top class racehorse in his own right.

[IanDavies]

Great memory – yes, a few fancied Mashkour (3rd at Epsom) to turn the tables but Shahrastani destroyed him at The Curragh in the performance of his career.

Think he was consequently favourite to confirm Epsom placing with Dancing Brave in the King George, but got his comeuppance and was only 4th.

I am "The Horse Racing Punter" on Facebook
https://mobile.twitter.com/Ian_Davies_
https://www.facebook.com/ThePointtoPointNHandFlatracingpunter/
It's the "Millwall FC" of Point broadcasts: "No One Likes Us - We Don't Care"

[Cork All Star]

The following year was memorable as well. Sir Harry Lewis beat Naheez after the race was delayed by about an hour because of a bomb scare.

[Author]

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