With some snobbery, regular followers of the turf see today much as alcoholics view the Christmas and New Year party season, as a time when their everyday activity is taken over by amateur idiots. To maximise their profits, the bookies employ staff to explain to the once-a-year punters how to fill in the slip, and how to stake an each-way bet.
Famille Roper is not immune. In this afternoon's big race, the Burra Mem takes Maison du Berlais, while the two heirs to my title and estates have gone for Comply or Die and Black Apalachi. I take Bewley's Berry. The full list:
1.45: Oh Crick
215: Tidal Bay
250: Al Eile
325: Mendo
415: Bewley's Berry
500: Theatre Diva
535: Have You Seen Me
