Whip Away Thief

Nov 23 2008 Joe Punter

WHEN is a thief not a thief? When he's a jock and nicks a fellow rider's whip.

In what other sport would you escape punishment after blatantly taking an unfair advantage and getting clean away with it?

Jason McKeown aboard Cheltenham winner Hoopy "borrowed" the persuader from Donal Deverux who was riding the eventual runner-up Alexander the great.

Despite the stewards finding McKeown guilty of improper riding incredibly they still saw fit to allow the result to stand.

Crazy or what? It's a no-brainer - bin this barmy practice now.

ANN MIDDLETON from Lanark has a wee bet on with bingo pal Laura that David Nicholson was champion jumps trainer before all-conquering Martin Pipe embarked on his amazing run of 10 titles in row.

You've called it right Ann. The Duke - sadly no longer with us - was indeed the main man in 1995 prior to the Pipe missile's launch.

Brings back fond memories of other legends such as Richard Dunwoody the brilliant stable jockey.

RACING query? Write to Joe Punter, Sunday Mail, One CentralQuay, Glasgow G3 8DA or you can email joepunter@sundaymail.co.uk