What is the name of the dog in Enid Blyton’s Famous

Andrew Atkinson reports.

Royal Ascot could take place behind closed doors

Royal Ascot to take place behind closed doors? *Meeting cancelled - due to coronavirus Quote: 'It may prove possible to run the Royal Ascot races behind closed doors'. By Andrew Atkinson Breaking news Royal Ascot 2020 could still take place - behind closed doors - after it was announced on April 7 that the meeting has been cancelled, due to the coronavirus lockdown. ìFor public health and safety reasons we have reached the difficult but unavoidable conclusion that Royal Ascot 2020 will not be able to take place as an event open to the public," said Guy Henderson, Chief Executive of Ascot. "This will of course be a great disappointment for everyone planning to attend," he added. However, under government regulations Mr Henderson revealed: "It may prove possible to run the Royal Ascot races behind closed doors, dependent on Government and public health policy and the approval of the BHA for us to re-start racing." Royal Ascot's five-day meeting, attended by Her Majesty The Queen, is scheduled to start on June 16. 300,000 spectators attend annually. ìCustomers who have already paid for entry and hospitality at Royal Ascot will be refunded in full in the usual way as quickly as possible. "We will start the process of communicating with them, initially by email, immediately. We thank everyone in advance for their patience and understanding in completing this substantial task given the challenging practical circumstances of the current national lockdown. "Meanwhile, our thoughts are with all those grieving and suffering as a result of COVID-19. We offer heartfelt thanks to our wonderful NHS staff, key workers and volunteers for all their selfless dedication," said Mr Henderson. Eventing World Champions Ros Canter and Zara Tindall, and Olympic Gold Medallists Carl Hester and Scott Brash, are backing Equestrian Relief, a major fundraising initiative launched by the team behind Bolesworth and Liverpool International Horse Shows.

"I am super excited that I will be taking part in Plankety Plank and Bake Off Easter Showstopper all in aid of Equestrian Relief," said Dettori. "It is going to be great fun, however we are all very competitive so I can't wait to get started - so please make sure you support us!," added Flat jockey Italian superstar Dettori. Equestrian Relief is an urgent fundraising campaign to raise money and change lives, with donations going directly to support the efforts of the wonderful work being carried out by the NHS.

Nina Barbour, Bolesworth Managing Director, said: "Our priority is to unite the horse world to support our health workers and our goal is to raise a sum of money that will make a real difference.

"All donations will go directly to NHS Charities Together Covid-19 Crisis Fund - supporting NHS staff and volunteers on the frontline as they work under pressure and in the most challenging of circumstances.

"We have already got some fabulous sponsors onboard - including long standing Bolesworth supporters Equerry, Equitop and Horse Scout - who have all made generous contributions to get us started."

Zara Tindall said: "It's a very challenging time for the equestrian community right now with so many people affected in so many ways. "Being a high-risk activity, we also have a responsibility to minimise the impact on the NHS who are valiantly working to support the nation and save lives. "Taking part in Equestrian Relief and knowing that donations are going directly to help NHS workers on the frontline makes it a no-brainer for me. I am happy to be part of this campaign and look forward to seeing just how much we can raise." Scott Brash said: "All over the country we are coming together to support the phenomenal NHS staff during these very challenging times.

"As a strong equestrian community, we must stay united in the battle against Covid19 and we are hopeful that Equestrian Relief can make a huge impact in raising funds directly to support those who are putting their lives at risk to help others. Ellie Orton, CEO of NHS Charities Together, said: "Every person on our team and NHS teams throughout the country, are playing a vital role in being there for others during this emergency. "Please join in with the Equestrian Relief team effort by showing your appreciation, gratitude and solidarity for our NHS workers" To donate and for details of the Equestrian Relief campaign visit www.equestrianrelief.com

Death of Venice ‘Pappy’ Richards mirrors that of ‘Hurricane’ Higgins

The passing of Venice 'Pappy' Richards, Southern Caribbean jockey, mirrors former apprentice jockey Alex Higgins' death

By Andrew Atkinson

Barbados born Venice 'Pappy' Richards, dubbed the greatest jockey in Southern Caribbean thoroughbred racing history, has passed away in Trinidad and Tobago, aged 78. Richards, relatively unknown by most punters in the racing world in Britain, endured months of fading health and eyesight.

His passing hits home, mirroring that of former apprentice jockey Alex Higgins, who died a decade ago in May, aged 61.

Higgins, who I personally knew from covering snooker in the UK for 20 years during his heyday, died alone and destitute in Belfast in a flat. Destitute and alone, Richards, 76, also died in a room at the Hummingbird Stud Farm Stables, near Santa Rosa Park in Arima. Like 'Hurricane' Higgins, how could such an icon, a legend of almost 10 decades in Caribbean horse racing, suffer such an unbefitting exit? Richards suffered diabetes and hypertension that left him thin, frail and partially blind. Medical expenses became challenging, after his employment contract with the Arima Race Club (ARC) was not renewed in January. Despite earning millions Higgins' snooker colleagues and friends rallied round to raise £20,000 for him to undergo dental treatment in Malaga. He was too ill to have it done.

Richards, who rode over 1,400 winners during an illustrious career, turned his back on becoming a trainer and committed himself to tutoring riders at Jockeysí schools in his native Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. Richards, nine times champion in Barbados and T&T, completed the Triple Crown. The Guineas, Midsummer Classic and Derby in 1989 on Coo Bird. Richards won six Derby races in his career, four in Barbados and two in T&T. Five Barbados Guineas wins, four victories in the Midsummer Classic and four triumphs in the Cockspur Gold Cup, (now the Sandy Lane Gold Cup). Richards' first Gold Cup win came in 1986, riding Bentom. Further GC wins followed on Sandford Prince in 1989, 1991 and 1992.

Richards also won 85 races in the United States in the seventies at New Englandís Rockingham Park and Suffolk Downs; and at Lincoln Downs and Finger Lakes. The Caribbeanís all-time most successful jockey, Patrick Husbands, with 3,370 North American wins and accolades in Canadian racing, said: "I think he is the best rider in the Caribbean."

Richards, 5í 4î tall, riding weight of between 110-112 lbs, received the Barbados Government National Award, the Silver Crown of Merit (SCM) in 1991. He was inducted into Barbados Racing Hall of Fame, and the racing Hall of Fame for Trinidad and Tobago. T&Tís ARC has a Benevolent Fund in place, to help former jockeys falling on hard times but unfortunately Richards did not appear to have been a beneficiary.

Andrew Atkinson will be featuring Alex Higgins, twice world snooker champion, who started out teenage years as an apprentice jockey, prior to becoming a legend of the green baize. "Alex started off in life as an apprentice jockey - and up until his dying day - continued to hold racing close to his heart," said Andrew. "I knew Alex during annual coverage of the Coral UK Championship in Preston over almost two decades.

"We both liked a drink - and a bet. And chatted about our love of horse racing. Including his time as an apprentice jockey," said Andrew. ALEX HIGGINS - FROM APPRENTICE JOCKEY - TO WORLD SNOOKER CHAMPION. COMING SOON.