THE DAY I WON AT SHERWOOD

[Jeff Thorpe]

For the last 30 years I have been part of a running group called Sherwood Forest Runners. We run each Saturday morning from the Arboretum at the Brisbane suburb of Sherwood, known locally as Sherwood Forest. Occasionally, years ago, we would have a handicap race. This poem tells of the day I won one. Seems rather fitting to post on the eve of Australia's other famous handicap at Flemington.

"The Day I Won at Sherwood"

THE DAY I WON AT SHERWOOD

While it happened many years ago it seems like yesterday
when down at Sherwood Forest, in the run I led the way.
The race was run on handicap, as is the Melbourne Cup,
and when I saw my starting place, my confidence shot up.
I had but one before me, just ten seconds at the start,
on a six kilometre journey, we were not too far apart.

Any classy runners were well back in the pack,
“I’m in here with a chance” I thought, “try and hold me back”.
Ten seconds soon were chipped away and I was in the lead,
Black Caviar on two legs, with no one to impede.
Turning at the three K mark with daylight in between
me and the next runner, my joy was near obscene.

“I’ll have to fall to lose” I reckoned, “I’m so far ahead”
and back to Sherwood Forest like a hovercraft I sped.
Now, I’m not one to brag or boast or utter sly remark,
however, on that day I won by full length of the park.
The handicapper, standing there, was not at all amused,
“Burglar” and “Ned Kelly” were among the words he used.

Not impressed, my celebration he set out to smother
declaring, “Thorpie, have your fun, you’ll never win another”.
True, I never ever did win another race
and unless the book was rigged, never ran a place,
but, the memory still lingers, my win I’ll long remember
like certain select jockeys ‘bout first Tuesday in November.

Jeff Thorpe 25 October 2011 ©

[Bob Pacey]

A good yarn Jeff and a prelude to the Cup I hope ???


Everyone wants a winner.


Bob

[Maureen K Clifford]

This one fair galloped along Jeff - have you managed to win again???

[Jeff Thorpe]

G'day Maureen

No, a one hit wonder that's me. Still the memory's sweet.

Cheers, Jeff