Spuds came into the yard with his wife Sandra today; a rare visitor. "We're off to the Point-to-Point today, Branston. I'll just take you for your ten-minute walk, then you can carry on convalescing. However, if I lose everything, you'll have to go you know". And leaving me with that cheering thought, they departed.

The Point-to-Point was held at Barbury Castle racecourse, near Marlborough. Spuds was late arriving due to having taken me for my exercise, and the first race had already begun. As he drove up to the entrance, he was amazed to see a riderless horse come galloping up the hill straight towards his car. "This car's fated", he said to Sandra as they ducked down. However, a few yards in front of them was a wire fence, and the horse attempted to jump it; tripped over the top strand; somersaulted in the air, then got unsteadily to his feet. He was quickly grabbed by a passer-by. A few moments later Spuds was nearly forced off the track by an anxious-looking man racing in the opposite direction on an ATV; the owner.

For the next race, Spuds and Sandra stood by the collecting ring to assess the talent. "Look at the conformation on that one. Look at the condition. Look at its attitude. I'll back it" said Spuds.

"I'll back that one", said Sandra. "I do so like the colours the jockey's wearing".

Sandra's horse paid out on a place; Spuds' horse came nowhere.

On the next race Spuds backed a horse whose owner he knew; Sandra backed one because the jockey's colours included a Cross of Lorraine. She won again.

The next race was closed to Blankshire subscribers. In an attempt to curry favour, Spuds backed the horse belonging to the lovely lady Joint-Master. The unfortunate animal swallowed its tongue half way round, and had to be pulled up (it recovered).

"This is ridiculous" said Spuds at the rail of the collecting ring for the next race. "I'm getting nowhere. To hell with science and loyalty. I'm going to back that horse there because his face reminds me of Branston."

And, bless him, Allweather rolled in first at 8 to 1 and saved the day for Spuds' wallet.

Spuds tried the same technique on the remaining races, but with less spectacular success. At the end of the day he came home no worse off, and having enjoyed an exciting and pleasant day out.