"LIKE A BAT OUT OF HELL"......This probably best describes the way Muffin left the stalls at the beginning of the race. Anyone not realising that he had been given draw 14 (the KILLER, according to the racing press), could be forgiven for thinking that maybe his tail was on fire!!!

When we met up with Stuart, Judy, and our fellow Guilders Jason, Peter, Andy and their guests, the killer draw was I'm sure a big concern for us all, which left Stuart with only one piece of tactical instruction for Daryl Holland, "just get him out as quickly as possible, and try to get him over with the pack".

To say that Daryl took this instruction literally, would be an understatement, The Boy Flew, and within seconds, was leading the race by what seemed like miles. He continued at this pace for some five and a half furlongs, after which he was begrudgingly caught by the eventual first and second placed horses, Daaweitza and Gallantry, who, incidentally, were drawn 5 & 4 respectively.

Once we'd recovered from our delirium over Muffin's 3rd place finish, we made our way back to the Winners Enclosure and awaited his return. He sauntered into the ring to probably more applause than the winner received himself, and was looking very pleased with himself (as usual).

When Daryl Holland dismounted he was absolutely beaming, as the draw had obvioulsy been an concern for him too, but, in his words "he's so easy", "a genuine horse who doesn't need a lot of riding, I just pointed him and off he went", "I'd love the opportunity to ride him on soft ground", "with a better draw, he would have won today". I don't think any of us would disagree with these comments.

After big pats on his cheek and lots of rubbing of his nose (Muffin, not Daryl), he was led off to the stables, leaving us to head back to the O/T 'Pavillion' for a celebratory drink or two.....or three!!

Another great day out with the Guild, and it was lovely to meet up with Jason and Dawn for the first time, and to see Peter and Andy again.

As Ever, Humungous thanks to Stuart, Judy and the team, and congratulations to Daryl Holland for a great ride, (although, by his own admission, Muffin would probably have done just as well on his own!!!!).

That's All Folks.

Bye for now.

Jackie