On Epsom Downs

It is nice to recall past moments 
that brightened one’s life
like a picnic on Epsom Downs
and watching a brilliant horserace.

I remember the day, in 1981,
when Shergar won the Derby.
Young Walter Swinburn
took him ably past the finish
by a good ten lengths.

We had come on a day outing
organised by our social club;
We did not have to pay to get in
and we made our own way around.

The bookies overcame the hubbub
by giving odds with hand signals.
The favourite at 10-11 didn’t appeal
so I chanced my measly ten bob
on a horse called Glint of Gold.

I didn’t need to be told
that his name was a good omen.
He came second at 13 to one
so not everything was lost.

It wasn’t a fortune I got back
– I was more or less even –
but what pleased me most
was seeing all those thoroughbreds
taking  part in a splendid contest.

© Luigi Pagano