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Alan Morgan - 10 years gone

Talk of Brian (Lord) H reminds me one of the first weekends I visited Cheltenham for the Open Meeting.

We had all arranged to meet in the car park outside quite early for 'lunch'. I can't recall who's Land/Range Rover it was but we had a fantastic time. I brought two bottles of Bollinger and others brought along all sorts of eats and bevvy.

I remember meeting forum stalwarts such as Lord H, Relkeel, PDJ, Shadow Leader, Jinnyj, among others, and the one who made the longest-lasting impression on me, Harry (can't recall his surname) from Brighton. I was p1shed before entering the course! It was a brilliant day.

I don't think it could have been the weekend Rooster Booster won the Greatwood. I only remember meeting Ardross & Terry that day. I remember standing in one of the bars that day telling anyone that would listen - Terry wouldn't - that not only would old Foghorn Leghorn win under top weight that day but he'd also go on to p1sh the Champion Hurdle. When he did win the Greatwood, even Terry was turning towards him.

No, I think the car park beano might have been the year Lingo won the Greatwood; the day I met Maruco.

Happy days.
 
That was a memorable and enjoyable day at Lingfield. An assorted, interesting and knowledgeable group of characters. Stodge was the best I've met at reading the AW and I miss his informative contributions which frequently resulted in oft needed additions to my betting pot.
A good way to commemorate a good man.
PS. To top it all I had a very good betting day even getting the forecast on Alan's race. I still know nowt about the AW.
 
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Desert Orchid said:
Talk of Brian (Lord) H reminds me one of the first weekends I visited Cheltenham for the Open Meeting.

We had all arranged to meet in the car park outside quite early for 'lunch'. I can't recall who's Land/Range Rover it was but we had a fantastic time. I brought two bottles of Bollinger and others brought along all sorts of eats and bevvy.

I remember meeting forum stalwarts such as Lord H, Relkeel, PDJ, Shadow Leader, Jinnyj, among others, and the one who made the longest-lasting impression on me, Harry (can't recall his surname) from Brighton. I was p1shed before entering the course! It was a brilliant day.

I don't think it could have been the weekend Rooster Booster won the Greatwood. I only remember meeting Ardross & Terry that day. I remember standing in one of the bars that day telling anyone that would listen - Terry wouldn't - that not only would old Foghorn Leghorn win under top weight that day but he'd also go on to p1sh the Champion Hurdle. When he did win the Greatwood, even Terry was turning towards him.

No, I think the car park beano might have been the year Lingo won the Greatwood; the day I met Maruco.

Happy days.
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DO - you must be thinking of DIVER - who I got on very badly with on forum and liked a great deal in person .
 
Ardross said:
DO - you must be thinking of DIVER - who I got on very badly with on forum and liked a great deal in person .
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It was indeed Diver, and also the year Lingo won the Greatwood. Fond memories indeed.

I used to look in regularly really from the start of the century but didn't actually join until shorty after Alan's passing. I knew enough from 'lurking' though that Alan was just a great guy. It certainly doesn't seem like 10 years ago.

But that's the great thing though isn't. This place, and for me Neigh before it, isn't just about the day to day horse racing banter, I've also made friends who'll remain so for the rest of my life. We share a common passion and bond, and it never ceases to amaze me what a good bunch of people genuine horse racing fans are.

Alan, although I never met or spoke to him, is responsible for me meeting people I never would have who are still friends today 10 years on.

Cheers up there Alan. Now could you send a sign to Grassy to show him the error of his ways! :D
 
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I can't believe its been 10 years either. I remember seeing a post about it, having to quickly delete it until I got confirmation, then making a new one. Also remember seeing the bit on ATR about him.
He was a lovely man, and did loads to promote this forum elsewhere, I can guarantee we wouldn't be what we are now if not for his efforts.
The race day etc showed how popular he was, and hope his family might one day pop in and see, even 10 years later, just how popular he was and that he is still remembered.
 
Maruco said:
It was indeed Diver, and also the year Lingo won the Greatwood. Fond memories indeed.
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Yes, Diver and he was from Bristol and not Brighton.

(And just for extra clarification, the beano was on the Saturday although we may have dealt with the leftovers on the Sunday.)
 
Looks like Krizon has a new job at Fontwell

Picture by Roy Waterhouse

Fontwell_zpse932a553.jpg
 
The last time I was racing with Alan was, I think in 2003 at Newbury. There was a charity flat race after the last and Zoey Birdwas riding in it. Alan, being Alan, had led us into a hospitality tent where Zoey was wit her Mum and Dad. We accepted a glass of something from Zoey's Dad while Alan asked her about her chances. Zoey said the everyone knew that Looks Like Trouble (yes, the 2,000 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner) would win it.
Everyone didn't include us as we didn't even know he was running - but we did now. There were a couple of bookmakers with whom I had accounts but they were very happy to tell me that they wwouldn't be betting on the charity race but some firms in Tatts priced up and though it's difficult to believe Looks Like Trouble was priced up at 4/1. Today you wouldn't get on for sure but our bets were accepted and, ridden by Brendan Powell - I suppose these days I have ro say senior - he won as he liked.
 
Just seen the photo - that has to be the last time I wore a pinstripe suit to the races.
Lingfield was chosen as one of Alan's best racing memories was at the course. Delicacy forbids me from going into detail, suffice it to say that there was a race running at the time but he missed it.

The funeral was a happy celebration of Alan's too short life with more laughter than is usual at such events. The vicar was a double for Dawn French's character in 'The Vicar of Dibley' and in the pub later we all agreed that she modelled herself on her.

The coffin was carried into the church to Slim Dusty's "Oh Lord it's hard to be humble (when you're perfect in every way" and when as it was slowly disappearing behind the curtain the congregation we treated to the voice Freddie Mercury with "Don't Stop Me Now". I wasn't the only one who burst out laughing.
 

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