Alastair Down's speech, published in the RP, was written for yesterday's celebration of Terry's life. If anything it was even better (and funnier) read.
There were probably over two hundred there in Cheltenham's Panoramic Restaurant, including many trainers and jockeys. It started at noon and the bar closed at five - I'll leave you to guess which trainers ran the entire course.
Edward Gillespie opened the event by telling us what we were going to hear and see. Then there was a film initiated by Jim McGrath, who did the voice-over, with the aid of the Channel 4 technical team. This showed some of Terry's greatest races, then some of the top races that were won by Hen and Terry's runners. Also some of his extramural activities - but nothing X rated.
Alastair Down's tribute speech followed. The laughs were many and loud and the applause was lasting. Hen told me later that Terry had asked Alastair to speak when the time came.
David Mould and Bill Smith then told some stories from the past - those that could be recounted before the nine o'clock watershed. There was more laughter, and much of it.
Just a sample - David Mould said "I loved Terry, but not in such a way that I expected I'd ever wake up in the same bed. But that's what happened after some heavy partying ona day when we'd both ridden winners. I woke him and asked what the f*** happened?" He said "Buggered if I know Mouldy, but it appears that the third party has already left".
Hen was the final speaker and she talked of Terry, thanked everyone for being there and those who had organised the day.
The tab was picked up by (Lord) Sam Vestey, Hen and Terry's brother-in-law and as he was away in Brazil he missed a good spread. All the wines were from his vineyards in Australia.
Terry would have relished it!
