Biddles: Admiral's Advice: Picture Box.

This year has not started without some major concerns; the amazing amount of precipitation  and the sad death of my Aunt and one of my sporting heroes jockey/trainer, Terry Biddlecombe, who died on January 2nd at the age of 72, after a long illness.


It was Terry, who indirectly led me in 1967 to a life-long love and appreciation of horse racing; especially 'over the jumps ' at my local course Cheltenam.

It happened, at a time when I was working in Gloucester, in the late 60's at an accounts office of a firm of hydraulic engineers.

In addition to my fortnight's holiday, we were allowed three ' floating days, ' which with management approval, we could take when we wished. In the factory, I was given a tip for  Woodland Venture, running in the Cheltenham Gold Cup that year  and I decided to go and have a look at the races.

I duly had a pound on Woodland at 14/1 and the rest, as they say is history.
  

Woodland was ridden by Terry Biddlecombe and he instantly became my hero. He always seemed to be one of the lads, who you could have drink with in places like Tewkesbury. He rode with a cavalier style, with a great will to win. In my mind's eye I can see him  now driving up the Cheltenham hill on a grey called Sea Tale.  A winning smile, betrayed his quiet determination to get the best out of his mounts.

What, I  have only just  recently learned, was  the day before his Gold Cup ride, Terry had badly torn his knee ligaments, in a fall. But thanks to 'unofficial ' pain-killing injections, he was able to take the mount on my winner. What a brave man!

Before injuries took their toil Terry amassed a grand total of 908 winners and was Champion Jockey on three occasions; 1964- '65; 1965- '66 and 1968 - '69, when he tied with his brother-in-law Bob Davies.

In 1995, Terry married trainer Herietta Knight and became a highly visible part of Knight's training operation; particularly with her star horse ' Best Mate, ' who went on to win three Cheltenham Gold Cups ( 2002- '04 ) ; a feat  last achieved by the great " Arkle " in the 60's.
Pictures of Hen and Terry embracing in the winner's enclosure at Cheltenham remain among the most endearing captured in this sport.

Terry Biddlecombe 1941 - 2014   R. I. P.



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Cheltenham Expects: there are many stars in the Milky Way; in football only 11 stars making the constellation of  victory. COYR



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Here are a few of my recent Photographs:




A peaceful riverside scene captured at Pershore, Worcs.














The Floods at Tewkesbury, ( but it should be noted the town is up and running and ready for business. )







Trees in Hatherley Park.



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Wishing you all a quieter ( weather-wise) week ahead, full of variety and interest.

Cheerio,

Ck.





Comments

  1. Sorry to hear about all the rain and flooding! At least you found one sunny day for photos! That second shot is my favorite. What kind of building is that peeking out from behind the trees?

    ReplyDelete

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