New Statesman Scotland
Racecourse bookies' tic-tac is baffling to the average punter at the best of times. But last week at a racecourse in the south of England it was worse than usual, resembling a form of crazed, high-speed semaphore. The reason? Running in the 3.30 were two horses called Clinton and Lewinsky. Curiously Clinton was a gelding. However, his trainers said that he had a voracious appetite, apparently very keen on his oats, but was a real "goer" and one that stayed the distance. Lewinsky was considered a frolicsome filly in her stables with a reputation for putting studs through their paces out on the downs; but was nonetheless an excellent mount.
The going was soft to firm, albeit tacky in places - ideal conditions for both. Moreover the course was oval shaped, making Clinton, in particular, feel very much at home. Overhead conditions were good despite some dark clouds in the sky.
And then, after the tic-tac men had had their fun, they were off - the race that is. Over the first few furlongs Lewinsky was ahead and stayed outwith Clinton's reach despite his efforts to get closer to her. Slowly, he began to rein her in and down the back straight they were pounding away hell for leather. They hit the home straight neck and neck. There was nothing between them. Then, yards before the tape, Clinton, nostrils flaring and panting furiously, produced a final spurt to take Lewinsky and edge home by a short head.
Clinton looked satisfied with his efforts, but Lewinsky appeared dazed. Allegations of hanky-panky arose and a stewards' inquiry will be held. Forensic tests are to be carried out.
The word "head" figures frequently in sport - "Up go the heads", "the team's heads are down", "going head-to-head". The latter expression has particular resonance for the American pro footballer Mark Carrier of Detroit Lions. It seems that his predilection is not so much with putting the head on opponents but rather putting the helmet on them. Enough to make your eyes water, just thinking about it. His most recent transgression left the Green Bay receiver Antonio Freeman concussed, himself suspended and his pocket lighter by $50,000 in fines.
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