CLAY PROCLAIMS INNOCENCE AFTER AYR RACE DISASTER [19/07/09 10:18:44]
Abberton's controversial Secretary Ray Clay became embroiled in yet another sporting sensation this week when it was alleged that he caused the abandonment of Ayr's race meeting on Monday. The Racing Post headlines the following day (see below right) left readers in no doubt that the balding administration supremo from the neighbouring village of Layer-de-la-Haye was the reason behind a number of horse slipping on the final bend in the first race.
The Jockey Club were quick to issue a statement after 'freak winds' caused a pile-up as the runners entered the straight in the Angus MacSporran Listed stakes, a mile long event for maiden fillies.
Brigadier Henry Fircombe-Hall (retd) reported that the Stewards at the Ayrside track had interiewed the jockeys involved in the unfortunate incident and they were united in their belief that a light breeze had suddenly turned into "incredible winds of almost gale force proportions" after a spectator was seen to twitch his head suddenly at the three furlong pole. After investigation, Mr Clay and his wife were released from potential charges of trying to pervert the outcome of the race after it emerged that the long-suffering Barbara's 50p placepot ticket would have been a loser.
The Clays had been visiting the racetrack as a precursor to their annual pilgimrage to the British Open golf championship, this year staged at nearby Turnberry. Barbara was too distressed to comment but the chainsmoking, brandy-swilling Mr Clay (pictured left) immediately poclaimed his innocence. "Its an absolute disgrace" he fumed, "There is no way that my ears could have caused a movement of air sufficient to cause those poor horses to fall."
Angry punters gathered outside the Stewards' room as the matter was being debated inside. One of them, Mr Jock MacLockyer from Edinburgh, told the website "That big earred b***ard cost me two grand. My horse was leading as they came round the turn and he dliberately inclined his head resulting in a massive draught. He should be banned for life, the c***".
