Wisely named birds still coming home to roost for David Oldrey

David Oldrey, widely credited with fundamental acts of race planning which reformed the modern sport, recently managed to avoid a diplomatic incident.

His horse Oriole was one of the original 13 entries for the Newbury maiden which never happened, with a selection of trainers deciding they would boycott the race in protest at not only prize-money at the Berkshire track but as a reflection of wider dissatisfaction at the programme and general administration.

Fortunately, two days before there was need for any discussion of the picket line with his trainer, Ralph Beckett, there was an alternative engagement at Leicester.