'I've had my gravestone done and planned the whole day - I've even done the seating plan, which includes a few little in-jokes'
Sir Mark Prescott treats Lee Mottershead to a rip-roaring evening after ending a 28-year Royal Ascot drought
With apologies to the subject of this interview, there is no need here for any formal introductions.
For a start, we do not have the time. If fortunate enough to spend a late afternoon and early evening in the company of Sir Mark Prescott, you get through a tremendous amount of material. The reason for this latest meeting is his recent return to Royal Ascot's winner's enclosure after an absence of 28 years, yet across four hours the conversation extends to, among other things, horses, training, the future of racing, the future of Prescott, politics, politicians and an unfortunate incident that occurred somewhere north of Wolverhampton. Mindful of all this, you will hopefully appreciate the importance of keeping the preamble short and snappy.
In the wonderful time capsule that has been Prescott's home at Heath House Stables for more than half a century, Mrs Carter is working in the office, while Mrs Buckerfield awaits us in the front room. Mrs Carter (Diane) is the trainer's racing secretary. Mrs Buckerfield (Janet) is a much-respected vet who once worked in Newmarket before emigrating to Australia. She is back home in Britain for a three-month holiday and has been asked by her old friend if she might like to be mother.
Read the full story
Read award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing, with exclusive news, interviews, columns, investigations, stable tours and subscriber-only emails.
Subscribe to unlock
- Racing Post digital newspaper (worth over £100 per month)
- Award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing
- Expert tips from the likes of Tom Segal and Paul Kealy
- Replays and results analysis from all UK and Irish racecourses
- Form study tools including the Pro Card and Horse Tracker
- Extensive archive of statistics covering horses, trainers, jockeys, owners, pedigree and sales data
Already a subscriber?Log in
Published on inThe Big Read
Last updated
- 'I'm not retiring just yet. It'll come to me, I'm sure, but I hate idleness - I haven't had an idle moment in 60 years'
- 'The next target has to be number one spot. It's a massive dream and it's going to be hard, but you have to keep aiming high'
- 'I know how lucky I am. I'm in a very privileged position and not many get the chance I've been given'
- 'You're unfashionable all of a sudden. I was struggling to pay my mortgage, wondering what I was going to do'
- 'Dad can be a grumpy old bugger at times - but he has all those years of experience and you'd be a fool not to use that'
- 'I'm not retiring just yet. It'll come to me, I'm sure, but I hate idleness - I haven't had an idle moment in 60 years'
- 'The next target has to be number one spot. It's a massive dream and it's going to be hard, but you have to keep aiming high'
- 'I know how lucky I am. I'm in a very privileged position and not many get the chance I've been given'
- 'You're unfashionable all of a sudden. I was struggling to pay my mortgage, wondering what I was going to do'
- 'Dad can be a grumpy old bugger at times - but he has all those years of experience and you'd be a fool not to use that'