Spectator competition: a paean to Red Rum (plus: famous writers’ job applications)

Thanks to David Pearn, who suggested that I invite competitors to write a paean to a famous racehorse and drew my attention to Right Royal, John Masefield’s 1920 fine narrative poem about a steeplechaser. It was strong field of champions past — Shergar, Desert Orchid, Frankel, Dawn Run — and present — this year’s victor at Aintree, Many Clouds. Peter Goulding made me smile with his tribute to the 100/1 long shot Foinavon. P.C. Parrish, Roger Theobald and Jane Dards were also unlucky to miss out on a place in the winners’ enclosure. I could almost hear the thunder of hooves as I read Chris O’Carroll’s bonus fiver-winning entry. His fellow winners take £25 each.

Chris O’Carroll O equine Nelson, crippled yet victorious, The bone disease that made your gait laborious Rendered the glory you achieved more glorious. You suffered and did not succumb, Red Rum!

Great hero of the greatest steeplechase, Thrice in a five-year span you won the race, And also finished twice in second place.