Robin Oakley

The Turf | 9 February 2008

Robin Oakley surveys the turf

issue 09 February 2008

My favourite, though almost inevitably apocryphal, story from the US elections so far: Hillary Clinton, on a school visit, invites pupils to question her. ‘OK, Mrs Clinton,’ says Benjamin, ‘why did you vote for the Iraq war when now you oppose it? Why did you achieve so little on healthcare reform? And why didn’t you do more about your husband’s philandering?’ As the would-be presidential candidate gulps, the school bell goes off loudly, signalling break, and everybody departs.

When they reassemble it is Elmer’s turn. ‘Why, Mrs Clinton, didn’t you vote against the Iraq war? Why didn’t you do more about Bill’s philandering? Why did you achieve so little on healthcare reform? Oh, and why did the school bell go off 20 minutes early… and where is Benjamin?’

A straight answer is always the best one as we were reminded at Sandown on Saturday when Straw Bear, a potential Champion Hurdle fancy owned by J.P.

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