APROPOS funny incidents in a car (Letters, March 30), my friend Richard Boddy had a very hilarious experience on a main York race day.
We were both glider pilots at York Gliding Centre at Rufforth and on the big race days the jockeys would fly in and land at our airfield in their private aircraft.
Top jockey Willy Carson landed but his taxi failed to pick him up, and he was late and anxious.
He looked at Richard and said: “ Can you take me to the racecourse now?”
Willy jumped into Richard’s company car – he worked for British Rail and had a little Chrysler Sunbeam Horizon with the British Rail logo emblazoned on each side.
They rushed to the A64 and promptly got stuck in a traffic jam.
Willy was desperate when a police motorcyclist stopped alongside by chance. Willy wound the window down and shouted to him.
“What are you doing there Willy?” said the officer.
“I’ve got to get to the racecourse officer – can you help?” he said.
“Don’t worry Willy, follow me.” He turned on the blue lights and sirens, overtaking the stationary cars.
Richard was exhilarated and mortified with the British Rail car having a royal escort – to be joined further up by another police outrider as they raced down Tadcaster Road to York Racecourse.
It has a happy ending – they made it in time for Willy’s first race.
Keith Massey, Bishopthorpe, York
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