Well Ladies and Gentlemen, are you still with us? The punters...

Well Ladies and Gentlemen, are you still with us? The punters eyeballs are hanging out with weariness as they contemplate a further extension of this race. Red eyes abound as they stare into the gloom trying to make head or tail of the race conditions. The horses are flagging as the extra lap puts the winning post once again again again again again again again again in the distance. Metal storm is losing pace and the question is whether he'll be able to get to the finish line without being taken off the course and put into care.

The stable master has instructed the jockey to slow the pace hoping that there will be just enough energy left in Metal Storm's withering frame just to get around the course so he can be rejuvenated by the rich reward that this race offers should he get across the line. Allfup is now shoulder to shoulder with Metal Storm, just waiting to make his break and take the lead. Poorholder, well what can you say punters, except what magnificent courage and fortitude that horse is displaying in the face of such gross odds. The bookies are still doing well as the punters continue to place bets and the odds have not been raised as much as might be expected.

As expected, Whatamess is now in the lead and is the only one still showing the strength and fortitude to complete the race in good condition. The cheering punters are now somewhat subdued having worn out their vocal cords with all the shouting and are now standing and lolling about with hang dog expressions as they contemplate the trip to the pawn brokers tomorrow or early next week.

The stable master must be feeling a bit down at this stage having negotiated several years of much needed feed and supplies in order to keep racing only to be faced with these disastroues delays. The feed supplier claims that the supplies have been dispatched and it is all the fault of the shipping company for not delivering as expected. Well, I suppose when they are coming by such a ciruitous route via the Phillipines, British Virgin Islands and Hong Kong one must expect some delays. At least we can be thankful that the Maritime Union is not involved in this one! Perhaps James Bond should be called in to ascertain if Dr. No has got a hand in this and is aiming to get his evil hands on Metal Storm and take him off to his secret island?

Ah yes, Ladies and Gentlemen, mysteries abound! However, if you have the great patience, fortitude and endurance to be still reading this stuff, good luck and I congratulate you! The race will soon be over (well, ok, I know that's what we said last week, but this time it really is true, isn't it? ).