What's in a name?

Did you watch the Grand National last weekend?

I've never really understood why people get so excited by it but I decided to try and get into the spirit of it by putting a few bets down.

I decided to go for a very scientific approach and pick ones with names that I liked.

The first one that stood out for me was Mr Pointment. Very good, that. I think fate was surely telling me something. No matter how hard I try, I always end up being late for things, no matter how early I set off. As I'd managed to miss my opticians appointment that morning I thought Lady Luck was smiling down on me. So I backed Mr Pointment, a few quid each way, I think it was about 25/1. Then I saw a horse called Simon. No stupid, poncey name that most racehorses have. Just Simon. So I had to back him, again, couple of quid each way, can't remember the odds. And Slim Pickings, I recognised the name and knew it had done OK in previous years.

I settled down to watch the race. All my horses got off to a decent start. As the race went on, Mr Pointment got closer to the front and then into the lead. Several fences to go, still in the lead, with Slim Pickings 4th, I was very nearly getting excited and planning what to spend my winnings on. Stupid that. Mr Pointment by name, Mr Pointment by nature. About 3 fences from the end, he obviously decided he was doing far too well and running the risk of making his appointment of being 1st over the finish line. So he slowed down. And slowed down. And slowed down a bit more. Just enough for about 7 horses to overtake. Neigh neigh. I got a few quid back from Slim Pickings finishing 4th.

A horse called Comply Or Die won. Thinking about it, I should really have backed that. It would have been told to win the race or else and if it didn't comply, well, it would have been curtains for it. Obviously. Maybe I shouldn't think too much. I'm confusing myself.

I'll leave you to ponder the point of this post.

Over and out

NLO