I don't think any of you know just how brassed off I am.

I was all ready to make my debut this week on either Tuesday or Wednesday and when it was agreed I'd go for Catterick on Wednesday I got myself all psyched up only to be withdrawn over some poxy technicality.

Then I was entered for York this Sunday but, of course, those darned technicalities reared up their ugly heads again and forced me out.

I really thought I was going to get the red carpet treatment - but instead I've just got red tape.

That was especially galling - what a thrill it would have been to race in front of my home fans on Knavesmire, at my very own meeting, the Evening Press Raceday.

Of course, it's not exactly 'my' raceday, but both it and me are named after the newspaper, who are sponsoring the event.

Apparently it was a real success last year and I was looking forward to going myself this year - not only to race but also to get my face painted or even have a go on Equicisor, a racehorse simulator.

It might have looked a bit weird, a horse riding a mechanical simulator in Tattersalls, but I wouldn't mind knowing what it feels like to be a jockey.

Anyway, I know many people were looking forward to seeing me in action - but I can promise you I was looking forward to running a lot more.

Still, I suppose I can't get too down as I have the Newcastle meet to look forward to on September 10.

And, of course, I'm not the only person, I mean animal, in the world to have suffered bad luck.

Thinking about it, us Evening Press sport columnists have had a real up-and-down week.

You see, I was lifted by the thought of having my first race then got withdrawn; while Chris Silverwood, the Yorkshire cricketer, enjoyed the thrill of winning the Championship then got turned down by the England selectors.

Furthermore, York City manager Terry Dolan, who now has a column in the paper too, saw his side win on Saturday but lose on Tuesday.

It's funny how these things happen in threes.

I suppose we'll all have to pray that the same kind of thing doesn't happen to England against Germany tomorrow - ie score one goal then concede two.

Anyway, best go. I'm off to buy my England shirt and a crate of Stella, I mean water, in readiness for the match.

Regards,

Evening Press.

Updated: 14:56 Friday, August 31, 2001