Colin in Racing Colours

By Merv Lambert

At Aintree just before the Grand National race sometime in the 1950s Colin is mistaken for a top jockey. The magic bookmark steers him through the big race aided by M, who jumps the fences too, actually finishing ahead of Colin's winning horse Elvis. To Olivia's amazement Colin's grandad, the real jockey appears. He is the spitting image of Colin! 'The Thorpeness Monster' is M in disguise. The magic Phoenix bookmark plays a joke on Olivia and Colin. In the quaint Suffolk village they foil a pair of rather nasty brothers. 'Colin in the Blitz' sees Colin, Sammy and M involved in rescuing people from a bombed building in the London Blitz of 1940. This leads to Colin meeting a V.I.P. 'Saving John Scorbo' finds Colin and co. once again at Aintree. This time they rescue John Scorbo and Grandad from the Creepy Crawley Gang. M provides an astounding 'walking' grandfather clock climax before Grandad and Colin swap roles to keep their identities secret - even from their friends!

• Language: English
• Publisher: AUK Kids
• Release date: Sep 28, 2011
• ISBN: 9781849896764

Book preview

Jasper.’’

Colin in Racing Colours

Olivia and Colin had talked about going to the races and Mr. Jellysox had agreed to look after Sammy for them. It had not occurred to them that Colin’s special book would take them to the most famous horse-race in England, nor that M would accompany them. However, that is what happened. The bookmark glowed merrily in Colin’s pocket, almost as if enjoying a private joke. One moment they were at home and Colin was just opening the book. The next they were on another adventure.

When Olivia looked at Colin, she saw that he was wearing a smart, long, dark grey overcoat. When Colin looked at Olivia, he saw his beautiful wife dressed in a long coat, also grey, a neat hat and smart comfortable black boots.

Wow! she said. Guess where we are. Both Colin and M were smiling back at her, looking puzzled.

We’re at Aintree, for the Grand National! she exclaimed, clapping her hands excitedly.

"Yes, but when are we there? wondered Colin. The grandstand’s over there." As he turned to point in that direction, a portly figure, very smartly dressed, came bearing down on them, looking red-faced and angry.

What are you doing hanging about here? Come on! You’re late already! My wife, Lady Fallowfield, will be furious. She doesn’t like slackers.

The bookmark pulsed reassuringly in Colin’s pocket. He decided to go along with what this rather pompous but amusing man was saying. Instinctively he knew who or rather what he was now.

O.K., Lord Fallowfield, he said. By the way, this is my wife Olivia.

Oh! Lord Fallowfield was taken aback. He raised his hat politely before saying, Sorry, my dear. I must rush your husband away. He’s urgently needed elsewhere.

That’s all right. I’m coming too, said Olivia, and all three fell into step, followed by M, who was of course not seen by Lord Fallowfield.

Placing a hand on Colin’s shoulder, he said, Go on! Our trainer’s waiting for you in the changing-rooms over there. You know what Ned Sarkey’s like, don’t you? He’s usually in a bad mood at the best of times. Yes, yes, get on. Go! I’ll take your wife to meet mine. Off you go and good luck!

Colin shrugged and gave Olivia a ‘What-can-I-do-about-it?’ smile. She grinned back at him. See you later. You’ll be fine. With that she allowed herself to be led away by Lord Fallowfield. M trotted invisibly behind Colin.

On entering the jockeys’ changing-room, Colin saw the benches around the walls and a crowd of jockeys, who had changed into their colours for the big race. Some were sitting quietly. Others were pacing up and down. A thin, balding, middle-aged man, who was obviously a jockey’s valet ran up to Colin and said, You’re late! Ned Sarkey’s been looking everywhere for you. Come on! Let’s get you ready for the race!

Soon Colin was dressed in his racing silks. His cap was red, green and silver, and he wore a matching racing top. He felt very comfortable in his outfit, especially his riding-boots.

Thank you, he said, as the valet handed him his whip.

Don’t keep Ned Sarkey waiting any longer, was the reply.

Colin hurried out to be met by a shortish, sharp-featured man, who seemed just able to keep his bad temper in check.

There you are at last! he snapped. Been looking for you everywhere. Just don’t go messing things up like last time. Concentrate and keep him in the main forward bunch, if you can, until three fences from home. Then let him loose. Big Bird knows what to do. Little did he know that M