CLEM AND HAVE A GO..

Byline: JOE PUNTER

THERE have been many wonderful tales of Sir Clement Freud - racing enthusiast, acid wit and all-round good egg - in the wake of the great man's death.

My favourite is told by former trainer Ian Balding, who recounts a charity football match in the early 60s when Clem howfed Tommy Docherty after the legendary hardman had put in one of his Scud missile tackles.

Balding alleges that the Doc was poleaxed and lay on the ground dazed and confused.

A lovely tale but, I suspect, in honour of Freud a wee bit has been left out (as in Tommy picked himself up, bided his time and despatched Clem's legs to different parts of the county).

If there is a different ending I would like a call on the celestial dog and bone from the man who said that he wished when mourners were filing past his coffin someone would say: " I think I saw him move." Brilliant!

I HAD an email from Lynn Healey who, ahead of last week's Scottish Grand National at Ayr, was lamenting the sad number of fatalities on Britain's tracks. She ended by saying her money was already down on Merigo (non-runner) and Hello Bud - the eventual 12-1 winner.

Just one question Lynn: Will you marry me and promise to love, honour, obey ... and keep me in an endless supply of tips?

Another email came from potxolomac which, I suspect, is a nom de plume (unless his or her parents were scrabble fans) querying a pounds 10 win bet on Hello Bud at 14-1 with Ladbrokes.

I'm afraid it's a case of the Pot calling the Magic Sign black here because they were entitled to a Rule 4 deduction from the winnings because of the non-runners at Ayr.

For those who are still unaware, bookies can deduct a certain amount for horses who are usually priced at 12-1 or lower and are withdrawn before a new market has been formed.

GOT a racing query? Write to Joe Punter, Sports Desk, Sunday Mail, One Central Quay, Glasgow G3 8DA or email [e-mail]..