After refusing to load into his horse box, Dobbin has missed his opportunity to race at Ascot. Dobbin is owned by a syndicate and part owner Alexa was very disappointed as she had got herself dressed just right for the ocassion.

Alexa was unable to comment on her horses bad behaviour but a bystander reported that his oat ration would be cut back with immediate effect. ‘It’s normally ponies that go mad on oats’ he said, adding ‘this could mean disaster for Dobbin as he needs as much exposure in the racing arena as possible, if he is going to get any chance of winning anything.’