WITH the never-ending hoofbeats of a legendary racehorse still thundering in his heart, Red Rum's former stable lad Billy Ellison has made a heartfelt plea to the Citizen.

In a pained letter to the Editor - which also contained a completed entry form for our super Win A Great Day At The Races competition - Billy said:

"As I've led Red Rum into the winning enclosure nearly 20 times, I wondered if I could help or be of assistance to you on the day of the Aintree Beecher's Meeting later this month."

He went on: "I am putting my entry into the hat in the hope I might win because it would be nice to visit his grave again.

"To be honest, I am on Income Support through racing injuries."

So, the Citizen jumped at the chance to help Billy relive his dreams of the famous horse he loved (and still loves) so much, by inviting him to come along as our guest to the second day of the meeting on November 23.

With tears in his eyes, delighted Billy said: "You have no idea how much visiting Rummy's resting place at Aintree again means to me - thank you."

Unfortunately, at present Billy cannot walk properly due to problems with his hips - which he claims has been caused through years of riding out on the gallops.

However, Billy of Osborne Road, South Shore, has vowed that when his injuries have been corrected he will ride high once again.

He said: "Horses are my life and I can't ever imagine life without them."

And of his old pal Rummy, Billy said: "When I die I want my ashes spread over his grave.

"That way I will be close to him forever."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.