THE ASCOT BELL
Destiny answers when fate comes a calling
For some it’s a blessing, for others appalling
For all there’s a point when we’re faced with a truth
Whether Life, Death or Taxes, Rum, Scotch or Vermouth
And for Race fans such moments are found on the course
When the field turns for home and you ask, ‘where’s my horse’
And you pray, as connections, or one with a bet
That the subsequent outcome’s not one you’ll regret
Now of all the arena’s, there’s one where you know
That the moment is on, the excuse has to go
When the wheat drops the chaff and the race comes to life
And you don’t give a damn about hats or the wife
Do I speak of the corner beneath Tattenham Hill
Or the fence before Becher’s, do I speak of the thrill
When the field hits the Bushes, when Heaven meets Hell
No I speak of a sound and that sound is a Bell
Unique in her calling, her tone strikes a fear
And she conjures up memories that last through the years
Did Bustino and Grundy to her chime so decide
That the Race of the Century was theirs to provide
Does a Jockey wake up in the depths of the night
Does he hear her, recoiling; does he relive the plight
When he should have been somewhere, but couldn’t be found
And upon the crowd favourite, can’t make up the ground
For the owners and trainers who’s victories she’s rung
For Beeswing, Sagaro, The Flying Dutchman
For Ardross, for Generous, avenged Dancing Brave
Her ring was like music they took to the grave
But the flip-side is harsh and the list there is long
Of the days when fate chose a more punishing song
When tears flowed and names didn’t make honour’s roll
Look back and you’ll find out for whom the bell tolls.
So how do you feel when you hear that bell ring
Does she peel, does she toll a death knell, does she sing
Well she heralds a moment for all in this game
And she treats two imposters as one, just the same
Enthralled I shall stand and I’ll listen and wait
For the instant that’s right, wrong, too soon or too late
For the signal she gives that says all in life’s well
Or I’m doomed, like my horse by the great Ascot Bell
©Henry Birtles