Right Said Fred: In Memory Of The Queen

She was racing’s number one fan – that just cannot be denied.

The Queen, who sadly passed away last week aged 96, just  loved the sport, and as far as I’m concerned, her role is simply irreplaceable.

I read that she had two events ringed in her diary namely the Royal Ascot meeting and the Epsom Derby – and that doesn’t surprise me at all.

Her favourite jockey was Lester Piggott, but it was Willie Carson who won the St Leger wearing the Queens colours aboard Dunfermline, which proved to be Her Majesty’s biggest triumph.

That was back in 1977 – the Silver Jubilee years – when Carson beat the favourite Alleged, ridden by Piggott.

It was an amazing summer in ’77, for it was then that Queen Elizabeth II also presented the Venus Rosewater Dish to Virginia Wade, who won the Wimbledon Singles title.

She of course also presented the World Cup to Bobby Moore at Wembley in ’66, and memorably set the tone for the London Olympic games with a hilarious sketch alongside Daniel Craig’s James Bond in 2012.

Racing was, however, her first love, and although I never met the Queen, I’m well aware of her incredible knowledge and love for the sport.

I’m just hoping that our new King, Charles III, shows the same backing to horse racing.

He’s been to Royal Ascot many times, as have other members of the Royal Family – and it was there that I met the new King.

He took me back a little bit because he formally called me ‘Mr Done’ instead of ‘Fred’ which I’m more commonly known as!

Still, we chatted for a bit, and I do hope he proves to be a huge supporter of horse racing.

Finally, I thought it was wonderful that the Betfred Super League eliminators went on and allowed supporters to show their respect to Her Majesty The Queen.

Both ties – which saw Leeds beat Catalans and my hometown club Salford triumph against-the-odds at Huddersfield – were great advertisements for rugby league.

Now we have EVS favourites Saints, who finished the regular season as league leaders, taking on the in-form Red Devils as they attempt to make it an historic four Grand Final triumphs on the bounce in the big one at Old Trafford on September 24.

Betfred have Wigan second favourites to win the Grand Final at 7/4 with  Leeds and Salford both at 15/2.

Saints’ semi-final clash is on Saturday, 24 hours after Wigan, who finished second in the league, play outsiders Leeds Rhinos in the other one.

Here is Oldham-born Paul Sculthorpe’s view as the season reaches a pivotal point.

The Betfred TV rugby league pundit and double Man of Steel winner writes: “It’s the in-form Salford Red Devils that stand in our way of making it four Betfred Super League grand final appearances in a row - and an opportunity to give coach Kristian Woolf the send off he’s deserves..

“Paul Rowley’s team, who remember I did tip for a semi final spot, are here by beating the Huddersfield Giants by a convincing 26-0. This do or die eliminator was played out on Saturday as Rugby League paid its own tribute to the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth ll.

“There was a difference of opinion around the country whether sport should go ahead or not following the loss of our Monarch. My opinion is we did the right thing, along with cricket and a few other sports, while football decided to cancel all fixtures.

“Her Majesty was a lover of sport, and as a former patron of the Rugby Football League, would be touched by the reception and respect she was shown at all the RL fixtures that went ahead.

“Sport plays a huge part of many people’s lives, be it playing or supporting, and has a positive impact on those involved, sometimes their ‘escape’ from the struggles of day to day life. Rugby League showed it’s respect impeccably and should be proud.

“Back to this weekend's must-win semi final. Unlike against the Salford at the start of the season, Saints know they have to be on top form against probably the form team of the Betfred Super League in the last two months.

“While everyone, including me raves about their attacking ability and insistence on playing what’s in front of them, no matter where the field position, to nil the third place league finishers shows they are no mugs on defence too. One thing clear to see with Salford, they are a tight unit who are prepared to fight for each other.

“A big blow for the visitors though is the absence of key play maker and Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel contender Brodie Croft.

“Croft, left the field with a head injury after an accidental clash with Giants half back Olly Russell. He subsequently failed his HIA test, which automatically rules him out on Saturday. He is a significant loss to Salford, however they proved they are far from a one man team, winning the second half 12-0. His half back partner Marc Sneyd and hooker Andy Ackers taking control and leading Salford to a momentous win.

“So, a lot has been said about the opposition…but the reality is Saints are league leaders champions, and current Betfred Super League champions for a reason…they are the best side in the competition. And, no doubt the talk in the St Helens training ground is about what they can control which is their performance.

“The champions haven’t been at their best for a number of weeks for a number of reasons. There has clearly been a lot of rotation in the team due to a number of factors- injuries, suspensions, but also sitting clear at the top of the table has allowed Kristian to rotate his squad and allow players to freshen up ahead of the ‘business end’ . After a week off as reward for a top two finisher, there’s absolutely no question this week is all about getting his best 17 out there - and firing on all cylinders!

“The big advantage Saints have going in to this game, aside from home support at the Totally Wicked Stadium, is the superior big game experience and ability to lift intensity when required.

“I’m backing them to do just that, starting with a ruthless, aggressive defensive line speed, something they prided themselves on in the first half of the season but feel fell off just recently. If they get back to this, added to the quality attacking threat we pose then a fourth Grand Final awaits. Like Brodie Croft, Jack Welsby is one of the three candidates for the Man of Steel award, and how important could his performance be on Saturday?

“In the other Elimination semi final, Wigan host another team who looked destined to miss out on the play-offs early in the year, the Leeds Rhinos. Like Salford though, they have turned things around when it matters and are now eighty 80 minutes away from an Old Trafford appearance come  September 24.

“Rohan Smith’s men overcame the Catalan Dragons in an Ill-tempered encounter in the South of France, winning 20-10.

“I’m still to be convinced with this Leeds side however, and believe this game will be one too many for the Rhinos.

“Hence setting up yet another Saints-Wigan final, the greatest rivalry in RL, and a repeat of that iconic 2020 Betfred Super League Grand Final.

“Finally, a special mention to one of the old guard in the Saints squad, Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook who has earned himself a further year extension at the ripe old age of 36! In his 13th year at the club since joining from the London Broncos, LMS shows no sign of slowing down as he continues to bring that energy (and noise!) to his teammates. Can he add another couple of Grand Final rings to his collection!?”

Keep an eye out for next week's column to find out how you can win tickets to the Betfred Super League Grand Final, at Old Trafford, on September 24.