Passing of a Press room legend

The press rooms in the north are not were they used to and they lost one of very few remaining legends when it was announced on Wednesday that John Budden has passed away. A former headmaster, John was still working in his early 80s and had so much enthuiasm for the sport. He wrote for numerous publications including The Sporting Life, Raceform Racing & Football Outlook and his local paper The Cumberland News. Very close to the Richards stable at Greystoke, he wrote a book about 'The Boss,' the late Gordon W.Richards. John was a commentator and racecourse announcer at Musselburgh for many years and I was lucky enough to have a meal and spend most of the evening into the small hours one time in Ayr, along with another legend who is no longer with us Ray Gilpin. He had some terrific stories to tell. Famous for the 'Budden fiver,' John will be sadly missed. Ironically, I am heading to his favourite track, Carlisle, on Thursday.