The characters belong to Eoin Colfer, the Gold Cup belongs to Cheltenham Racecourse and, frequently, to the Irish.


A Racing Certainty

It was the most incredible result for years. The 200-1 one shot had won the Cheltenham Gold Cup: a disaster for most punters.

The Racing Authorities immediately ran every possible drug test but found no trace of doping either in the winner or the losers. Artemis had expected a major inquiry, especially as he had placed such a large bet, but he remained supremely confident he would emerge as white as snow, as well as much richer.

If the Authorities had talked to the horses he'd not have been so sanguine, but talking to horses was impossible…

...unless you were Foaly.


They don't call him pony boy for nothing!