It’s been a long time between drinks for the famous Gunsynd’s part owner Mr Bill Bishop. After winning most of Australia’s major races with the great grey, Bill had to settle for a few wins in the early 80’s with horses such as Gilu, Garsynd, and Cut A Gun. His partners were Joe Raymond, and Frank McLean with trainer John Hickey.

A few months ago Bill decided to try his luck again and went into partnership with top Brisbane trainer Pat Duff. The horse called Boss Cocky didn’t do much last prep. Was produced first up at the Sunshine Coast last Sunday drew the extreme outside but saluted at the succulent odds of $31.

Reckon former Mayor Tom Sullivan will expect a shout when the pair have their regular “couple of coldies” at the Railway this week.

Trouble at the “Red Hots” with driver Clint Petroff copping a 12-months ban for his drive on Woodlands Boy at a recent Gold Coast meeting. Stewards alleged Petroff eased out and allowed stable mate Disco Superfly to join him in the lead and than “failed to drive with sufficient vigor” allowing Disco Superfly to score by a half head. Petroff has appealed.

Huge crowds during the Papal Visit with all public transport packed. A dishevelled gentleman slightly the worse for wear lurched onto the train, spotted a seat beside a priest and sat down. He smelt strongly of alcohol and cigarettes, and obviously had not bathed for some time. He took a partially torn newspaper out of his pocket and began to read. After a few minutes he turned to the priest and asked, “Say Father, what causes arthritis?”

The priest slightly annoyed looked at the drunk and replied, “It’s caused by too much alcohol, excessive smoking, running around with loose women and lack of a bath.” The drunk muttered, “Well I’ll be darned,” and went back to reading his paper.

The priest, thinking about what he had said nudged the drunk and apologised. “I’m sorry for what I said my son. How long have you had arthritis?”

“I don’t Father,” replied the drunk, “I was just reading here that the Pope does.”