What happens to an AGA photographer when racing is postponed? John Beasley - the reluctant tourist!

Every weekend during the pointing season we are treated to some of the finest photographs that you will ever see, and this season we even get a video of the winning jockey as well! Yes, that's right, you will find a video interview on Youtube after each AGA qualifier, no matter where it is in the UK, it will be there, usually the same evening.

John Beasley and the microphone that didn't see any action at
the weekend

However, not this weekend, oh no, not a photo or a video in sight ... or a horse for that matter! Why? Because after the Jedforest meeting became an early victim of Jack Frost, our intrepid photographer was stranded in Edinburgh, 200 miles from the nearest Point-to-Point horse. And that's not all, the return flight to Bournemouth was not due to depart until 8.30pm and he was in possession of the smallest hire car known to man!

This is what John should have been looking at!

So, what do you think he did? How do you keep yourself entertained when you're used to being at the centre of the action for the whole day? We spoke on the telephone not long after the Jedforest decision had been made and my suggestion to go and see War Horse at the cinema was met with a polite "no" - at least I think that's what John said! (I figured that at least he would get to see some equine action).  

Amicelli jumps the last clear of Sea Scout ... but where's John Beasley!

Sheriff Hutton was briefly considered but an 8 hour round trip would have been really pushing it, plus John already had that one covered thanks to his friend John Grossick. So, with a heavy heart John decided to become a tourist for the day, a very reluctant one, but a tourist all the same. However, the trip was not in vain because the trusty video camera was retrieved from the boot of the worlds smallest hire car and put to good use.

The "BGA" - I don't think John's trip to Edinburgh
will feature in next year's edition 

I spoke to John not long before his return flight as he relaxed with a swift half in the departure lounge at Edinburgh airport, he said he had made a film, and this is the result - not an interview with an AGA race winner, but a short film called "Edinburgh in Winter - by the Reluctant Tourist" - http://www.youtube.com/b33zo#p/a/u/0/EENKpGo8qfQ