Bugle Reporter in Grand National Sweepstake Timewarp Blunder

A special report from Chief Editor, Jonathan David Abraham

Concern is mounting amongst regular readers of this periodical and drinkers at the Five Bells regarding the recent bizarre time-shifting antics of regular Bugle reporter, Alun Tudor Jones.

Landlord Marten Bland tasked Alun with organizing the Pub's 2002 Grand National sweepstake. Thrilled, Alun took to his task with vigour and his list of runners and riders even included the recent form of the horses and particulars of owners and jockeys. Unfortunately, Alun had selected the wrong year and detailed the horses for the 2001 Grand National.

Alun was proudly trumpeting his own favourite, Papillion as a possible winner and punters in the Public Bar were already digging deep into their pockets for their stake money. Papillion, however, retired last year and Alun's close friend and regular travelling companion Gareth 'Tubs' Davies was alerted to the faux pas and spotted his blunder. He was able to immediately halt proceedings before any money had changed hands.

Embarrassed, Alun quickly exited the Pub via the Lounge Bar, shouting as he went that if Papillion happened to fall then Red Rum would be a dead cert to win this most historic of racing events.

STOP PRESS

Alun Tudor Jones was unavailable for comment. He is believed to have left for London to attend the Millennium celebrations.