'Brimming with talent. Longrigg is a real discovery.' "New Statesman" Surrounded by photographs, Major Desmond Cook exists quietly and alcoholically in his Baker Street flat. His days are spent at race meetings, fuelled by a dream of winning 30,000. As far as he's concerned, it's a modest-enough sum; and one which will allow him to live out his remaining days in comfort. But one day, an Irishman tips him a rank outsider for the fourth race at Ascot...