At Fakenham's last meeting before the long summer break he had three rides and was in line to take the David Turner Trophy as leading jockey at the track over the season.

But the afternoon could hardly have got off to a worse start.

On board the odds-on favourite Oumeyade from the top Paul Nichols stable, he seemed to be in a good position to win the Light Dragoons Chase over two miles and five furlongs.

But approaching the fence in front of the main stand with a mile to go he suddenly steered his horse past the obstacle as if he was riding a finish.

I saw his head sink to his chest as soon as he realised his mistake but by then it was too late.

There was no hiding place and the slow walk back to the enclosure accompanied by booing from the big crowd must have been devastating.

These indiscretions are not taken lightly by the stewards and to add insult to injury, Thomas was slapped with a 14- day riding ban, effective from the start of June.

I thought he did well to come out for the next race on the fancied Kaldouas although his mount was no match for the eventual winner Megaton, ridden by Tom O'Brien.

And then on his final engagement of the afternoon, everything suddenly fell into place.

He battled hard to win on Roby de Cimbre in the Michael Dellow Chase, a victory which made him "champion jockey" at Fakenham with five wins since last October.

He thus won, and was presented with the Turner trophy, going from zero to hero in less than two hours. Funny old game, racing!

• Around this time last year, the racecourse hosted its first open-air concert featuring tribute bands playing the music of the Bee Gees and Queen.

Such was the success of the venture, despite a chilly night, that a second gig has been organised for this coming Saturday.

The principal attractions are the Illegal Eagles and the UK Beach Boys supported by Blue on Black.

Gates open at 5.30pm for a 6.30pm start and a firework display will bring down the curtain at around 10.45pm.

Tickets at £20 and £15 are still available on a hotline number 01262 488 007 between 9am and 5.30pm.

And don't forget to bring your own picnic.

• For years now I've been taking Peggy Wescombe to church on Sunday mornings from her home on the Fayre Green protected estate.

Despite failing health, she always had a cheerful smile and a positive word. Sadly, cancer finally caught up with her and she died on Friday, May 16.

There's a fighting spirit about some people which I'm convinced keeps them going far longer than would otherwise be the case.