IRISH harness horsemen have had Scotland firmly in their thoughts in recent weeks. For over 20 years the threat of closure has loomed over the charming little track at Bannockburn, Corbie Wood Stadium.

Following a series of ‘gallows’ reprieves over the years, the Scottish Harness Racing Club got notice to quit the site before Christmas. A feast of nostalgia filled social media with one name dominating Scottish trotting over six decades: John Penman Menzies.