Evertonians race to honour legend Ball

Apr 25 2008 by Chris Wright, Liverpool Daily Post

ONE year on from his sad death Evertonians will have the chance to remember one of their favourite sons, Alan Ball, at another place he loved – Goodwood racecourse.

A race in honour of the former Everton and England midfielder will be run at the Sussex track on Wednesday, May 21 with proceeds going to a charity of his family’s choosing.

It will be a year tomorrow since World Cup winner Ball, who made 975 appearances and was capped by England 72 times in a 21-year career, suffered a heart attack and died at the age of 61. He played for several clubs including Blackpool, Arsenal and Southampton, as well as managing Portsmouth, Southampton and Manchester City. But it was at Everton, for whom he made 250 appearances and scored 78 goals, where he is most fondly remembered.

He was also keen devotee of the Turf and owned a number racehorses including Pic Up Sticks. He played with trainer Mick Channon at Southampton and also managed another footballer-turned-trainer Mick Quinn at Fratton Park.

The race is the brainchild of Charlie McCann, a lifelong Evertonian and head of PR for bookmakers Stan James and BetDirect, and he has been searching for an fitting way to remember one of his Goodison heroes.

McCann, who used to watch Ball from the terraces as a youngster, also works for Talksport radio and fellow host and Evertonian Mick Parry will also be contributing.

McCann said: “Just before his death a tip from Alan was passed on to me. A horse called Gunshot trained by Mick Channon, who was mates with Bally, won at 10-1. I had £50 on it and ever since I have been looking for something fitting as a tribute to Alan to put the money to.

“He was a great Evertonian and although he played at several clubs it was at Goodison where he is most fondly remembered.

“He loved his racing and Goodwood was also his local and one of his favourite tracks so it made sense to try and honour him in this way.

“Alan’s brother Jimmy and some of his family are expected to be there and any proceeds from the race will go to a charity of Jimmy’s choosing.”

Stan James will also be giving Jimmy a free ‘no lose’ £2,000 bet with proceeds also going to charity.

McCann is hoping the race can be won by an Everton-supporting jockey with the likes of Martin Dwyer, Liam Jones and Paul Fessey among those who may be involved.

Dual Classic-winning rider Dwyer, who comes from Whiston and is a passionate Evertonian, said: “Hopefully I will be there to ride in the race. It would be great to be a part of it because he was a great man.

“I have met his son Jimmy a few times and as an Evertonian I will hopefully be involved and to win it would be special.”

If any Evertonians want to contribute to the race or be at Goodwood they can contact Charlie for more details on 0207 257 8449, 078032295931 or e-mail at cmccann@stanjames.com