TOR BLIMEY, HE MUST EAT WELL

Robert Cooper reckons we should take diet tips from the horses

- Robert Cooper

It has become an established fact that we humans are living longer these days; the well-worn biblical total of ‘three score years and ten’ (yes, 70) has thankfully been surpassed. Anyone who doesn't fancy getting a centurion’s birthday card from the monarch should reflect on Rolling Stone Keith Richards’ wise words: “The older I get, the older I wanna get.”

Keith is a biological miracle; the 82-year-old rock star’s lifestyle is hardly verification to an alcohol-free diet of yoghourt and pumpkin seeds. Genetics surely play a leading role; some bloodlines are more resilient than others. And, of course, you've got to be lucky.

My great aunt lasted well into her 90s puffing away on clouds of cigarette smoke supplemented by a regular tipple, but she had a guardian angel. Living alone in her London flat, her television caught fire; rather than pull the plug out, she quelled the smoke and flames by pouring a kettle of water on the smouldering box. An action not endorsed in any safety manual.

The food police say that our longevity is due to a healthier lifestyle. I agree with certain aspects, certainly the decline of smoking is one, but our eating habits, despite being more nutritious, appear to have spiralled in volume. Just pull in at any motorway service area and witness the munching hoards.

This somewhat convoluted intro is my attempt of comparing our increasing lifecycle to that of the noble thoroughbred racehorse, who appear to have cracked the secret of a long and happy life, and in many cases while still racing. The diet of the racehorse has also improved immeasurably, accounting for some spring-heeled performances from several of our veteran equine population. I clearly recall filming Megalala at John Bridger’s Hampshire base - what a warrior he was, winning for the 20th time at the age of 15.