Former Likely Lads star James Bolam, 70, is appointed an MBE.
Two former stable lads were among the throng, not there to have a bet, just to bear witness to the end of an iconic sporting career.
The pie-makers of Malton and Norton will be twitching at the news that celebrity chef and former local lad James Martin is returning to his roots to be executive chef at the new Talbot Hotel.
Ken Loach's most sprightly and positive film to date (more so, even, than the terrific Looking for Eric), The Angels Sharee (2011, Entertainment One, 15) is an uplifting caper about a former bad lad who discovers that he has a nose for whisky and resolves to turn his newfound skill to the crafty advantage of him and his mates.
Griffin in particular is having to concentrate to keep up with the former Manchester United lad. 10 Phew!
With so much attention focused on Mullins' runners, Zabana has crept into the Festival betting relatively unnoticed but his trainer, Andrew Lynch, a former travelling head lad for Noel Meade, has plenty of experience with high-quality horses.
As it is, Peter Morgan, a specialist in tipping-point drama focusing on personal conflicts (Blair v Brown, Blair v the royal family, Frost v Nixon), has concentrated on the rivalry between Clough and Don Revie, his fellow working-class Middlesbrough lad and former Sunderland striker, whom he succeeded at Leeds when Revie became manager of England.
Then there is the curious case of Karl Henry, the local lad and former captain who was cheered off by his own supporters when he was substituted in the last home match.
"He's always working out with the younger lads here," said former sparring partner Alex Matvienko.
"I'm disappointed but it's the start of the season for most of our lads," said the former Wales defender.
"Everyone is really happy with him and I can speak for the rest of the lads," said the former Wolverhampton Wanderers defender.
