Michael Staniforth television comedy series "Rentaghost". Staniforth played Timothy Claypole from 1976, when the show first aired, until 1984, and was the longest-standing member of the cast. Claypole was a bearded medieval jester, dressed in motley and bells. Claypole's longevity as a ghost meant that he had expert ghostly skills; coupled with his mischievous personality, and often boundless psychic energy, he caused mayhem for the rest of the "Rentaghost" cast. Danny Birchall at BFI Screenonline noted: The sheer energy of Michael Staniforth (who also performed the theme tune) as Claypole made it one of the longer-lasting children's television series, if not always
Black Jester was identified as a contender for major honours in 1914. In the 2000 Guineas over Newmarket's Rowley Mile course, Black Jester finished third of the eighteen runners, beaten a short head and two lengths by Kennymore and Corcyra. Shortly afterwards, Black Jester won the St George Stakes at Liverpool to confirm his position as a contender for the Epsom Derby. At Epsom on 29 May, Black Jester started the 10/1 second favourite for the Derby, which attracted an estimated 400,000 spectators, including the King and Queen. The race was delayed by the behaviour of Kennymore who became extremely agitated and