Hi Judith
Yes I recall the pagoda being built there, and think it’s certainly an interesting addition to the City’s public art, though I’ve never called the roundabout ‘Pagoda Island’ because of this. Like I say, must be because I’m old fashioned!
I believe you are right about the race fixing too, and I understand that protection racketeering of race-course bookmakers was also part of it as well. I think the bit about horse trading may be merely something from the television series, as the fictional Shelby family apparently have Romany blood and, therefore, a love of horses.