CLAIRE IN THE COUNT Y RACING INTO SPRING…
LIVE 24-SEVEN
CL AIRE IN THE COUNTY RACING INTO SPRING…
Sitting at my desk, vase of daffodils in full bloom, sun streaming in and the snowdrops in full bloom in the garden I am starting to feel optimistic.
Claire Thayers
The nights are certainly drawing out, the alarm went off this morning and I awoke to light rather than the sound of pounding rain and darkness. Yes, it’s that time of year that I love when the point-to-points and Cheltenham festival draw tangibly near.
Many of you will have heard of the Cheltenham Races, but many may not have yet sampled the delights of a point to point. There will undoubtedly be one near you, it’s the perfect excuse for an informal get together.
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This is racing at grass roots level, mind you it’s a tad more professional than it was in my day when it seemed anyone could enter and have a good old hack round on something that resembled a horse (pretty much!) The stakes are a little higher - although no one ever owns a horse to make money it’s mostly for the love of sport with financial losses rather than gains for the main part! But, the essence of the spirit has been retained.
Cars of jolly supporters all roll up early, skid through mud, park up and then it all begins…boots are opened to reveal a variety of hampers, Tupperware boxes and cool boxes crammed full with delicious nibbles - and of course the obligatory booze! Not forgetting the hip flask for the pocket (homemade sloe gin the preferred tipple!) Dogs of all breeds and sizes jump out from
behind hampers and start making new friends, it really is a social occasion for those on four legs and two!
Fashion is a wonderful blend of tweed - in varying shades of green as well as wax jackets and wellingtons, but don’t let that put you off. You don’t have to wear ‘the gear’ or pack a picnic to enjoy a point-to-point.
I was at Cocklebarrow Races recently and can highly recommend it, there were all sorts of food and drink stalls, pop-up shops and even a heated tent with lots of delicious food and drink stands. I have to admit I hardly saw a race it was so enticing, and I returned home half a stone heavier! Check out their forthcoming meetings
www.cocklebarrowraces.com and rally your friends!
If you’re able to take a few days off then I urge you to sample the Festival in March at Prestbury Park, an unforgettable experience. Even if horses aren’t your thing, it’s worth it just for the people watching!
AND… if you get a hot tip – let me know! BUT, my hot tip is to just enjoy the world of racing, but be careful, you might just become hooked!
© Melissa Bastin
© Ian Tolputt
LIVE24-SEVEN.COM
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