News!

Performance Awards

Following excellent interest over the past two years the Club will be running their Performance Awards again in 2011.
Details are given below and if you would like to discuss any specific detail please ring Loretta on 01323 500800.
More info here
Download entry form here

 

Didn’t we have a lovely time the day we went to ……………   NEWMARKET?!

On a lovely bright and sunny morning we met in Hailsham High Street. Our lovely shiny new L J Edwards Coach arrived on time and we were off!  After a brief stop at some services it wasn’t long before we were in horse racing country, first stop the National Stud.

We were joined on our coach by a guide from the stud who was extremely knowledgeable about the stud, their horses and the racing industry in general.  On the drive up to the stallion unit we were all struck by the immaculate paddocks, all neatly post and railed with avenues of blossom trees lining the road.  (And not a horse poo in site!!!!) .  When we arrived at the unit we were allowed to wander round the yard, as you can imagine the stallions are treated to first class luxury with large stables and beds of thick shavings.  We then went up to the paddocks to see some of the stallions and we were told about each of them and their breeding and behavioural traits.  Then it was of to see the mares and foals, picture perfect in their paddocks – with the young offspring having a hop and skip about on their gangly legs waving their fluffy tails.  We also saw some mares that were only hours away from foaling – poor things they looked very big and really looked like they had had enough of being pregnant.

It was then of to Newmarket town itself where we went our separate ways for lunch and met up at thee National Horse Racing Museum.  Not being an ardent racing fan I wondered what the museum would be like, one word – FANTASTIC!  The first part of the museum looked at the history of racing and had some amazing artefacts, some not to modern tastes but offered an insight into racing in bygone days. There were also some very impressive trophies, sculptures and paintings.  Next it was off to the area dedicated to Thoroughbreds, owners and trainers along with the skeleton of the famous Hyperion, who when he died in 1960 had sired 748 winners in Britain – pretty impressive.  Then it was onto the practical area, with displays of old racing tack, stable implements and an insight into the management of race horses for many of us the highlight of the tour, a chance to ride the race horse simulator.  All too soon it was back on the coach for the journey home.