THE weather threatened the Guernsey Race Club’s annual meet for the second year running, but islanders would not be deterred.
About a thousand turned out yesterday to support the only day of racing in the island’s calendar and those that did were treated to quality racing, paired with close finishes. It was just the kind of excitement punters deserved after putting up with the continual drizzle that greeted them from the moment the gates opened at 11.30am to the end of the final race just after 5pm.
Stylish hats the like of which could be seen on Ladies’ Day at Ascot were few and far between as most opted for comfort over glamour. Guernsey Race Club president Ruth Bougourd hailed the day a tremendous success in comparison to the complete washout of last year.
‘We have had a really nice crowd and a lovely atmosphere,’ she said.
‘The racing has been very good with close finishes, which is just what people want.
‘The weather was appalling last year, so it’s been great to get so many people coming out to support the day this time around.’
There had been fears that the club might have to stop putting on the event if the number attending had dropped.
But Mrs Bougourd said there was no chance of that happening any time soon.
‘It costs a lot of money to put on one day of racing but we will keep going, especially after the good turnout today,’ she said.
‘We have had some new trainers come over and one of those won the first race, so hopefully that will encourage more to come over.’
She added that the event was unlike anything else in the island and praised the hard work of the club’s committee in making it possible.
‘Everyone has enjoyed themselves and seen some excellent racing,’ she said.
Ian Robert said the event was an opportunity for a good day out.
‘The racing has been really good and I’m in profit at the moment,’ said the 29-year-old.
‘It’s different for the island and in that respect it’s a really good event.’
Sophie Le Maitre along with her friend Kerry Wright were some of the more glamourous onlookers.
‘We have had lots of comments, which has been nice,’ she said.
‘It’s a special occasion so we thought we would make an effort. It’s been lovely apart from the weather. It’s the first time I have come and I won a bet on one of the races.’
Another winner was Sandra Stawowczyk, who bet on Friends’ Hope, which placed first in the fourth race.
‘I have never won anything before,’ said the 22-year-old as she jumped up and down with excitement. ‘I picked that horse because I liked the name and the whole day has been a really nice experience.’
Local ex-jockey Howard Ephgrave said the event compared very well to any race day in the UK.
‘This is better than a lot of them,’ he said.
‘When I was racing in the UK it was a completely different atmosphere. This has been really good fun for everyone.’
Bookie Trevor Gallienne, also a Race Club committee member, said there had been no serious betting.
‘It has all been friendly, with people putting on bets for fun,’ he said.
‘I love it. This is the highlight of my year and we have had a really good crowd.
‘We are so reliant on the weather and I think people have made a special effort to come and support us this year after last year.’
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