Saturday the 5th March

Michael Yeadon & John McCririck
Six whole months of planning finally came to a conclusion on Saturday. We had spent most of Friday afternoon packing up the cars, so that we could arrive in good time at Newbury the following morning. It really is astonishing as to how much stuff you need to prepare and take..... tables, cloths, chairs and posters, let alone all the auction lots and silent auction boards. We had to pick up enough tartlets to serve to nearly 300 guests as well as take all wine. We arrived at Newbury just before 9 to set up what has now become our major fundraising day for the year. I have been blessed with a terrific committee and we have achieved sponsors for all the races. All sorts of people very kindly and generously offered some stupendous lots for us to auction and Jenny McCririck has been absolutely amazing in sourcing many prizes.
The pavilion at Newbury was full, and nearly 270 people sat down for lunch. Steve Styles, a great friend of Bill Simpson, ran the auction with dear Henry Hannon jumping up now and again to cajole people to bid more. Henry and Kim Bailey conducted their extremely popular and amusing version of Heads & Tails, this is something that is gaining in popularity each year and is not only great fun but also a pretty good fundraiser. I think everyone enjoyed themselves and have already started to book their tickets for next year!
Ravastree ran 6 out of 8 in the fifth race, he dropped in at the rear 3 out, he is still young and he may only run once again before being put away for next season.
The only slight downside to the day was the sad loss of two horses and our sympathy goes to all the connections.