Weather could make 2019 meeting a winner for club

THE weather was the biggest winner at the Guernsey Race Club’s annual meeting at L’Ancresse yesterday.

Spectators keeping an eye on the first race. (Pictures by guernseysportsphotography.com)

Hundreds of spectators watched racing from the hill at a meeting which too often in past years has been blighted by wind and rain.

Committee member Jim Jamouneau said he hoped for an attendance in the region of 2,500 people.

‘I think we’re going to have a good day as the sun is shining,’ he said.

‘We’re grateful to our new headline sponsor Betway, who have taken over from Ravenscroft for this year, but we need more businesses to come forward and help us out.’

The Ross Gower Group had come on board to support the fourth race of the day, while race five was again sponsored by The Hunscote Stud.

Jessica Baldwin, second right, was picked as the best dressed woman with Clive Gibbons the best dressed man. Pictured with her, left to right, are Ellen Hughes, Gemma Hughes, Donna Houghton and Lauren Doddy.

The event cost £27,000 to put on and the club had had to sponsor two of the races itself which had taken another £6,000 from the kitty.

Up to Saturday there had been 21 runners in the five races, but two were forced to withdraw at the weekend on vet’s certificates.

Mr Jamouneau said invites had been sent to 40 off-island trainers. Eight runners from Jersey were taking part and 11 from the UK.

‘If we didn’t subsidise their travel we wouldn’t get anybody here,’ he said.

The GRC gave £250 towards travel for those coming from the UK and £150 for the Jersey visitors.

A family day at the races for Andy Dufour, right and his sister, Chelsey, left, who were with his children, Emilia and Sienna.

Jersey owners Simon and Florence Harrison-White attended the meeting minus their horse, which had been due to race in the opener.

‘It was bitten by a fly and couldn’t take a saddle,’ said Mr Harrison-White. ‘We had to leave it in Jersey and we’re gutted.’

The hospitality tent was busy and those who fancied a wager of a different kind could try their luck on the crown and anchor tables.

Ex-St Peter Port South deputy Allister Langlois said the meeting was a great local event.

‘There’s always a very good natured crowd here and a nice atmosphere,’ he said. ‘The only time I bet on a horse is here or for the Grand National.

‘I take my hat off to the organisers who seem to battle on through good and bad.’