First-timers to the island, Mitch and Otis, made the journey from Guildford alongside 10 other well-seasoned racers to make up the herd of 12 racers visiting this year.
‘The newer ones pick it up really quickly from the older ones. They’re fast learners,’ explained Alexandra Fisher, owner of Dashing Donkeys, which provides the donkeys for the event.
Yet, no matter their age or experience levels, in Mrs Fisher’s opinion the real secret to preparing a donkey for a good race lies in managing their mood.
‘You’ve got to make sure they’re happy. Because if they’re not, they’ll let you know.’
Rob Holder from the Lions Club of Guernsey, which organises the event, was at L’Eree to greet the donkeys, along with two visiting Lions Club members from Hampshire, John and Annette Mill.
The couple volunteered to help run this year’s derby after meeting Mr Holder at a recent Lions Club convention in the UK.
‘We’d always wanted to come to Guernsey and see what the island is like. So, we saw it as a bit like fulfilling a dream,’ said Mr Mill.
All three Lions members were particularly pleased to see that the donkeys had arrived in good spirits after their ferry journey and importantly, that the weather was mild.
‘With the heat, you have to be very mindful of the donkeys’ welfare,’ explained Mr Holder.
The heat had also been on Mrs Fisher’s mind. She said that hot weather was costing her business and her donkeys racing time.
‘Once upon a time, we could do 40 races a year. Nowadays, we’re doing more like 10. It seems to be becoming a thing of the past. It’s the weather that’s pushing it away. It’s just too hot for the donkeys to race.’
Yet, weather permitting, Mr Holder is keen to keep the tradition alive in Guernsey for many years to come.
‘For as long as we can, and as long as there’s interest for it, we’ll do it,’ he said.
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