A racing uncertainty

Then we have the course bookies offering pointless odds of 1/4 and 1/6 on the favourites. Who in their right mind is going to put £6 on just to win a £1? Now I know they don't want to be emptying their satchels of money, what with all the favourites romping home, but I doubt they made much money anyway. Give a little bit of an incentive to bet to the hardy punters who braved the freezing cold yet again. The fact that out of the seven of us who went, only one placed a bet says it all. 1,500 people turning up? Not in the paying enclosure there wasn't.

This year it was free parking. Great. But it's still free from the car parks at Pembroke, Vale Church or Ladies' Bay with just as far to walk. They let under 16s in for free in the enclosure. Great. But there's nothing for them to do. They can watch for free anywhere else on the course. They can't bet, they can't use the beer tent, they can't play crown and anchor. Kids get easily bored when they are waiting 30 minutes for the next horse to run past them in a two-second flash (unless it's that sightseeing donkey running at a canter). The organisers charge £8 for the privilege of being able to put a bet on and to have a beer and a burger (even though you can take your own alcohol and food) and freeze to death. And they wonder why they struggle with the money side of things. I've spent the best part of £16 before I've put my £6 on to win a quid.

So why did only 16 horses race? How come Jersey turned out 36 runners at their last meeting? Can't be the prize money, as that's very good. Something else to blame Condor for? Jersey trainers not a fan of the course? This needs to be addressed as many people were disappointed with the offerings. As for the weather, well that can't be helped, but it seems every year it's dire. If I was on the committee I would be on my knees begging Jersey to give up a summer date. It would be nice to see people properly dressed for the occasion and not in ski wear. It may still be windy or rainy, but at least it'll be warm. And please don't say you can't race in the summer as the ground is too firm. We all know it's like concrete all year round.

It would be a terrible shame if the horse racing were to pack up again but it needs a wake-up call. The effort to put the show on is immense but the action and things to do are poor. It's a bit like going to Glastonbury to then find out that Jedward are playing all day. I've been every year bar one since its return. Six of the group have already said they won't be back next year. Don't let me be the seventh.

Name and address withheld

Editor's footnote: The Committee of the Guernsey Race Club replies:

I am sorry that your correspondent didn't enjoy this year's race meeting. It is, however, very easy to be negative and critical when your correspondent's evidently high expectations appear not to have been met.

Thirty-one horses were entered (rather than declared). The 18 declarations were made and published in the Guernsey Press on the day of the races. Vet's certificates were produced for the two non-runners who did not come over, which, of course, is beyond the committee's control.

It is not true to that say public car parks were as close as the free car park laid on by the committee, which was only 50m from the main gate and proved very popular with the racegoers.

Jersey is able to put on much stronger and more frequent races, largely owing to the fact that about 50 horses are in training on that island and so not reliant on ferry services.

With regard to the going, we would like to draw your correspondent's attention to the article on page three of the Guernsey Press on Tuesday 3 May 2016. Both the going and the course were complimented by all the competing jockeys. They enjoy racing at L'Ancresse owing to the unique setting and the well-prepared racecourse. The official going was listed as good, firm in places.

As a committee we were really pleased with this year's meeting, especially given the challenging weather conditions. The gate receipts are in excess of 1,200 paying adults and we know from the comments of the racegoers that a good day's racing was enjoyed by the vast majority of those in attendance.

If your correspondent is serious about his fear of the terrible shame it would be if horse racing at L'Ancresse were to 'pack up again', then let him identify himself to the eight-strong committee and he can join our committed band of little more than a dozen workers and helpers who strive to put this unique day on for the island. When he appreciates the time, effort and expertise involved in putting on a day's entertainment, the committee is confident that he will be eager to come back next year. He might not make a fortune betting, and the weather might not be sunny and warm, but surely conviviality and the chance to see some beautiful horses in action is the whole point of the afternoon? If it isn't, then perhaps the races just aren't for him?

The committee can be contacted at guernseyrace@cwgsy.net.