Race Night at St. Thomas More's

 

Happy Punters

The second most important highlight of the Catholic Year in Brighton & Hove is the famous Race Night at St. Thomas More's Church Hall in Patcham. This was the 14^th year of the Race Night and proceeds of last night’s racing – several hundred pounds - were again donated to the Cabrini Children’s Society.

(If you were wondering...the most important highlight of the B&H Catholic Year is the annual Catholaity Fair. The 51^st annual Fair will be held in Hove Town Hall on 9^th November 2013).   

The Race Night is a marvellous example of what ingenuity, a little craft work, imagination, dedicated volunteers and a lot of hard work can achieve.



More Happy Punters

While the setting may not rival Ascot, Aintree or Goodwood, it has a certain charm, the going is always good to refreshing, rain never affects conditions - and a fish and chip supper plus a couple of glasses of wine is included in the modest £10 entry ticket. Punters can ‘buy’ and name their own horse for £5 and a certain horse called ‘Hargausiumei’ was entered in Race 3, the Patcham Stakes (more on this later).



the 'Horses'



the Racetrack

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



The racetrack was clearly laid out on the floor with white tape and the six horses, rather less than life size, were almost works of art. There was the usual large crowd of more than fifty racegoers in attendance, clutching race cards and excitedly discussing odds. The minimum bet was twenty pence and the maximum £3. Half the money was paid out as winnings, the balance plus extras went to the Cabrini Children’s Society.



the Odds



Stephen



Odds were calculated by Stephen on his laptop and posted before the ‘off.’ Jockeys were recruited from the horses’ owners or from volunteers on the night.

There were six races on the card and the movement of the horses was decided by...the toss of a dice. Two stewards roamed the course with boards and invited racegoers to toss the dice for each stage of the race.

I'm Winning!

Some jockeys were seriously intense, crouching over their steeds, racing hats pulled down, while others might have been in a wild west show, whooping and waving their caps. No-one fell off, although there was some gentle nudging, and the crowd was quite vociferous in egging on their favourites.

- and now I've won!

Hargausiumei was slow from the off and the jockey – Mrs Hargausiumei – appeared as laid back as the horse, convulsed with laughter for much of the race. However, after a few lengths she found her stride and a sudden burst of speed left her in second place. Despite pleas to use her whip (if necessary, on the leading rider) she came in a close second. I’m afraid I lost a whole pound on the race.   

It was hard to chose but I think the last race was the most exciting. The horses were neck and neck throughput the race and there was a tussle right up to the finishing line. The horses, Ding Dong, Giddy Up, Beefburger, Adam’s Apple, Coming Soon and Doomsday made the most of it, but there could only be one winner. Mary’s friend, Mrs R, was delighted to receive her certificate and the winner’s bottle of bubbly from Brendan, one of the organisers.

So, many thanks for another great evening to Peter and Jo Cropp and all the volunteers from St. Thomas More’s Church.