Sunshine And Neddies ...

Boo & I

Off we toddled to Newbury Racecourse today for their Spring Trials Day. The weather was relatively kind, a tad windy and chilly at times but when the sun came out it was really lovely.
The meeting was well attended and had more of an atmosphere than it has done in recent years.

I've been going racing at Newbury for over 30 years and have seen many changes, some good some bad i.e. the monstrosity that is the new'ish Grandstand building. It's OK from the front but looks like a prison from the back. All grey and horrid mesh stuff, Ugh !

Maybe nostalgia plays a part but I hate it when old institutions become overly commercial and faceless. Maybe I'm turning into a Grumpy Old Woman. But to me it doesn't take much to make a place look & feel welcoming and homely. A few plants and flowers, a bit o music, some children's entertainment etc.
Newbury has won the ROA - Racehorse Owners Association Racecourse of the Year award quite a few times but it's not only the owners the matter !


Here they come....
Look at that lush green turf. When I die I've asked Mr Boo to have me cremated, funnel me into a freezer bag, stuff me in his trouser pocket (I shall like that bit), pierce a little hole in the bottom of the bag and then walk the final furlong shaking me out of the bottom of his trouser leg.
That way I won't miss any racing, even when I'm dead. Genius eh ?


Boo with 'Auntie' Anne.


The bouncy castle was a big draw for Boo and it did have it's uses in that it warmed her up. The course photographer was taking loads of photo's of her so maybe she'll appear in some promotional blurb.


I haven't a clue what the clowns name was but boy did he tell some bad jokes. Funny, but bad ! He was ace at making balloon hats and balloon dogs though. He was wearing stilts whilst riding a funny sort of scooter bike. He was reeeeaaaaaaaaallly tall and rather scared Boo but then she is a huge wuss when it comes to clowns.

I lovely afternoon out. Beautiful horses, a nice cuppa, Boo had fun AND we saw Queenie. I'm not sure why she was there but there were lots of big scary baldy security men standing around with those curly ear pieces in - I thought I was on the set of 'The Bodyguard' for a moment.
The Queen looked lovely, she was wearing a really smart grey outfit, really quite groovy actually.

I feel like I've been in the wind, my face feels all tight like when you've been in the sun. I haven't checked the old face freckles yet but I can feel them popping out I'm sure !