Racehorse Sanctuary News
10th March 2008 |
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The Racehorse Sanctuary Charity Lunch at Fontwell Park
What a super day this turned out to be thanks to all the hard work put in throughout the year building up to it carried out by the committee members and the generosity of so many who kindly donated toward the auction and the day in general. Both Julie Routledge-Martin and Louise Hartnett our Patrons took tables and with the exception of Debbie Bonham who’s husband Peter was very unwell at the time all trustees were present giving us very nearly a full compliment of those involved, even Sue managed to drag herself away from the horses at home for a few hours to be there. The day started bright and early at around 5.30am when Sue and I got all of the horses up early for their breakfast in order that we could get away in time to get dolled up for the big event. Having carried out as many yard duties as the time restriction would allow for I then set off for Fontwell Park leaving Sue to cram as much work in before leaving herself giving us the piece of mind knowing that that not only had the horses spent the bulk of the morning out in the paddocks but that they were now safe and sound in their respective stables and had Becky tending to their every wish whilst we were away. When I arrived at the racecourse at around 10.45am the likes of Jane, Gaynor, Val and Karen along with her family had been busying around organising things for quite some time and everything was set up and looking thoroughly professional making me feel decidedly surplus to requirements. At around 11.10am the guests started to filter into the very plush looking Sanctuary Marquee for the champagne reception and gradually the day started to take shape. With the sun shining out on the course and the atmosphere buzzing in the marquee at just after 12 noon our Master of Ceremonies Robin Gray asked all guests to take their seats for lunch at tables that had been named after ex-steeplechase heroes ranging from Moorcroft Boy to Desert Orchid to Arkle himself. I then briefly thanked all guests for coming along to support the day and gave a short update on how the charity is progressing before handing the microphone over to Colin Brown Desert Orchids ex-jockey to run through the racecard and give his tips for the day. This was to prove very useful as his first two selections won and the others were placed so anyone with a place pot on the day would be wearing a very large smile. Whilst enjoying a thoroughly pleasant meal the auction got into full swing and not only did it keep everyone’s interest due to the super lots that were up for sale but also Colin Browns sense of humour really entertained all present. Eighteen items went under the hammer throughout the lunch including a week in a super farmhouse that sleeps eight people in Derbyshire kindly donated by one of our patrons. Julie Routledge-Martin, a tour of Dorset in an open topped Bentley followed by lunch at Mapperton House kindly donated by Colin and Pauline Passmore and a unique equestrian gold bracelet kindly donated by one of our support group members Lady Elizabeth Huntly. During the humdrum of the auction Sue and I had to run out to the parade ring to judge the best turned out horse in the Totesport Supports The Racehorse Sanctuary Handicap Hurdle Race which was won by the Nicky Henderson trained and Mick Fitzgerald ridden Galient, this is always a pleasure to do and rewarding for the groom who has put so much work into preparing their horse for the big event. The Racehorse Sanctuary Marquee wasn’t the only place that was busy in that our stand on the racecourse manned by Gaynor, Jenni, Karen, Stewart, Hayden, Tiarni and Tino were finding it difficult to keep up with the interest and enquiries concerning our work whilst selling raffle tickets at the same time. Also in one corner of the stand Emma was promoting the Silent Auction started off with seven items and finished up with eleven. It has to be said that Beccy Green the Senior Commercial Executive at Fontwell Park teamed up with our own Jane Bottomley who works in our office on a part time basis made a formidable couple on the organising front and put together the makings for this super day for all concerned. Along with Beccy and Jane the Charity Lunch Committee who put in so many hours building up to the event ensured that it couldn’t fail so a huge thank you goes to everyone that had any form of involvement with the day. The proof of the pudding was in the eating in that overall the day raised a fantastic total of just over £20,000 for the centre which is well up on 2007 and bodes very well for 2009. As soon as we have a date for next years event I will let you know and you must enter this in your diary as it is a day not to be missed. |
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