Yesterday was first day of one the most prestigious events in the UK’s horseracing calendar. Glorious Goodwood 2009
.
Set high up in the rolling Sussex hills this stunning course sits surrounded by some of the most spectacular scenery in the country and for the next few days Goodwood will be the focus of attention for the media and equestrian fans alike.
.
This is an annual pilgrimage for a group of friends and me and as usual we drove to the venue in style thanks to Derek at the wheel of his never ending Lincoln limo! Champagne flowed as we sped through the countryside hoping that this most grumpy of summers would at least allow us one day without rain!
It was hard to believe that we were in the middle of one of the deepest recessions in most people’s living memory. Goodwoods smart Gordon enclosure was packed with people determined to have a good time. Colourful dresses, whispy headgear and jaunty panama hats being the order of the day. Jugs of Pimms stuffed with fruit and herbs adorned every table, and a jazz band added to the atmosphere on this oh-so English Summers day!
.
Down at the trackside everybody mingled together, from the casual race goers to the social elite who came down to place their bet with one of the colourful characters who took their money in the hope that today would be the day the bookies win!
.
But for most people the day was about fun. Betting a modest sum of money was more about adding to the excitement rather than looking forward to a big win.
.
Here are a few of the pictures I took which I hope will convey at least a little of the atmosphere of this great occasion.
Click on photos to enlarge
TV pundit and Big Brother star John McCririck
That's my beautiful daughter Penny with me in the middle!
.
.
Well, the weather was kind to us! None of us really won anything to speak of, but once again we had a fabulous day. Here's To Glorious Goodwood 2010!
.
.
.
Back where we started!
.
.
.
PS. Rosey came too, but as usual managed to avoid my camera. Her account of the day is very different from mine! You can see it HERE!
.
.
I can see you spoted lots of fillies - maybe that why you signed of with a (head)light heart?
ReplyDeletethe beauty of a day at the track! thanks for sharing yours.
ReplyDeleteHey there Keith,
ReplyDeleteLooks like another fun year for you and the gang at the Five Ashes cheers to all of them and to you and wow what great pics.
loved the pix when i saw them on facebook,, but this back story was just what i needed to bring it all together for me!!!
ReplyDeleteWow - those outfits make our Kentucky Derby look positively drab.
ReplyDelete