Dee McVee of Okehampton u3a had sent an invitation to Callington u3a to invite us to a Newton Abbot Race Day on Tuesday 9th September. So Carl and I jumped at the chance to enjoy a race day, especially with tickets at £10 each, with a Group discount. Dee had organised a great time with First Name and Branch Badges that we collected from a u3a Gazebo set up near the entrance, where volunteer members gave advice and directions on the day.
We gathered at an area cordoned off for our day where we had a talk from Jimmy Frost, a former Grand National winning Jockey, these days a Trainer based at Buckfastleigh.Another speaker who came to talk to us was the Head Ground Steward, who told us about his career and race life at the Course plus an overview of his role. He went on to answer our questions, although he declined to offer any tips on a winner!
We were surprised that there were 80 members from the u3a Region, but the badges really helped to make conversation. Ivybridge, Okehampton, Torbay Groups with Branch names too many to remember. Everyone was friendly and we all enjoyed a good afternoon. The first race was 12.58 and the weather was kind until about 3.45 when heavy showers drove us all indoors. Sadly, we seemed to have found the knack of backing nearly every horse which came last, but as I kept reminding Carl, it’s the taking part that counts. You can't expect to win every time, but once would have been nice! All in all, a lovely day out and it was good to meet so many other u3a people. – Ann Moore.