Leaving aside the obvious, there’s plenty going on in December on racecourses in Britain and Ireland, notably the King George at Kempton on Boxing Day and Leopardstown’s Christmas Festival, starting the same day (St Stephen’s Day) continuing until December 29.
I fret as I search for a window of joy to watch the All Creatures Great and Small Christmas Special but make no mistake, somehow I’ll be stoking up the wood burner and heading to Darrowby to check the goings-on in Skeldale House, home of Siegfried Farnon and his veterinary gang. Without intending to sound like a fuddy-duddy (which I am of course) in my honest opinion there’s far too much grim reality on TV these days.
I thought the Cricket World Cup would offer an autumnal escape route but as it turned out, there wasn’t anything much more grisly than England’s puny performance. Instead Darrowby has been my chosen destination for the past month or so, reminding us that even in times of adversity (the latest series is set during WW2) there was the impression of providing more time for community and conversation. Back in the real world, a day at the races offers something resembling that slower world, either just to admire and enjoy horses galloping round a field or staking a few quid on your idea of the winner. We enjoy the sport for innumerable reasons; my joy is the rudimentary one of watching horses and jockeys competing, the thrill of a close finish, backing a winner, what is more compelling or evocative than the roar of the crowd with a backbeat of pounding hooves.
Denne historien er fra December 2023-utgaven av Racing Ahead.
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Denne historien er fra December 2023-utgaven av Racing Ahead.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
CAL'S UP TO TOP SPEED
John Anthony keeps close watch on the top ranking track fliers
ACTION REPLAY
Graham Buddry recalls the exploits of legendary hurdler Large Action
SHADOW IN THE LIMELIGHT
lan Heitman follows the fortunes of next year’s leading Classic prospects
GONE WILDE
Rolf Johnson fears the effects of a thoroughbred market bubble’
DIGGING OUT THE JUMPERS
The former Sky Racing frontman is all geared up for the change of codes and clothing
MORE AMO FOR RALPH
Dave Youngman shares the joy and gossip from the Newmarket gallops
GO COSMIC NEXT YEAR
Andy Ayres shares his pick of punting prospects from the autumn action
NICO'S CAREER LEAP TO GLORY
Nick Townsend talks to Nico de Boinville about his life-changing choices
ALL SET FOR FRESH START
Karl Hedley is on the spot for the new season action across Ireland
DAN'S GRAND BID DAWNING
Paul Ferguson tracks a route for Skeltons from Carlisle to Aintree