Under Starters Orders*

Chirpy Cockney Rebel pulled off a new twist on the infamous Jolly Boys Outing when 13 Members had tickets for Haydock Races There was a late withdrawal before runners and riders come under starter’s orders as due to illness Chris 4G & family were unable to attend. Get well soon Mrs G & hope to see you next time

Therefore 8 SHWFC members descended on Haydock Park with Mrs Carine along to ensure Steve got home (eventually)

Gonzalo, Mika, Subbuteo Dave Gaz, Jason, Steve Carine, Mrs Carine, Brian & Cockney Rebel.

Martin takes up the tale “Me& Mika arrived just as the 1st race of the day was about to start, Mika said quick we can get a bet on. So I looked at the board picked a name, suddenly I'm £30 quid better off after just one race. From that point on not a sniff. But at least my day was paid for!”

The drinks flowed (not very fast at £7:50 a pint) the banter was good, the choice of horse not so good.

As for the rest I believe Subbuteo Dave came out even everyone else enjoyed themselves. Didn't see much of Mr & Mrs C as they met friends and were mixing with the posh in the County Stand .

Also a nice touch & respect, I think Haydock must have put a note out that St Helens WFC, the most famous Walking Football team (probably) were in the house, as the horses paid tribute to our bets by walking round the course, rather than actually racing

Some quotes from the day

Subbuteo Dave

I broke even. Bar the drinks! Thanks Martin for organising the afternoon. Great to have made some 'new' friends👍

Mika

Great day, great company, shame my horses let me down 😆

Brian

Great day, great company. Enjoyable way to lose my money 😂😂.

Gaz

Had a great day! Thank you all!

Gonzalo

Great day everyone really enjoyed losing every race

Jason Cairns

Cheers Martin for sorting the day. Had a great time, great laugh with everybody...and hope my gee-gees managed to finish before it got dark 😩😩😩

Oh, and hope jockeys found their way home...cos they didn't know their way round Haydock 😂😂😂😂

It is heavily rumoured that a Far East betting ring we’re watching the action from their vantage point on Mucky Mountains and cleaned up once they knew which horses had been backed by our brave boys

There is every chance that the whole day will be repeated next year We can only hope for better luck for our punters

Under Starters Orders* - Hollow Horse a Scottish songwriting band much loved by Haggis (possibly but not definitively - have a listen)