GCA ‘Ladies' Race Day
Review of the Day

 Thursday 27th October 2005
at
Stratford-upon-Avon Racecourse
Luddington Road, Stratford-upon- Avon, Warwickshire CV37 9SE

Another first for the GCA, the first GCA Ladies Race Day, at Stratford-upon-Avon Racecourse.  

It was Julie Mellish that asked me to write my review of the GCA Ladies Race Day, so how could I possibly refuse.

Most of the members and their guests met at the Stratford Moat House, on a glorious, warm, sunny, late October morning, yes! October!  It was to be one of the warmest and sunniest days in October for many years, so it was planned and timed perfectly by the organisers, well done.

We took our seats on the coach, which was to take us on the short 2 mile journey to Stratford Racecourse.  However, some delegates travelled in more style, they included, Sarah, Jayne and Julie from Novus together with Lyn (Direct Gaskets), Jan (Beldam Crossley), and the lovely Wendy from KB Engineering.  They all travelled down to the racecourse from Cleckheaton in a chauffer driven limousine, lucky them.  Ah well, it was Ladies Day after all.

We arrived early to a rather empty racecourse and made our way to what I can only describe as a large porta cabin – the ‘Avon Suite’, which was to be our home for the day.  We were greeted with a friendly smile, tea & coffee.  It was then on to the formalities of the day.  The GCA AGM was again chaired magnificently by our very own Max Rowland.  Here we witnessed Reg Boulton (Ashton Seals) voted onto the Executive Committee, following the retirement of Peter Minchin. Once the business of the GCA AGM was concluded, it was onto the real business of the day -  drinking and betting.

First it was Bucks Fizz all round, followed by a hot seated buffet lunch and wine, the food was very tasty.  During lunch we were introduced to the Race Day Commentator, Tim Peters, who gave us an introduction to horses, racing and betting.  He shared his tips for the day and everyone made notes in their programmes, ready for the days racing.  The first race was at 2.30pm and I must have had beginners luck as I actually managed to win some money on every race for the rest of the afternoon.  I don’t think I was the only lucky winner, the gorgeous Argelia also managed a win almost every race, I was informed by Julie.

Unfortunately due to other commitments, I could not attend the evenings drinking etc., which followed the racing back at the Stratford Moat House.  I was reliably informed there were a few sore heads the following morning.

Overall I think everyone had an enjoyable day and based on the success of this event, I would recommend that the ‘Race Day’  becomes a regular fixture in the GCA Calendar, alongside the Golf Day.

Finally, congratulations to the organisers for yet another successful GCA Event, well done, see you all next year.

Dean Barrett
GCA Committee

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