Thank you, Eric, for forwarding a poem written by your wife, Mrs C. Arnold. Grab your coat and binoculars
We’re off to the races today
It isn’t warm, we might have rain
But we’ll have fun anyway
There is no such thing as bad weather
Just a case of wrong clothes
So be prepared for anything
Just in case it snows
We’ll get there nice and early
Buy a race-card on the way in
Get a coffee, find a seat
Let the studying begin!
It’s always good to read the ‘form’
And make a note or two
Of horses that might stand a chance
Of coming good for you
A walk up to the parade ring next
To see them walking round
It sometimes helps your judgement
Before you place your pound
Back down to the bookies
All waiting for your money
I haven’t really got a clue
I just pick a name that’s funny
The odds are changing all the time
Depending on the betting
But when your slip is printed
It tells you what your getting
We’ll find a spot to watch the race
There are screens to see as well
The atmosphere is usually good
We’re all waiting for the bell
The flag is raised and then they’re off
All racing at their best
But soon the leaders go in front
And leave behind the rest
Mine’s in the lead, but not by much
He’s trying to hang on
He’s jumping well and gathers pace
Yes, ‘Terry the Fish’ has won the race
Back to the bookie who sold the slip
I never bet a lot
Put a flutter on my next tip
And count up what I’ve got
Ladies Night and Ladies Day
Are favourites of mine
I forget about the racing
As the fashions fill my time
I gawp at all the dresses
And marvel at the headgear
Some must have cost a fortune
But it's only once a year
I hope I’ve whet your appetite
For a day out at the races
It doesn’t have to cost a lot
So come join the happy faces
C Arnold 3/3/2019