It's that time again: the annual pilgrimage to Great Yarmouth and the three-day Eastern Festival. I am crossing my fingers the weather improves else we could look like victims of a ship wrecking sooner rather than later. We have a good crowd including my brothers, cousins and friends. On Monday evening we will be going to the Grosvenor Casino, on the front, which will test if lady luck is on my side. I haven't frequented many casinos and usually have a few turns on the roulette table. I bet on single numbers so it is like watching paint dry. It's all very small stakes. My enjoyment comes from watching others and seeing how they go. Should be a good start to the week.
As always, I will have my eye on the two-year-old racing, which looks pretty thin on the ground at this coastal venue and soft ground thrown into the mix. Just six two-year-old races over the three days leaves little meat on the bone. No wonder those hamburgers are so expensive at the course! I'm not big on nursery races or plating class so just have to hope there is a chance in a maiden or two. I will be hoping Ian's Memory will be running in the 2:10 Yarmouth, Wednesday. It is a debutante of Jeremy Noseda's. I know this horse is held in very high regard and one of three entered for the stable. Whether connections will be keen to start him on soft ground is another matter. Time will tell. It is usually the case when I go to a meeting there is little betting of interest by the off. I don't bet on the horses for fun and I certainly have no idea about the other age groups. I find it just as enjoyable to watch people, horses and listen to the roar of the crowd. It is all too easy to just think about betting - winning & losing at the course. I like to look into the grandstand and remember those days when my dad, uncle Keith, Fred, Pete Miller plus many others would enjoy a day's racing. Sadly all of those good men have passed away and that - in truth - is the reason we go to the races to show our respect and make sure they are never forgotten.
I'll be back Thursday evening and the odd post or two will come rain or shine.
