We are on our way to Newmarket in the horsebox with Out of Range (Harry) who is going to take part in the Countryside Alliance charity flat race. Christopher Padfield, our intrepid (and somewhat older) 'jockey' was supposed to be riding him and we have saved the horse especially for his big day where we all hoped that Christopher would actually finish a race without becoming detached from his steed. However, and very disappointingly we were told on Monday by the clerk of the course,  and in the words of Christopher's wife , Clare, that he is TOO FAT to take part and has been disallowed from riding his own horse. It is a real shame as Chritopher was actually asked by the CA to take part and the first thing he asked was whether there was a weight limit and was told that there wasn't. Poor C, as he had been coming up every week to ride big Harry and was getting on really well with him. Now, because of  'Elf and Safety' we have got to put a girl on him from the same hunt, but who only sat on him on Wednesday (and got carted) who has never ridden in a race before and is having to carry four stone of lead. What is more of a risk? It's a CHARITY race for goodness sake and supposed to be a bit of fun, but hopefully it will all turn out right in the end...
Unfortunately it also clashes with Stratford where there is some serious racing on this evening, so although we have been invited to the lunch (at both places!) we will be leaving Newmarket early and try and get back for the first race.