‘Betfair 3000’ Guineas |
24th May 2003
Rowley Mile Race Course
Newmarket |
On the 24th May 2003 at 5.15 Newmarket Race goers witnessed an event that has never been seen before. It was a horse race with a difference. The traditionally home of horseracing had been taken over by Newmarket Roundtable and their pantomime friends.
It was the first running of the Betfair 3000 Guineas – a race for pantomime horses over one furlong. The field comprised a total of 19 runners – although not all were pantomime horses, the race featured a camel and several cows. There were several Tablers taking part in the race. Andrew Hurrell who was the back end of “Fluent in Finance” blamed his pre-race diet for his poor running – too much beer and not getting enough oats. Keith Grimsey, the front end, supported Andrews’s comment “he started very keenly but certainly lacked stamina”
The event was organised by Newmarket and District 593, and received extensive coverage in the local press and in the Racing Post. The race was shown on local Television, both BBC and ITV, and was featured on At The Races and Channel 4.
Over £8,000 was raised which was split between Race Welfare and Newmarket Open Door. Racing Welfare is a national charity, and looks after people connected across the complete spectrum of the racing industry. Newmarket Open Door, is a local charity that is broadly concerned with homelessness and retaining local young people.
The horses were entered from local companies and pubs, and only two had their names changed to maintain family standards. They were competing for two Trophies; first past the post was won by Red Burty, and for the horse raising the most money was won by Geldenall at the Yard. Both horses were stabled in local pubs. Next year will also feature prizes for the best-turned out horse, and best looking horse.
Roger Pope, Chairman of 593 said “As it was first running of the race we were not sure how it would go – but it was a great race and whilst Red Burty was the winner, the real winner of the race was Open Door and Racing Welfare. The way that people taking part threw themselves into the spirit of the race was fantastic. We were very grateful to Betfair for sponsoring the event. The media coverage we got was fantastic and the challenge for Table is to make it even bigger and better for next year.”
We were delighted that Newmarket Racecourses let us loose on their hallowed turf, and besides agreeing to hold the race next year have promised to enter a horse in the race. It is provisionally planned that the next running of the 3000 Guineas will take place on the 5th June 2004.
For 2004 we are looking to have a minimum of 30 horses, and we would welcome horses from all over the UK and the World. We expect to have at least one entrant from France.
Besides being a great fun race, walking around the parade ring, being named in the race card, running on the famous race courses, being on television, free entrance to the races, we raise lots of money for charity we would be delighted to have even more entrants next year. To register your interest please go to www.newmarketroundtable.org.uk and send an email to any of the named officers of 593. There is no need to get into serious training.