Rotary Club of Newham organised a charity Race Night with a difference on 28^th October. Instead of the usual sitting and watching films of races, the Newham event had the ‘jockeys’ winding handles to see who could make their horse with Teddy Bear rider go fastest.

Horses with their Teddy Bear riders ready for the ‘off’.

As well as flat races there were several over jumps. These added to the fun as the jockeys had to take greater care so that their horse would not be a faller. Whilst the race was on the commentator added to the entertainment with his running commentary.

After each race the owner of the winning horse was presented with a prize in the winner’s enclosure.

 

 

Horses going over the ‘jumps’ with the human jockeys winding as fast as they can.

 

Between races there was time for the 90 people present to have a flutter on the tote for the next race or to refill their plate at the buffet. It was an evening of great fun and activity with most of those present having a go at being a jockey All the races were sponsored by local firms, with the winning jockey in each race going through to the Grand Final.

 

The horses, winders, jumps etc were made by a member of the Newham Club and any one interested in using the equipment should contact Michael Striesow at the club.

 

The evening was a great success raising about £1,000 which will be used to support taking underprivileged children to a pantomime and paying for elderly citizens at a community centre to have a Christmas lunch and entertainment.

 

Adrian Buckle, the owner of the winning horse in the Grand Final, being presented with his bottle of champagne by club president, Graham Harris.