Brighton Races
I do not believe I have ever posted on one of my sporting passions, horse racing. Yesterday I had a meeting with the event executive who last season was mine hostess at the Players Club Bar of Sussex CCC and was universally popular for her cheerfulness and friendliness. Not unnaturally she contacted all of us to see if we were interested in any of her packages.
Brighton is not a major horse race ng venue but it has some claim to fame. It is supposed to be where jumping was invented when the Prince Regent whilst out riding had suddenly to clear some sheep pens. It is where Steve Cauthen ran his 1000th winner. It features in Graham Greene ‘s memorable novel Brighton Rock and the film starring Richard Attenborough as the young psychotic villain Pinkie. Ted Dexter a keen race goer is alleged to have declared a Sussex innings there. It is now under the banner of Arena Racing that own Windsor too.
The racecourse, situated in the Whitehawk area perched in the South Downs, commands fine views over the sea and downs. The problem is that this area does attract a mist as it is known locally for a micro climate by catching bad weather. It can sometimes be sunny in the Marina and rain a mile away at the Racecourse. It does have a major festival in August but the Goodwood one is better known. It also has evening races which are always fun. Unusually it is a horseshoe configuration.
The event exec knows that there must be an improvement in facilities and profile to compete with the football and cricket club. Brighton is a city that punches beyond its weigth in sport. There is a buzz in the City with the Seagulls flying. Sussex CCC were relegated. The event exec went out with one of the players and a pall literally hangs over the club after the tragic death of young Matt Hobden. Apparently whilst star-gazing on the roof he fell asleep awaking not fully conscious, as one does mid slumber and, disorientated, failed to see the sky light through which he crashed to his death. Still under new Coach Mark Davis we are confident we can achieve promotion. I will certainly attend and report on Brighton racing in the summer too.
