FOR ten seconds the start of the Fitzdares Welcomes Back Spectators Handicap felt like the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.
The roar of the 2,000 strong crowd was a more than welcome tonic after months of empty grandstands.
And the well-backed Olympic Theatre might as well have been Arkle the way the punters cheered him home.
It genuinely felt like a big step forwards for the sport. Money in the coffers, punters through the gate and a return to some form of normality. Even the heavens opened.
Punters surrounded the parade ring with excitement, young and old picking out their fancy.
Racecards still aren’t in circulation, so there were phones out, newspapers and even homemade form guides. People will do anything for a day at the races.
“This honestly feels like I’ve packed my bags and gone away on holiday,” laughed Greg Carter.
“Back before all this, I’d go racing once every two weeks or so and I haven’t been for 18 months or so.
“I’ve never been into the big days, so this is perfect.
“I can get a beer, look at the horses and go out and watch the race – what more do you want?”
The poor jockeys had to trek from their temporary weighing room on one side of the course, through the crowds, across the lawns into the parade ring.
Oisin Murphy was happy to fulfill plenty of selfie requests. Ryan Moore on the other hand…
But for those lucky enough to ride one of seven winners throughout the evening, a warm applause on their way back in meant more than it usually does.
Improvements need to be made, of course. But these racecourses have had only a week to prepare.
With half the bars closed, members shipped out of their usual haunts and the trainers traipsing around with Tom, Dick and Harry – it wasn’t all smiles.
The usual complaints about seating and queuing were common. That’s how you know things are step-by-step inching back to normal.
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Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.sportingexcitement.com/horse-racing/tributes-paid-to-joe-mercer-former-champion-jockey-and-brigadier-gerard-jockey-dead-at-age-of-86
