Jumping for joy
Oh to be in England now that Cheltenham 2008 is here! Unfortunately high winds stopped the racing yesterday, and day before saw a massive successful effort to restore the damage at the course from the storms the night before.
Still I am off to a packed day’s racing there today. As the Member of Parliament for Newmarket, it might be seen as an obligatory, but it actually is the bestest of the best occasions. Yes Newmarket purists may not like jump racing but it is very exciting, and at times quite dangerous. It is an eccentric affair, hugely well attended, and a very Irish occasion too. Clerical collars are not out of place.
My host is the inimitable Piers Pottinger, a constituent, whose success in government and corporate relations is matched by his passion for equine matters, including ownership. It does really grip people, despite the poor prize money in Britain and the expense of buying and training a racehorse. Piers is a perfect host whose lunch guests are an engaging cross-section of enthusiasts.
I cannot wait.