As part of the annual Fayre, we have been holding sheep races for the past few years. We have not been beaten by the sheep escaping (in our first year - nothing to do with the magnificent fencing!), nor have we been beaten by foot and mouth.
In the two years it has not been permitted to move livestock, we had pantomime horse racing, with the commentary being done by Jenny Pitman, and unfortunately for the participants we had an extremely hot day, so many beers were required for the horses to rehydrate. In 2007 we were unable to use sheep again, so we had duck and geese races, which proved pretty popular, and made a nice change. We were lucky enough to have Jonny Saunders from radio 2 doing our commentary.
The 2008 Racing Programme
Have a look at the 2008 race card
(We apologise for all the puns)
In 2008 we ran a combination of duck races and sheep races, with a special celebrity duck race which enabled punters to take part in an auction and buy a duck for the day.
We raise money in these events by selling sponsorship for the race, as well as selling the animals for the race to owners for the day. In the past we have raised a few hundred pounds, and such is the ambition of the “Chapel Row Sheep Racing Club”, we aim to raise over £2,000 this year as our contribution to the Chapel Row Fayre.
All proceeds raised from the sheep and duck racing goes into the pot for the overall donation to the various charities each year, and as such we have absolutely no overheads other than a great deal of work setting up the course and managing the animals on the day.
We are fortunate enough to have people such as Peter Waters and his son Steve, who allow us to use his specially prepared racing sheep, and the bookies run by Stefan Maja who parts punters from their money, all in a good cause.
For anyone who has not experienced the spectacle of sheep racing, it is well worthwhile coming along. You do not have to spend any money, and this forms part of the Fayre that is open and free to everyone, even if you cannot afford to donate.
It is worth the trip to hear Mark Wallace bellowing out the names of the sheep in his over excited commentary, which keeps all amused, and the animals moving.
We hope to see you at the fayre cheering on your favourite runners.