A day at the races as Cartmel’s annual event restarts

While the first race, 2.15, was under starter’s orders, a downpour dubbed a “monsoon” shower rolled in and darkness fell on the crowd dressed for a summer day.

It was raced but the second race had to be postponed.

The rain subsided and the stewards began a series of 15-minute inspections of the course. Meanwhile, Cartmel staff mobilized to spread sand on the worst affected areas.

The race finally resumed with the 2.50 which took place an hour later than planned.

Despite the rain, the atmosphere remained cheerful, one onlooker said, with beer tents full and much sought after refreshments and the air still warm.

Racing was due to resume on Wednesday this week, going from good to soft, according to Bruce Drinkhall, assistant course secretary.

Among the dignitaries present at Monday’s meeting was Tote Chairman Lord Woodrow Wyatt. There was also Barrow’s favorite son, Emlyn Hughes, the broadcaster and former football player.

Famous trainer Ginger McCain, who coached the legendary Red Rum, was also in class on Monday.

Leading Cumbrian trainers who had horses at Cartmel included Roger Fisher of Ulverston, Gordon Richards of Penrith and Dudley Moffett of Cartmel.

One of Cartmel’s regulars, Market Rasen’s Michael Chapman, had come out with the sandbags before the race and it paid off when Lafkadio won the Stanley Leisure Handicap Hurdle.

Dark Emperor and Arthur Stephenson’s Laughing Lord have won the last two races.

Scottish trainer Len Lungo, who had last visited Cartmel as a jockey 20 years previously, was spared a trip to Doncaster Sales, when Wattle Syke, winner of the Michael CL Hodgson Selling Handicap Hurdle, was bought for 4,000 gns.

Stan’s Folly, winner at Cartmel in 1990, repeated his success and won the Burlington Slate Amateur Handicap Chase. Gelding Roy Hobbs won the Tote Juvenile Novices Hurdle.