Newmarket Horse Racing

On Friday night we were lucky to have some free entries to the races at Newmarket in the members enclosure. A visit to the horse racing at Newmarket is something we usually do about once a year if we can. So whilst we are not big horse racing fans it is still something we enjoy.

I would have to say this is probably the only time apart from the Grand national that we have a bet on the horses and consequently when we go along we know little about the likely winners. We really go for the occasion the atmosphere and the spectacle of the event.

The journey along from Bury St Edmunds to Newmarket was fine along the A 14 until we took the first turning off signposted Newmarket and we then hit heavy traffic getting through the town. But we had left in good time and we were able to have a picnic before the 1st race at 6pm.

It was good that we made it in time for the 1st race as that proved to be our only winner and at about 13-1 fairly long odds we picked up £37 for a £2 each way bet. After this we had 3 places but no more winners but we came away even.

After this we were in a good position for the Jools Holland Band which started at 9pm. With a 20 piece band the Jools Holland is a powerful sound playing a mixture of r&b classics, ska and jool holland's own songs. For this mini tour the band were joined by special guests Ruby Turner,Louise Marshall and LuLu.

All of the special guests were good LuLu was able to work the audieb=nce and is a good entertainer. Ruby Turner has a great soul voice and Loise Marshall I can find lillte about but for me was a real talent in the making.

Rico Rodrigeuz played trombone This guy is something of a legend and is still going strong in his 70's. I remember him from the Specials when he played with the band on a Message to You Rudy. I remember seeing the Specials at Midsummer Common Cambridge under a big canvas tent in the early 1980's.