At the Races...

Dee and I had a rather fun outing this weekend. We needed a day away together and decided to do something we have never done before. We dawned our wellies and went to the races. Each year a small set of horse races is held at a beach near where we live. The stretch of sand is only visible during low tide, and the number of races held each year are in direct correlation with the rising and lowering of the water. There were probably a couple of hundred people braving the rain and cold winds to cheer on the young jockeys. The riders ranged in age from 9 to 13, but they all knew exactly what they needed to do in order to win. The bookies all had stands set up along side the hamburger stands and drink vendors, and masses of people made pilgrimages to all three between each race.

I have to admit that at times I was cold and wet, but in the end it was exciting to see the race horses tear by at breakneck speeds all the while kicking up sand and water as they attempted to squeeze out the other riders. I was also amazed at the beauty and strength of each horse. The power and speed that each had was truly awesome.

The races ended as the tides reclaimed the beach. As everyone made for their cars a large group of young guys worked frantically to get their stranded car out of the sand as the waters slowly rose.

Here are a few pictures from the day:

A horse after the race - click to see it larger: