A day at the races

STEVE NEWMAN GETS A TASTE OF WHAT GOES ON BEHIND THE SCENES AT KELSO RACES

Aday at the races is a delightful way to wile away an afternoon. But do spare a thought for the small army toiling behind the scenes …

6.30am It's an overcast Wednesday morning and Gillian Meikle has a decision to make about lighting a fire. Will the day be warm, or will the rain arrive with the cold winds sweeping off the Lammermuirs?

Gillian decides the rain may well put in an appearance, so finding the right bunch of keys she climbs the old winding stone staircase of the main stand at Kelso's racecourse and lights the coal fire in the Dukes Room. Some eight hours later grateful race-goers will warm themselves here, but how many of them will think about Gillian's early morning efforts?

Kelso is known as one of Britain's friendliest racecourses, mainly because of its compact size. Unlike other more sprawling courses, it would be just about possible to pick up the stands, parade ring and hospitality boxes at Kelso and drop them inside Murrayfield.

With up to 7,000 people visiting at a time it takes a small but dedicated staff to keep it all running smoothly. Not all of them start work as early as Gillian, but one does – her husband Brian.

Whereas Gillian is inside wondering about the weather, Brian is often outside. As the Head Groundsman he has to walk the course, inspect the jumps and telephone the Clerk of the Course to brief him, all long before most of us have reached out to silence the alarm clock.

8.30 Steve Horlick, the Race Day Health and Safety Officer, re...

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• By : Steve Newman
• In : Outdoor Scotland
• Issue : 5
• Page : 20
• Words : 1,385