History
I have been involved in running race night events for over twenty years. During this time, I have compered events at Aintree, Haydock, Cheltenham, Ascot, Newmarket and Doncaster racecourses. Some of these race night meetings have been corporate events and others have been charity fundraisers. I am often asked which I prefer. Bearing in mind that it was the fundraising side of things that originally got me involved in the race night business, I feel obliged to say that fundraising is in first place and the corporate work is in second place. Having said that, the corporate work is a lot more lucrative, so I'm not completely sure which I prefer. Either way, it would certainly be a photo finish! During the corporate events, I often have time to walk the racecourse or to look out over a balcony and take in the sheer beauty of the winners' enclosure, paddock, finish line and the surrounding scenery. During a fundraising race night, the betting desk is a sight to behold, with people spending money like it's going out of fashion. I imagine this is because people know that, even if their chosen horse loses, their hard earned money is going to a charitable cause. During a corporate 'fun money' race night, the sight of people waving around £50 novelty notes, after selecting a winner in the first race, brings a smile to every punter's face. Some people bet on the horse’s name, others look at the colour of the jockey silks, [...]