Over 80 members, from u3a's as far away as Penzance and Sturminster Newton, gathered at Newton Abbot racecourse for a day at the races.
Dee negotiated tickets into the Paddock area for only £10pp. Everyone was greeted and given a name badge then Dee welcomed us into our private area in the Grandstand building. Here we heard from former Grand National winning jockey and now Trainer, Jimmy Frost, who gave tips on likely winners for each of the six races.
It was great to meet so many members from other u3a branches, many of whom had never been to the races before and enjoyed a completely new experience.
Dee has already negotiated another day at Newton Abbot next year, this time in our own box at a hugely discounted price of only £40pp.
24 members from seven u3a's, as far afield as Penzance, were warmly welcomed by Jimmy Frost and his son, Dan, to their stables in Buckfastleigh.
As well as horses he trains for owners, and for his own
Racing Club, he looks after 4 retired famous race horses
including Black Corton and Frodon. The horses are so well looked after, every one of them glistening in their shiny coats.
We watched Phillipa, a stable hand, platting Frodon's mane and showing us how they 'dress' the horses prior to taking them into the Paddock before they race.
Frodon took a while to settle as he was led in on the right for photos. Black Corton is on the left, led in by Jim.
At Many of us went to Buckfast Abbey for lunch where Jim and his wife Nikki chatted to members at the end of a thoroughly enjoyable and educational day.
