A stone's throw from Newmarket means there will be plenty of thoroughbred talent on offer and that was no exception when we ventured to the course on the 24th May.
Travelling via train from my hometown of March, changing at Ely and Norwich, it took a couple of hours to get to this coastal town which resides in Norfolk. I do enjoy a day at Yarmouth whether for all the tourist attractions or a day at the races.
Well, there was a merry pilgrimage of me, two brothers, and pro gambler Jerry Banks and his friend, Mark. To be fair it was more of a day out than betting but there is always a few bets placed from one and all. Tony, my brother, had a no-lose bet to win a grand on Phoenix Duchess (3:40), while Jerry had a nice winner in the first race.
Anyway, I will get back to that in a moment.
We started our day walking from the train station to the Feathers Pub which is always good with cheap beers and an upbeat atmosphere. From there we headed to the course by taxi. The price of ticket for the Members enclosure is £28. It really is bordering on criminal. We got the Racing Day deal by purchasing our tickets in advance, which entitled a free alcoholic drink and pie. That is a fair deal, at least takes the edge off it. I think they have about 50 of those going if you buy your ticket a couple of weeks in advance. I think Jerry said later fixtures had already sold out!
The weather was fair and the main attraction for us were the two juvenile races (2yos for the uniformed) and especially interesting with a Class 2 & 3 event on the cards. I'm not sure if this was an extra fixture, but I can't remember a Class two contest for two-year-olds ever being held here before. There were some nice prospects who headed to the coast for more than an ice cream and battered cod.
One of the main attractions for me was the Frankel-sired State Of Desire, trained by Charlie Appleby, ridden by William Buick. This well-bred bay colt, who cost 400,000G, was pretty strong in the betting, starting at 5/6f. Racing over 6f on good to firm going, I did have slight concerns the trip would be on the sharp side and that turned out to be true with a respectable third place behind Watch My Tracer (George Scott) and El Bodon (Jane Chapple-Hyam). The winner was backed from big odds and has some potential and the second went well and I imagine connections were surprised they didn't win. State Of Desire ran well on debut but looks to need 7f to be seen at best.
Lots to enjoy on the day and we stayed the night at the Charlton Hotel, popping into the Grosvenor Casino for a drink and play on the roulette (I lost, brother won). After a walk along the front, went back to our rooms about midnight.
A long but enjoyable day.
The next morning we had breakfast at the Ocean Hotel, on the front, and had eggs royale before getting on the train and back home.
Photos: Top, State Of Desire, Bottom, Born To Rock.
Copyright 2023 Jason Coote (All rights reserved)
