The races

Yesterday (boxing day) was wet and windy for much of the day. Simon was out windsurfing for several hours, although quite a bit of the time was spent changing his kit as the conditions kept changing. I stayed in and did a jigsaw puzzle. However by the time we had a very late lunch it had brightened up and we paid a quick visit to the races before going for a walk at Gypsy Cove.

The annual races, which take place over the 3 days after Christmas are the big social event of the year and people come from all over the islands. I gather that as well as horse racing they have other games/competitions like rodeo riding. These probably happen today and then tomorrow there is a gymkana. I have not seen a programme of events, I think everyone just knows what is happening.We only stayed to watch one race. People must have done a lot of work in the past to prepare the racecourse as it is the biggest, flattest, stone free area I have seen anywhere on the island apart from the airport. There were 4 horses running in the race we watched. Once they got going they seemed quite enthusiastic with one continuing off the end of the course, out of the field and down the road!As the Standard Chartered bank are celebrating 25 years here they are hosting a celebration at the racecourse this evening with free food and drink for everyone so I imagine that will be popular!