8 National Hunt jockeys were legged up on to larger than average mounts on Saturday (28 June) — in Lingfield Park’s 2nd annual Shire horse race.
The riders — including Cheltenham Champion Chase winner Jamie Moore — took to the saddle for the 2f race.
However, it was Mark Goldstein who was victorious, aboard Morpheous — owned by Emily Marriott. In 2nd was Jack Flash, then Curious George, both owned by Hurst Green Shires.
The race took place on Lingfield Park’s Armed Forces raceday, to mark centenary of World War 1.
Jax Gardiner from Hurst Green Shires, who helped organised the race, said: “This couldn’t be more appropriate that we are having the Shire Horse Race on 28 June, Armed Forces Day, in the year that commemorates the 100th anniversary of the 1st World War.”
“Shires played such a crucial role in this conflict and I have been working closely with the Army on how we can help to mark the commemorations this year.”
Andrew Perkins of Lingfield Park added: “Today was a very poignant moment when we all remembered the remarkable work carried out by these horses and our soldiers.
“Our first Shire horse race last year was a tremendous success with people travelling far and wide to see such a spectacle. This year, we have welcomed in over 6,000 people as we link it to Armed Forces Day.”
Pictures by Ian Headington
