The first event of its kind – certainly not the last.
On Tuesday 6th March at the Mannings Heath Hotel in West Sussex Deputy Head Handicapper Dominic Gardner-Hill gave a fascinating insight into the world of handicapping to a sell out crowd of 80 Heart of the South Racing owners and their guests. We believe that it was the first event of its type, it was a huge success and is certainly an event that will be repeated.
Channel 4 Racing presenter Simon Holt chaired the event and guests were able to submit questions in advance about treatment of specific horses or trainers and handicapping in general. The discussion raised many more questions and all guests went home much the wiser and with a new found respect for the UK’s team of handicappers. The event over-ran because there were so many questions, and we could have kept going for several hours more! Guests were invited to have a try at handicapping a typical race, which graphically demonstrated the complexities of the system. We will certainly think twice before we complain about the handicapper’s treatment of one of our horses!
The Mannings Heath Hotel is adjacent to Gary Moore’s Cisswood Stables which were specially opened during the evening so that visiting owners were also able to see their horses, and some stayed overnight to join Gary on the gallops on Wednesday morning.
Proceeds of the event went to Simon and Dominic’s chosen charities, Moorcroft Racehorse Sanctuary and Sussex Air Ambulance.