Well, this is brilliant. Just bloody brilliant.
So I'm scrolling through my morning news feed yesterday, coffee still brewing, and I see this absolute gem: punters heading to Saturday's Epsom Derby could get slapped with £100 fines for... what exactly? Being too rowdy? Having one too many pints? Apparently, the local council has decided that Derby weekend needs some serious babysitting.
Listen, I've been to my fair share of race meetings over the years. Back in 2019, I watched a bloke in a three-piece suit try to climb a fence at Ascot after backing three consecutive losers. Did he deserve a fine? Maybe. Did he deserve our sympathy? Absolutely.
The Council's New Toy: PSPOs
Epsom & Ewell Borough Council has rolled out what they're calling a "public space protection order" – or PSPO for those who love acronyms. This little beauty can stick around for up to three years, which means they're not messing about.
The order targets anyone who's "harassing or threatening others" or keeps drinking after being told to stop by police, community support officers, or council staff. Fair enough on the harassment bit – nobody wants their day at the races ruined by some numpty who can't handle his drink.
But here's where it gets interesting.
Councillor Shanice Goldman (chair of the crime and disorder committee, no less) reckons this new tool will let authorities "address anti-social behaviour effectively, without immediately resorting to arrests." Noble goal, I suppose. Though I can't help wondering if a £100 fine might sting more than a night in the cells for some folks.
When Locals Want to Flee Their Own Town
Here's the kicker – apparently some residents are so fed up with Derby weekend shenanigans that they're considering leaving town entirely. One councillor mentioned locals finding the behaviour "intimidating" during the two-day meeting.
God, imagine being so put off by a couple days of racing that you'd rather pack up and leave. Though having lived through a few festival weekends myself, I get it. There's something about horse racing that brings out both the best and absolute worst in people.
The thing is, tens of thousands of racegoers will descend on the Downs this Friday and Saturday. That's a lot of bodies, a lot of booze, and apparently a lot of potential trouble.
£1.5 Million Reasons to Celebrate
Let's not forget why everyone's there in the first place. The Derby – running since 1780, which makes it older than most countries – boasts a prize pool of £1.5 million. The winner takes home £900,000, which is enough to buy a decent house in some parts of the country.
This year's joint-favourites are Delacroix (trained by the legendary Aidan O'Brien) and Ruling Court from Charlie Appleby's yard. Though one of O'Brien's three runners got absolutely shafted in Wednesday's stall draw. Poor horse didn't even know what hit him.
The race has produced some absolute legends over the years – Shergar being the most famous, though we all know how that story ended...
The Great Cheltenham Pee Wars of Recent Memory
This isn't the first time councils have declared war on racing crowds. Remember Cheltenham's genius solution to public urination? They brought in special paint that made pee splash back on anyone trying to relieve themselves against walls. Called it their "war on wee" – I kid you not.
Imagine explaining that budget line item to taxpayers.
But honestly, these crackdowns are becoming more common. Racing festivals bring money to local economies, sure, but they also bring headaches for residents who just want to get on with their lives without dodging drunk punters and stepping over... well, let's not go there.
The Real Question Nobody's Asking
Here's what I'm wondering: will these fines actually work?
Someone who's just blown £500 on a horse that finished dead last might not be too bothered about another £100 fine. Then again, maybe that's exactly when £100 hurts the most.
The council voted this order in last month, so they've clearly been planning this for a while. Can't say they didn't warn everyone.
My advice? If you're heading to Epsom this weekend, maybe pace yourself. Keep your hands to yourself. And for the love of all that's holy, if a council officer tells you to put down that pint, just do it.
Your wallet will thank you later.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you ensure the mental wellbeing of your racehorse?
Maintenance of a racehorse's mental health is as crucial as its physical conditioning. Racehorses' psychological well-being is enhanced by varied routines and mental stimulation. By ensuring the horse is socialized with other horses in a stable, calm environment, you can prevent stress and behavioral problems.
What is the role of the jockey when training a racehorse?
Jockeys play an essential role in training racehorses. They not only ride the horses during workouts, providing feedback on the horse's performance, but also help in educating the horse about racing tactics, such as pacing, positioning, and responding to commands. The jockey's ability to understand the horse and its strengths and weakness is crucial for preparation.
Can you train a racing horse on any type of track?
Although initial training can be done on any track, race-specific training is often required in facilities that mimic the conditions the horse may face during competition. The horse must be trained on a track that is the same size and has the same surface as the racetrack. It is important to use the right track in order to condition the horse correctly and familiarize them with the particular racing environment.
What is the first training step for a racehorse?
During the first phase of racing a horse, there is a critical "breaking" stage where the horses become accustomed with a saddle, bridle or the weight from a rider. In these early sessions patience and gentle treatment are essential to ensure that the horse becomes comfortable with humans and the equipment he will wear during his racing career.
When can a horse be expected to start racing training?
Horses may begin their basic training as yearlings but they will usually begin more rigorous racing training and conditioning at around two years. It is at this age that their bodies are ready to take on the demands of the racetrack, yet still young and flexible enough to adapt. However, the exact timing may vary depending on the individual horse's development and temperament.
What health precautions must be taken when training racehorses?
Preventing injury and illness requires that you pay attention to your racehorse’s health. Regular veterinary checks, vaccinations and dental care are important. Monitoring the horse's signs of fatigue, discomfort or strain is equally important. A well-planned training program that allows for a gradual increase in intensity will help reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injury.
Statistics
- The average racehorse reaches its peak physical ability between the ages of four to five, with some variation based on the breed and individual development.
- Gastrointestinal issues affect up to 90% of racehorses during their training, emphasizing the need for careful dietary management.
- Approximately 70% of a racehorse's diet consists of forage, with the remainder made up of grains and supplements to meet their high-calorie needs.
- The majority of racehorses in training are subject to an exercise regimen that includes being ridden six days a week.
- The Injury Database from The Jockey Club reports that synthetic racing surfaces have a lower horse fatality rate than dirt tracks, with a statistically significant difference of 1.2 fatalities per thousand starts on synthetics compared to 2.0 on dirt tracks.
- Around 80% of thoroughbred racehorses begin their racing careers by the age of two, according to industry estimates.
External Links
How To
How to Monitor Racehorse Health and Maintain It Throughout Training
In order to maintain a racehorse’s health, regular health checks are essential. You should perform daily visual checks, paying attention to the horse’s gait, behaviour, and appetite. Schedule regular veterinary checks, which include dental and hoof care. Track your workout data and heartrate post-exercise in order to detect any changes that could indicate health problems. Minor health issues should be addressed immediately to prevent them from becoming more serious.
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