Dear CCL members,
Our club’s annual Cheltenham Preview dinner took place at London’s Oxo Tower on March 5th.
It was another sell-out, with nearly 100 members and guests enjoying an evening of excellent food, fine wine and delightful banter. As an avid racing fan, this is the Carbine Club event to which I most look forward and once again it surpassed expectations.
In the audience were several racehorse owners who between them had landed many of National Hunt’s greatest prizes, including Cheltenham’s Champion Hurdle, Champion Chase, Ryanair Chase and Gold Cup, plus two Grand Nationals.
Our compère, Racing TV’s star presenter, Nick Luck, delivered his customary polished performance, interviewing some of the diners with hopes and dreams of glory at the 2024 Festival, including Richard Thompson (Cheveley Park Stud) and Robert Waley-Cohen.
Our guest speaker was racing commentator and Carbine Club member, Richard Hoiles, who will be busy calling them home at Prestbury Park next week. He gave us a timely reminder of why racing is so special and the pressing need to protect its finances.
Finally, there was the event’s traditional “phantom call” on the Gold Cup from veteran broadcaster Jim “the Croc” McGrath. It was another masterpiece of artifice that concluded with hot favourite Galopin Des Champs retaining his crown.
Looking ahead I urge you to put these forthcoming Carbine Club events in your diary.
May 23 – Sandown Park – from 5pm
The Carbine Club’s annual trip to the races for Brigadier Gerard night, British racing’s richest evening meeting. Once again we will have exclusive access to the Royal Box with outstanding views across the racecourse. All members and their guests are welcome to join us for dinner but there is a maximum of 50 places, so please apply early to avoid disappointment.
May 24 – Royal Mid-Surrey Golf Club – from Noon
The Carbine Club’s annual golf event again takes place at the club on Richmond’s Old Deer Park. We will meet on the terrace for drinks and a light lunch at noon. First tee will be about 1.30pm. It is a team event but don’t worry if you are entering as a single, we will find you a place. After golf, there is a superb curry supper in the clubhouse. I will be putting up bottles of the Wine Society’s Exhibition Chateauneuf-du-Pape as prizes.
July 1 – Lord’s Long Room – Drinks Reception Noon
The Carbine Club’s annual summer event again takes place in world cricket’s most iconic location. This year’s tourists to England will be the West Indies and our lunch will reflect that, with at least one speaker from the Caribbean. Members may bring guests but in recent years we have sold out all 200 places, so please apply early to secure a place.
I look forward to seeing you at an event soon.
Best wishes,
Jeff Randall
President
