The Welsh Grand National: Thank you Mountainous!

On Saturday 28th December, my parents along with JP and I set off to Chepstow racecourse for the Welsh Grand National. 

About ten years ago, I had worked at Chepstow races during my school holidays as a waitress in the restaurant and a few private boxes. Going back as a spectator brought it all back; the smells, the sounds and the amazing amount of drunks staggering about at only 11:15am!

There had been torrential downpour all morning, but as we walked through the gates the skies cleared and it was crisp, clear and the sunny.

Some people arrived in the most opulent of fashion, some even choosing a helicopter to make their grand entrance. There were tweeds, velvets, minks and other furs in abundance, it was quite the fashion parade watching them in the owners enclosure. 

We quickly got used to the betting lingo and went back and forth with our "each way's" and "to win's" holding tightly onto the betting slips. Fingers and toes were firmly crossed that we'd be going back up to collect our winnings.

It was hard to part with cash at the start, but no sooner had a couple of races passed, my £2.50 bets became £10 bets..... 
Over breakfast that morning, Mummy, JP and I had scoured the betting websites and had drawn up a list of those we wanted to put our hard earned money on- this list came in handy as the crowds gathered around the boards. Some of the horses that were meant to be racing were withdrawn at the last minute, leaving some races with a reduced field and a higher chance for us to win!  

Mummy was particularly successful with her bets from the start...... going back and forth to collect her winnings, I think the bookies were as shocked as we were! 

But then, at 14:35pm, the Grand National race itself, we all won big. The anticipation was palpable, excitement indescribable. My legs literally went to jelly as I saw my horse, Mountainous, come in first place at 20-1 odds. 

Before each race the horses were paraded around in front of an eagerly awaiting crowd.

After the Grand National prize-giving there were two more races. A lot of the crowd had dispersed to the warmer areas (bars!) and as the sun started to go down it became bitterly cold. However, one more win for all of us kept our spirits high and our pockets lined!

Having lived in Wales for the majority of my 26 years and being there for every Christmas I can remember this was surprisingly the first time we had ever been to the Welsh Grand National. 
It was such a brilliant day- not just because we'd all won some money- but with the jovial atmosphere, bright weather and spending such precious time with people I love most. 



With the sun setting, we headed home back to the welcoming warmth of a crackling wood burner and mulled wine. The perfect end to a very perfect day. 

Happy New Year everyone, thanks for reading.

Emi x