Apologies for the delay but having trouble getting the pictures off my wife’s phone. We’ll get there and I'll post them onto the not606 Horse Racing FB page. Meanwhile I‘ll pinch a few of the ones Amanda uploaded to her FB My wife (Anita) and I were treated to a day out at Chantilly, specifically to support our favourite horse of the moment Enable. We were taken there by my daughter Amanda. And what a day out that turned out to be. Ecstatic doesn’t begin to describe the feelings as Enable stormed home up the straight to win as easily as she liked. In fact, the whole weekend was great. Saturday afternoon, my grandson captained his U13 team to a 4-0 win. Then I got home to find my team Wycombe Wanderers winning their 3rd league game in 7 days. We had planned to leave as early as possible (around 6pm) on Saturday as we had a hotel booked for the night, not far from the course. However due to a hectic day we didn’t leave until about 8.30pm, not having eaten much. So, with a stop for a meal plus drink stops, we didn’t arrive at the hotel until 3am. Still, we had a good sleep and, after a very nice breakfast, shower and change, we headed off for the course. It was the easiest drive to a major race meeting ever. On arriving at the course, it was a combined “Wow”. What an impressive setting it was. We decided to miss the first 2 races (although saw the end of the second) as it would have been criminal not to take in a tour of the impressive chateau adjoining the course, where we also had a lunch. A steady amble to the course included an amusing encounter with some stall handlers at the 1000 metre start. As we walked past the stalls we thought it might be a good idea to have a photo of me in the stalls, ready to go. So, Amanda asked the stall handlers if it was OK. They volunteered to take the photos so Amanda could join me. I think they enjoyed helping Amanda into the stalls (my wife refrained). After taking a few snaps, another stall handler joined us and told the first one to get in the picture as well (photos will be available). Great start to the meeting. By the time we got into the parade ring the prize giving for the second race (won by Happiness) was underway. As Aidan O’Brien was leaving the parade ring Amanda called him for a photo and he said “Sure” (photo will be available). We stayed in the parade ring whilst the arab race was run to make sure we had a good position at the front for the big race parade. The jockeys paraded first then the horses came in. Enable looked an absolute picture. Cool as a cucumber, lovely head, a complete athlete and that look of invincibility about her; it was if she was saying “I know you are admiring me because I am the greatest, and this lot have no chance”. Ulysses also looked a picture. To be honest you couldn’t say that about too many of them but that may be because Enable looked so impressive. We then made our way to the rails near the winning post to see them canter down to the start. Enable entered the stalls early and the moments that followed were filled with nervous excitement as they gradually went in. It was quite amusing as the race announcer said in English. “For all you British supporters please give your support for your horses as they leave the stalls” Long pause “…………… and the French also”. They’re off. Enable not best placed but once an opening came 2 out it was all over and she sauntered home to rapturous applause. Amanda was going to get a selfie with Frankie as he came out but he was so in demand with the cameras we didn’t get to see him come out. The runners for the Abbaye came into the parade ring and there were some lovely looking specimens, notably Batash, Marsha and Profitable who all looked “up for it”. We got down to the rails about 50 metres from the winning post to see this one. They came up the stands rails where we were. ****, they were going some as they thundered past, with Batash showing them a clean pair of heels We thought we would miss the last race and leave early but we bumped into the stall handler who joined us for the photos on the way in and got chatting for ages (well Amanda did) and left after the finish of the last race. Even so, leaving the car park and driving home was as simple as I’ve ever known at a major race meeting. With a stop for evening meal and drink stops we arrived home about 2am A very enjoyable experience. I think we will go there again as it is such a lovely course with a very friendly atmosphere. I will sort out some pictures and make them available as soon as I can
