Soroptimist International Manchester’s summer fundraiser arrived in the form of a charity lunch and race day with virtual horse-racing being the order of the day. It was a welcome opportunity for guests to dust off their finest garb and step out in style in support of the numerous charities we support. The event was well attended with members from all South Lancashire clubs in attendance and began with convivial gatherings in the bar, where hats and fascinators were in abundance and friends from different clubs had an opportunity to catch up before the excitement of the racing commenced.
Once settled and following a welcome from President Sophie, the betting rules were explained. There were to be six horse races in total with footage from live races projected onto a large screen, some jump races and some on the flat with eight runners in each. Local businesses and individuals had sponsored the races and members of SI Manchester along with family members and friends had sponsored and named individual horses in each race. Bets were to be placed prior to each race and there were no odds, with only the winning horse paying out. 50% of the winnings would be shared amongst winning punters and 50% would go to SI Manchester in support of our charities. This simplified tote betting system was a relief to our “bookies” who, armed with ticketing machines were able to take bets swiftly and efficiently from the long line of enthusiastic punters keen to part with their cash in the hope of backing a winner. Winning “owners” looked forward to a prize bottle of wine.
Guests enjoyed an excellent starter and main course and there was a buzz of conversation before the room went quiet in anticipation of the starting gun for the first race. After coffee and dessert, a further four races followed. As the afternoon progressed and libations flowed, the enthusiastic cheering as the horses jostled for the winning post, became louder. Several horse “owners” appeared to be on a winning streak.
The eight horses for the final race were auctioned off. On the dining tables, guests formed syndicates, bidding as a group. The auction room was busy with an air of nervous anticipation as syndicates sought to outbid their neighbouring tables. There was some very generous bidding and occasional concern that an ill-timed gesture in the eyeline of Andy, our auctioneer and race-master, would lead to a further price hike! With all horses successfully acquired and named, the final race took place with those previously unlucky punters, hopeful of winning a few pounds at their final opportunity.
With the racing concluded, raffle tickets were drawn and a fabulous array of prizes given to the winning ticket-holders.
The afternoon was a great success and the share of proceeds going to Soroptimist International Manchester will be used to directly benefit those charities that we support. There was a lot of laughter and friendship on the day and a great deal of fun was had by all. All of us at SI Manchester are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped to make this event such a success by attending, buying raffle tickets, placing bets, sponsoring horses and bringing along friends to enjoy the fun and friendship.
Cathrine Holland
