While the dust settles after the elation of a 5-1 thumping of Hyde on Saturday, Town fans everywhere should be kicking themselves for missing out on the Race Night hosted by the coMBined efforts of the Halifax Town Supporters’ Club and AFC Halifax, the supporters’ team. Held at the Sportsman Inn next to the ski slope, there was not a table to be had as Kit Walton took to the microphone to begin his duties as master of ceremonies-cum-race announcer a shade after 8pm.
With tote prices starting at a paltry 50p per ticket, there was no excuse for the assembled to not get involved and turn a healthy profit, whilst all the time raising funds for the co-hosts.
Supporters’ Club secretary Stewart Heaton outlined the purpose of the meeting: “It’s a joint fund-raising initiative between the Supporters’ Club and the supporters’ team. It’s a way to have a bit of fun, have a laugh, and raise some money in the process.”
Vice-chairman and bookmaker for the night Andrew Gilchrist said that they aim to run at least four nights throughout the year, and encouraged people to come down to the next one: “The next one is pencilled in for the 25th of April, and if you’ve missed out before you should certainly come down. It’s always been a fun night to come down to, where you can meet new fans and it has the added bonus that you could win some money!”
Horse names, courtesy of their respective sponsors, ranged from rent arrears references, via classic comedy names (Hoof Hearted) to those named through a breakdown in communication (Adam Ramsden – El Capitan). Stewart Heaton proved to be the most successful owner on the night, with his horses winning back to back races, both paying good odds to punters that had backed them.
The card for the evening shaped up as follows:
Race 1: The GOGS South Stand Stakes sponsored by Chris Neatby
Race 2: The Godfrey Obebo Sprint Classic (Roger Bottomley)
Race 3: The Anonymous Chase (Nigel Walker)
Race 4: The “I’ve A Mortgage & Wedding To Pay For” Marathon (Matthew Lumb)
Race 5: The Post Office Handicap (Hipperholme Post Office)
Race 6: The Will We Ever Win Away Claiming Stakes (Dave Crossley)
Race 7: The Vinnyweknuts Appreciation Society (Roger Bottomley)
Gilchrist reported at the conclusion of the night that the night raised “over £350, which will be split between both parties, so a successful night, all in all, and we can’t wait for the next one.”
Sponsorship prices are set at £10 for a race, or £3 for a horse, and can be secured by emailing supportersclub@halifaxafc.co.uk with both usually being snapped up very quickly.
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