Winter racing at Hipodromo Racecourse proves a huge hit

IT was a gloriously sunny day…and a fabulous day out for all the family. The second day of racing in the winter calendar at Mijas Hippodromo Racetrack on Sunday, which included the EWN Trophy Event, attracted young and old alike.

And for everyone it was a day to remember.

An estimated crowd of 2,000 watched five races, and in between action of the track, they were entertained by the young dancers .

There was also a special EWN stall offering free Pimms cocktails to spectators who completed a special survey on the newspaper. Over the course of the day more than 600 spectators handed in completed surveys!

Restaurants and cafes meanwhile did a brisk business as many spectators relaxed under the clear blue February skies to enjoy themselves on the warmest day of the year.

As the temperatures topped 22c, many found an added bonus was the good fortune of selecting a winner…but everyone who attended enjoyed themselves….even those that did not pick a winner.

One race official said: “Not only has there been some really close races, but the spectators have really enjoyed not just the action on the racetrack, but also the entertainment provided on what has been a great day out.”

Among the spectators was Lisa Holland from Liverpool, who attended with visiting friends from nearby La Cala. “This has been a great day out,” she commented.

“I know nothing about racing, but have had a few €2 flutters, and have managed to show a €4.5 profit on the day….though the €10 snack lunch at one of the bars was a little expensive in my mind.

“But I would definitely love to come again. The sun, the atmosphere, the racing….it was great. This was a fabulous fun day out and everyone was well behaved. Not one sign of anyone trying to spoil things.

“It was a little disappointing that there was very little sign of any Spaniards among the spectators . Perhaps they do not like racing as much as the British do?”

The next meet at Mijas Racecourse took place last Sunday for the most important race on Spanish turf, the Dia de Andalucia Mijas Cup Grand Prize.

Winners

Race 1: Julian Grosjean on Vivanco, from the Yeguada Cortiñal stables

Race 2: Ivan Lopez on Makalali from the Martel Sanchez stables

Race 3: Santiago Martin on Lisselan Pharoah, from the Lisselan Farms stables 

Race 4: Ivan Lopez on Barking from the B.P. San Mateo stables
Race 5: Ivan Lopez on Tashqeel from the San Acacio stables 

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Fred’s big win, after 69 years!

AFTER 69 years, Fred Yarwood has finally won something big in his life… and all thanks to the Euro Weekly News (EWN).

Fred, who has lived in Torrequebrada on the Costa del Sol for 10 years with his wife Patricia, has won bottles of wine and chocolates in raffles and competitions in the past.

But now he can add a Panasonic flat-screen television to his winnings.

He won the television after completing a EWN survey – which was then entered into a prize draw – at the Mijas Costa Hippodromo, The newspaper had a stand at the racetrack, and sponsored one event.

“I am absolutely delighted,” he told told Publishers Michel and Steven Euesden as they presented him with the prize. Earlier when phoned to be told of his win, he thought perhaps a friend was winding him up.

The new television has now taken pride of place in their living room, with their old set relegated to the bedroom.

And with two televisions, they no longer have to disagree over whether to watch Fred’s favourite documentaries or Patricias’ preferred soaps