The open day at L & K Jewell racing is an annual event. My role at this event has changed over the years. Early years saw me helping tidy the yard and muck out on the day. Progressing to grooming and leading the horses for the parade. Then head of Quarter marks and coordinator of the horses but finally my role has become photographer.

L & K Jewell racing: My longest relationship

I have a long standing relationship with L & K Jewell racing, having worked there since I was 14 years old! Thats a heck of a long time. I’ve worked there on and off up until last year. Picking up weekends and a long time ago riding out. Now I’m to much of a wimp to get involved with the riding but I still can muck out and turnout a horse. I do enjoy still having a bond with them and love leading up and getting involved at the races. Now I’ve been able to be accredited though I spend a lot of time on the track- thankfully taking pictures and not riding!

Preparation is key and so I ordered myself some lovely new cards to give out. Not business cards more where can I find the pictures and what will the password be. I splashed out and used Moo. Whilst they are a little more expensive than the normal supplier I use, the quality is far superior. Plus they came in a nifty square shape which reminded me of playing snap when I was younger! How can that be a bad thing. So snazzy new cards, charged camera and my advertising board safely stowed away we were off.

Margaux had to stay home as she gets a bit keen with horses and seems to think she is invincible around them.

L & K Jewell racing: Prep and Strut

Traditionally the day starts with nibbles and mingles. Owners old and new plus liveries enjoy some time chatting to Linda and the team. Seeing the last minute touches being put into place and saying hello the horses. NAF kindly sponsored the event and their products were being put to good use. A few of the horses rather fancied some Pimms or a nibble or two, but as they are athletes they had to skip this! Once everyone had mingled they were called to the lawn and assembled ready for the parade.

One by one each horse is led out and shown to the owners. From the owner’s side it all looks very calm and relaxed. Behind the scenes though it’s a flurry of activity and requires a lot of organisation. It’s very much a team effort with all hands on deck.

 

L & K Jewell

 

L & K Jewell racing: Sales horses

Once all the horses in training have strutted their stuff it’s the turn of the sales horses. A really nice crop this year, many of them from the Papal Bull line. Stocky and with excellent topline they look built for the track. A couple caught my eye and I rather fancied them as an eventer! Also included in the post parade display was Pinky. Owned by Peter, Pinky is in his second season on the show circuit and currently going down storm. It’s a juggling act keeping everyone happy but L & K Jewell racing seem to manage rather well. Finally little Willow came out to say hello the kiddies. Another stunner I’ve got my eye on him for the county shows next year.

 

 

 

 

L & K Jewell racing: Special Edits

As Itoldyou, Romeo, is very much the star of the yard at the moment I couldn’t help myself and had to do a special picture of him. Black background suited him perfectly and I think you’ll all agree he is very much still a super star.

Romeo by Frog and Field