Looking ahead to the approach of another flat racing season.  Roll on!

 

Sunrise creeping, daylight peeping,

All is silent, all are sleeping.

 

Alarm clocks whirring, staff start stirring,

Farm dogs scratching, farm cats purring.

 

Voices muffled, sneezes snuffled,

Stairways creaking, footsteps shuffled.

 

Harness jingling, senses tingling,

Eggs and bacon and coffee mingling.

 

Boxes ready, horses heady,

Stable lads to hold 'em steady.

 

Race-day thrilling, race-course filling,

Mounts and jockeys keen and willing.

 

Trainers stressing: no more guessing,

Riders nodding, eyes assessing.

 

Steeds parading, promenading,

Hopes increasing, chances fading.

 

Race beginning, runners thinning

Till one leads and runs home winning

 

Trophy showing, connections glowing,

Applaud the champion. hot and blowing.

 

Gallant winner, what a skinner!

Paying for champagne and dinner.

 

Horses fed now, put to bed now,

See the weary human head bow.

 

Voices yawning, early morning,

Soon to rise again at dawning.

 

Sunrise creeping, daylight peeping,

All is silent, all are sleeping.

.....................................................................