Eclipse Magazine

Racing Newmarket FC, the team for people who work in horseracing, has had a great summer. Despite losing games, it was about fun and letting off steam away from horseracing.

In May the team played the TV show Hollyoaks, losing 5–2.

In June they played Hollyoaks again, this time in Brighton. The majority of the team comprises jump jockeys including Mattie Batchelor (pictured), Gerard Tumelty, Andrew Tinkler, Sam Jones and many more. In fact there were about 15 jockeys that day, but the team lost 6–1 on that occasion.

July was the month of improvement. The team played the RAF in Cheveley, this time leading for most of the game and scoring three goals, with top apprentice from Rae Guest's yard scoring two goals and Joshua Crane getting another one. With captain John Jeffrey leading the way, and with Darren Wakenshaw producing stunning runs, it looked all good.

But then with 10 minutes to go the jockeys' legs fell apart and they went from a winning side to being beaten 8–3. "The score does not reflect the game as we should have won the game," commented Howard Jones, "but it was good the Royal Air Force won the game. They brough a coach full of supporters from their base and the RAF have said they raised £500 for Help for Heroes."

So what's next for Racing Newmarket?

September should see the return leg to the RAF base; also the Royal Navy looks like they will be playing the team in September/October. The team is also hoping to get a game against the Army and is busy trying to arrange two games next year against another soap team.

"The aim is to play a game a month," said Howard, "we are here to promote racing with the racing superstars in our team. We have had a lot of support from various sponsors and could do with more.

"If any companies out there reading this would like to sponsor us or a game then do get in touch. (Call Howard on 01359 270733.)

"We also could do with more players for the horseracing industry. You don't have to be a jockey, you could be a stable lad or bookmaker, or work in a racing publication. All we ask is you try and raise some money for Racing Welfare through your own sponsorship, that you send off direct to the charity.

"If you are a team who wants to play us then get in touch: all we ask is help in travel costs and hospitality for the team, and we can play anywhere in the UK."