Royal Windsor Racecourse, Sunday 10th August 2008

August was the month for the annual Ossie & Hutch Race Day which has now become a firm fixture on our calendar. This year's Raceday was another great success for the charity with friends from the world of football in attendance at the Royal Windsor Racecourse.
Read on for Lynn's full report below.

"The ‘Ossie & Hutch Race Day’ started life six years ago as the Ian Hutchinson Memorial Race Day following Ian’s sad passing. After his death, Peter and his eldest son Anthony thought that having a Race Day in Windsor would be a great way to celebrate Ian’s life while helping charities near to his heart. Ossie and Hutch ran their pub The Union Inn in Windsor and hence the connection with Windsor Racecourse was inevitable. When Ossie suddenly passed away on March 1st 2006 it quickly became obvious that the race day would be dedicated to the two of them and the fact that Peter was a Windsor lad, born a short distance from the racecourse, helps to make the day even more special.

It was decided to run the event as a way of having fun, remembering the boys and raising much needed funds for charity along the way. We have supported various charities over the years including Thames Hospicecare, The Rainbow Centre, The Sporting Chance Clinic, The Children’s Trust at Tadworth, and BALASA, all of which have had a special significance to us at some time.

Now however, with the formation of The Peter Osgood Trust the race day will support the Trust together with a second charity of our choice, which this year was The Stroke Association.

Our day started with a Champagne reception in the superb Riverbank Marquee located right by the side of the parade ring and was followed by a delicious two-course lunch with wine. Racing began at 2.30pm with our sponsored race ‘The Ossie & Hutch Memorial Stakes’ taking place at 3.30pm. The winning horse ‘Soft Shoe Shuffle’ trained by Walter Swinburn ran a brilliant race and our ‘Ossie & Hutch’ engraved memorial cup was presented to the delighted owner.

Colin Brown, ex jockey of Desert Orchid gave us the benefit of his racing experience by talking us through the Race card and suggesting tips for the day, which was great fun and also proved good value.

A raffle and auction raised £4,000 for charity with wonderful items being donated including a visit to West Ilsley Stables at Newbury, the home of ex Saints legend and now famous racehorse trainer, Mick Channon. Colin Brown also arranged for a part share in a racehorse, and with Dinner at Langans Brasserie donated by Richard Shepherd and a visit to Sky Sports arranged by Chris Kamara we couldn’t fail to have a fantastic day. Chelsea Football Club provided executive tickets for a home match this season and a Peter Osgood presentation collage, which was greatly appreciated.

A wonderful day was had by all and I hope we can continue to enjoy this special occasion and continue to support The Peter Osgood Trust for many years to come."