Haydock Races

I was invited for brunch by friends and we had a lovely morning sitting in the garden, time to relax.

Then a new experience this afternoon. I have never been to the races and have often wondered what it would be like. I decided to take the opportunity as it would offer a different challenge photography wise.

It took me a while to walk around and work out locations and what was happening etc. I was at the parade ring just before the first race and then made my way to the track side in front of the stand. I managed two shots as the horses went past and got mainly rails, it was all over in a flash. For the second race I went into the stand to get some height which improved the pictures slightly but again only managed two. The races took approx. 2 mins with a 35 min gap between them.

For the next two races I discovered a better vantage point past the finishing post using the long zoom. That was much better for photography. I could see them going out as well and had chance to experiment with panning and tracking AF, it's the first time I've done that.

Please try large for better viewing. For those who are interested, it was the 3.50pm Family Fun Day Here Handicap Stakes and the winner was Sleepy Blue Ocean (the one in red, white and blue).

I watched four of the races but then decided I'd had enough and I was getting bored with the long waits in between. It was too hot for doing much in the way of other photography there. I enjoyed the afternoon and it was a new experience but one I can cross off the list now, I don't feel the need to go back.

It will be an evening of processing again. I have a lot to do tomorrow to prepare for the next mini adventure which starts on Sunday!!

Big Adventure Day 44 - Haydock
Photos 112/6757