There were a few anxious moments at 7.30am before an inspection at Chepstow Racecourse ahead of the scheduled Military Race Day in aid of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.
Heavy rain over preceding days was the cause for the inspection, but at around 7.40, the course was declared fit – if a little soft-to-heavy in places – for the day’s full card of seven races beginning at 12.55pm.
The Weather Gods reined themselves in, the sky brightened, and the punters – around 1,000 – who attended to support SSAFA made the most of day, raising thousands of pounds for charity and hopefully taking home more cash than they arrived with. Interest, however, was not restricted to the course.
Members of Veterans at Tesla – a group made up of former UK Armed Forces personnel recruited as they transitioned from the Royal Navy, Army, or Royal Air Force – attended with a Tesla Model 3 badged up with the group’s logo and three other Tesla models.
Veterans at Tesla sparked much interest among racegoers – as well as helping to fundraise for SSAFA – and is looking forward to working further with the UK’s oldest tri-service charity.
Emma Sears, Leader of Veterans at Tesla, commented: “We had a great day speaking with fellow Veterans, showcasing our vehicles and most importantly supporting SSAFA.”
Thanks must go to SSAFA volunteers who manned the stall, answered questions about the charity, and took donations, and the soldiers of 160 Wales Brigade based in Brecon who helped to raise funds.
Annie Lawrie, SSAFA’s Regional Fundraising Officer for Wales, said: “It was a wonderful day and once again the support on display and in the cash buckets for SSAFA, and the interest shown in our work, was really quite humbling.
“I’d especially like to thank the bookies at Chepstow who gave so generously as well as the young soldiers who came to help with our fundraising efforts, and to all at Chepstow for putting on such superb event, and to Julian Nettlefold for organising the Race Day.”
For more information, visit ssafa.org.uk