On Boxing Day scratch races were held at Ellangowan on the flat near the river, a dangerous course studded with trees. A donkey race when one rides another’s horse, and the last is the winner caused some fun.
Last but not least was the Hack Race, such a field, all sizes, styles and colours. The rules for costumes, boots were strictly adhered to. Those who could not sport silk wore print, and some of the top boots were very eccentric in fit. I rode a strange hack in this event, the ruck was enveloped in clouds of dust, and cods of earth struck us on our faces as this squad of equines thundered along. “Ladybird” a yellow bay filly, only carrying 6 stone was proclaimed the winner.