Country Fair day a late summer hit at Windsor

Windsor racecourse’s first Country Fair day was a fitting occasion to round off their popular series of Monday night meetings on the banks of the Thames. A warm and hazy late summer afternoon drew a good crowd to the Royal racecourse, which had invited in some special guests to entertain and inform all members of the family.

The team from Miniland Farm in Hampshire had brought along plenty of birds, rabbits, guineas pigs and even a goat much in need of brushing to greet the public as they approached the parade ring.

“It’s a great idea to let the children handle so many different animals in this way; they all love seeing the horses from a distance but they can’t pat them, so it’s the best of both worlds,” said one racegoer.

As ever at these relaxed race meetings, there was plenty of enticing bbq food on offer and plenty of shopping opportunities at the country style stalls.

Perhaps the most popular stopping off point was the tent housing the birds of prey, brought to Windsor by Hawkeye Falconry UK. Head Falconer Alistair Leese was busier than some of the jockeys on the evening, putting together five displays with his range of falcons, eagles and owls. Plenty of children were invited in – the adults seemingly being too wary – to handle and feed the birds who are cared for at Hawkeye’s Shropshire base. There was a real wow factor to the displays with so much to learn about these magnificent birds.

Windsor’s final fixture of season is on October 22nd and is free to those registering in advance: details at https://www.windsor-racecourse.co.uk/whats-on/free-raceday