Photos courtesy of Steve Male.

Whitstable Races – Race Rules 2008

Following some dastardly cheating during the races last year we are introducing a number of race rules for the 2008 Whitstable Races.

A pinch of salt may be added where necessary!

1 The “jockey” shall not be more than 2 feet away from the head of the horse at any time and shall be holding a lead/bridle of appropriate length to comply with his. (That means not running at full pelt ahead of the horse trying to interfere with other runners)

2 The person in the back of the horse shall be holding the waist of the person in the front of the horse at all times during racing. (This means that the two people in the horse may not both run in an upright position with the costume flying in the air some distance behind them)

3 At no time during the race may any part above the waist of the two people in the horse be visible excepting the face of the front person who may look out of an aperture in the neck of the horse.(This means that the two people have to remain IN the horse costume, not 10 feet in front of the costume)

4 No competing horse shall deliberately impede, stand or jump on, trip up or otherwise physically obstruct any other competing horse.(No such ungentlemanly behaviour will be accepted – unless we do not see it)

5 Main or tail chewing or amorous activities of any nature are strictly forbidden on the race track. (This is a family occasion and a good example needs to be given to any young person watching in case they pick up any bad habits)

6 The top of the head of the person in the rear of the horse shall at all times be at least six inches below the shoulder level of the person in the front of the horse.(This means that the back end of the horse must be lower than the front end – i.e vaguely a horse shape)

7 The two sides of the abdomen of the horse are to be attached under the stomach in at least one place between the front and hind legs of the horse. (This is to prevent the person in the rear of the horse actually overtaking the person in the front of the horse as occurred last year)

8 Any horse found to be intoxicated and thus unable to run in a straight line shall be responsible for providing liquid refreshment for the winning horse. (The Marine Hotel and Shepherd Neame may well sponsor the Whitstable Races but it is beneficial if horses are still standing at the end of the race)

9 The organisers wish to remind entrants that the event is both a public and a family event and therefore ask that care is taken with names and conduct that could be considered either offensive or inappropriate. The event organisers will not permit the use of names of entrants that are likely to cause offence. (A slightly more serious matter as one or two names chosen last year were a little inappropriate. We do not want to be spoil-sports but have to think of everyone)