York races/ John Smiths Magnet Cup

historical

On the second saturday in July upon entering the Star ( via the back door ) on Magnet Cup day during the late 80's/ early 90's at around 8am, you were greeted by a 'healthy' selection of lads, all excited, some hungover from the night before, some who had been there all night, some tucking into a fry up but, most simply supping their first pint of the day. One of my recollections of this time is Tab standing at the bar necking double whiskeys!

Shorts were the order of the day, whatever the weather forecast - and it did piss it down sometimes- combined with shades and drinking and merriment ensued. There was a stop off on the way to the Racecourse and afterwards, Stamford Bridge and latterly ( after Stammy Bridge becoming off limits ) Pocklington hosted the Driffield boys for a few hours.

Brilliant, eventful days indeed.

Press cuttings from this period

cutting 1 cutting 2

The annual race trip was ressurrected in 2005 on a smaller scale and is generally regarded as one of the highlights of the year, anticipated for months leading up and enthused about the same afterwards.

Memories - please feel free to add to these:

* cards at stop off boozer resulting in major financial loss for Boo boo * pint of piss drunk on bus * paying to get in members then 'sneaking' into tatts * dodgy burgers from 'van' - the dodgyer the better * lads studying form guide like they know what they were on about * piss/pint/bet, piss/pint/bet * Knighty's collapse * 'Driver, can you see now?' * coach surfing * Chucking dead fish into restaurants at Stammy bridge * Wood * toilets * Wetwang pond *