Press Release Summary = Novel event at Hereford Racecourse on Sunday 15 October
Press Release Body = TIRED of football and other boring sports? Hereford Racecourse has the answer . . . wife carrying.
The race on Sunday 15 October - reminiscent of a past when men courted women by picking them up and running off with them - is one of the highlights of the racecourse's 'Beer & Cider Day'.
The traditional first prize in the sport's homeland of Finland is the couple's combined weight in beer. In the case of the Hereford race, the prize is appropriately Strongbow cider from the sponsors Bulmers.
Entrants for the Hereford race do not need to be married, or even be in a relationship, but the 'wife' must be over 17 years old.
There are a number of different 'styles' in which to carry a wife:
*Piggyback;
*Fireman's lift - wife slung over shoulder;
*Estonian - wife hangs upside-down with her legs around her husband's shoulders, holding on to his waist.
Estonians are renowned wife carriers, though it is unclear if any from the Baltic state will be at Hereford. They have won the world championship - held annually in Finland - for the last nine years.
Hereford Racecourse's General Manager Katie Stephens prefers the piggyback method.
"We have all manner of strange customs in the west of England - from cheese rolling and church clipping through to bread throwing and wassailing the apple tree," said Katie. "So we're just adding wife carrying to the mix for our major jump racing fixture of the autumn."
Entries for the wife-carrying race can be made by calling 01432 273560, emailing hglover@hereford-racecourse.co.uk, or on the day.
A special admission package, which has to be bought in advance, has been put together for 'Beer & Cider Day'. For £20: Grandstand admission; a £2 Tote bet; three pints of beer, cider or lager; a Beer & Cider Day pint glass; and a chicken balti meal and chips.
There is also a pre-racing pub quiz in the racecourse's Winning Post bar, with a £100 prize, plus live music.
The day is supported by Wye Valley Brewery, Bulmers and the Flavours of Herefordshire Food Festival which takes place at the racecourse on both days of the following weekend - 21 & 22 October.
*The first horse race at Hereford Racecourse on 'Beer & Cider Day' - Sunday 15 October - is due off at 2.10pm. Admission into the Grandstand Enclosure is £15. Accompanied children under 16 enter free of charge. More information can be found on web site www.hereford-racecourse.co.uk or by telephoning the racecourse on 01432 273560. Ticket hotline 08700 115 007.
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Web Site = http://www.hereford-racecourse.co.uk
Contact Details = Hereford Racecourse, UK (44) 1432 273560 info@hereford-racecourse.co.uk
2012
