Xmas Handicap 2021

After evading all sorts Covid regulations to make it to Mugdock from la belle France Roddy Cunningham, of the Westies Alpine Division, was awarded a far too generous handicap handing him a comfortable victory; although to be fair he did also record the fastest time on the day. It must be that good mountain air. Before the race Roddy had remarked that this was the only race he had ever won, he can now boast that it is the only race he has ever won twice, but if he returns next year to defend his title a little more effort with fancy dress will be expected. 

The race for second was harder fought, although Alwyn with a wisp of tinsel round his neck had an advantage over Rob who was sporting a fine athletic elf costume. They crossed the line closely followed by Steffen and Chris with Ian Collins, in full Mad Hatter mode, just a few seconds behind. Only 38 seconds separated second and sixth place, a fine example of the plumber’s art of handicapping. 

The difficult job of judging the fancy dress was delegated to the sagacious Fiona and Dave who awarded the victory to Ian with his full-on Mad Hatter, closely followed by John Q Westies Rock Chick (he might have done better if he had run with his guitar), Mario took third.  

There was a fine representation of Westies Old (and wise), i.e. they joined so long ago they maybe can’t remember exactly when, all of whom put in some creditable performances despite their various complaints of decrepitude at the start; and Westies New, Rona was first woman and joined this year, Wendy joined last week, and Westies Future (too young to join yet), well done Fraser. A veritable Xmas Carol to lift the spirits. 

At the end there was cake and mince pies a plenty. It was a braw day. 

Thanks to all the flag collectors, course markers, gate holders, cheerers on and timers for coming along to help.