Cheltenham Racing

So following on from my shoot with Clare Lewis and her horse, Mister Matt, I went to Cheltenham for the April Meeting. I was lucky to have an “access all areas” badge, so I positioned myself mainly right next to the final hurdle.

The weather was very mixed.  Some sun, with wonderful clouds behind, and then heavy rain-storms followed by dark and flat skies.

I used the first couple of races to compose the shots for Mister Matt (who was on 6th race) and to try to be more “arty” than the course photographers.

And thoroughly enjoyable it was too, with the horses thundering past about 6 feet away from where I was crouching – very intense and exhilarating…and you have to be quick!  Composing a number of horses at speed is tricky.

Mister Matt had won his last couple of races, and everyone was telling me that the 30 lb handicap he was carrying this time would stop him being placed – especially as Cheltenham has a long old uphill straight to the finish line, and the going was a little soft (I sound like I know what I am talking about – I really don’t!)  In any case, he came in placed about midway in the field, so no prize ceremony to photograph this time……next time perhaps!