With the dark nights now upon us we were delighted to see 17 athletes suitably lit up and clothed in Hi-Viz out to contest the October version of the Harestock Handicap. Normal service was resumed with SteveO back in charge and throwing out the usual smattering of manual handicap adjustments - all scientifically based on observed performance of course. We welcomed 2 newcomers with Ollie and Andy Hodgson making their debuts and we also had John Mills back for his first appearance of 2026.
Peter Savill was our winner on the night, continuing his patient return from injury and finishing ahead of the fast finishing Benjamin Lowy and the even faster James Bailey. It's always satisfying to have one of the low handicappers hold off the chasing crowd! All in all we had 8 runners in the sweet spot of the blanket finish and Lou Snook deserves mention for being spot-on her handicap.
Fastest on the night was again Pete Sansome (6'20, stays at #5) with Jack Sansome (6'30, stays #54), Andy Costello (6'43, stays #32), James Bailey (6'47, stays #64) and Benjamin Lowy (PB equalling 6'54, stays #102) our other sub-7 speedsters. Liz Marshall was our fast lady with 7'46 (stays #23).
As the overall championship gets into the home straight this will be our last update before the news embargo period. The scoring mechanics are such that with two races to go and another discard yet to be factored in all we know is that the competition remains very much alive. With 10 races completed Jack Sansome still leads ahead of a chasing pack that includes James Bailey, Pete Savill, Sophie Black, Louise Snook and Sarah Witt. There's many a slip twixt cup and lip though and anyone join the fun by taking part in the remaining events and shake up the pot a bit.
We still have a unprecedented 7 athletes on track to complete the fabled 12 out of 12....it promises to be a bumper presentation at the Christmas Party on 5th December.
The next Handicap will be the 5th November 1 October and the event will be taking place in Winchester dusk, so don't forget to wear lighting, we love radiant runners.