2011 / 5 - Wijkvereniging Benoordenhout

The International Corner
A DAY AT THE RACES ON SEPTEMBER 18
Day at the Races” was the invitation sent
“A out by the Expat Committee of the
Neighborhood Association, open to all residents of
Benoordenhout, expat or not. And on Sunday
afternoon, 18 September, 23 residents appeared at
the entrance, eager to take a look behind the
scenes of the Racetrack Duindigt. In the beginning
the weather was not helping, but quickly the
clouds turned into sunshine, which at times produced
a beautiful threatening sky. But that all seemed
part of the excitement of the day.
The group received an extensive guided tour by
the public relations representative, Piet
Borsboom. Since Mr. Borsboom was born and
raised nearby Duindigt, he knew all the ins and
outs of the ‘horse business’ and gave a good
insight into the racetrack, the horses, jockey’s, sulky’s
and of course the ‘gambling aspect’. Needless
to say, he was able to answer all our questions,
and there were many!
Via the stalls, the weighing room and other places
behind the scenes, we all got a good idea of the
enthusiastic people involved with equestrianism. A
couple of us were even invited to come down to
the track to congratulate one of the winners, by
presenting him with a bouquet of flowers. Some in
the group made some very careful bets, but the
most worthy element was just a perfect “day at the
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wijkblad Benoordenhout oktober 2011
races”. Appreciation to Marja van Loopik for the
good and smooth organization.
Frank van der Leer
(translated by Georgia Regnault)