27/07/2026
Today we had a very special guest at Cleeve Cottage in Prestbury, in the heart of the Cotswolds. It was a real pleasure to welcome the Royal Racing Photographer, Bernard Parkin, now 96 years young, for tea and homemade waffles.
Our conversation brought back a fascinating piece of racing history. In the 1970s, Bernard served on the committee of Stratford-on-Avon Racecourse. Looking for new ways to grow club membership, they launched the innovative idea of "twinning" racecourses. The very first partnership was established with Øvrevoll Racecourse in Oslo, creating a unique link between British and Norwegian racing.
For me, it was especially meaningful to hear these stories, as I was fortunate to own a share in Cachaua, who won the Champion Hurdle at Øvrevoll in both 1995 and 1996 and Stratford-on-Avon Hurdle at the Derby day in 1997. Racing has a wonderful way of connecting people and places across generations.
What a privilege to spend an afternoon with someone who has witnessed—and helped shape—so much of racing history.
