Ludlow Race Club's Micky Wiggin retires

There was an end to an era at Ludlow when Race Club chairman Micky Wiggin retired after 16 years.

And to mark the occasion yesterday, the racecourse directors named a race in his honour - with their guest of honour being joined by his family.

Like the rest of the days Wiggin has been in charge, Ludlow raceday passed without any drama.

"Every raceday at Ludlow for the last 16 years I have been thrilled when it is over - getting through the day without a drama," he said. "Now I can come racing here and I don't have to worry!"

There have been many changes at the track, but the most significant for Wiggin was the placing of rubber matting under the mats on the bends. "To me, that's the biggest step forward we have taken.

"I was always worried about what might happen on those mats but thank goodness we have had no dramas," he added.

He was also responsible for encouraging Captain Tim Forster to move to Downton Hall stables and he said: "We miss him a lot.

"He was only here for three years before he died with cancer and it was terribly sad.

"He loved Ludlow and had many winners here - and I have had 12 winners here myself. We had a total of 102 winners but I don't have any horses in training now."

Retired Bridgnorth trainer Willie Jenks is the new Ludlow Race Club chairman.

By BOB DOWNING