FORM GUIDE

21 Kerbside Appeal

By Unwanted Guest out of Vacant Plot

Owner: Hellards Estate Agents

Trainer: Esther Mater

After a sticky start in 2020, 'Kerby' has shown fine spurts of speed this year and should be odds on for a quick sale this time out ­ if you ' ve got the money to spend

22 Manna Havana

By Badback Jack out of Step

Owner: The Hollingbery Family

Trained by: Cuba Leebray

Born and bred in Blighty but with strong ties to the U S , this well­travelled stalwart goes from strength to strength He'll be challenging on the Latin American circuit after this season so could be your last chance to see him in familiar surroundings

23 Shaken Not Stirred

By Flying Cork out of Soreye

Owner: The Naked Grape

Trainer: M. Biber

Often parks herself randomly overnight if racing all day but has historically shown plenty of promise locally and always delivers With a nose for a clean, crisp finish this veteran of velocity will simply be remembered as 'vintage'

By Cork out of Bottle

Owner: The Bell Inn

Trained by: Stella R. Tois

Quiet last season but a regular at this local race, loves his food and drink which is often consumed abundantly resulting in a cripplingly large bill Better over two courses in quick succession

25 Moda Fluffy

By Schulman's Choice out of Voeg

Owner: Moda Rosa

Trainer: Dee Ziner

This wonderful little Wigeon's perfect plumage slips throguh the water like silk, bound to be a glossy posse favourite and could turn heads if the price is right

26 Form And Function

By Ideaz out of Daycor

Owner: Design Realities

Trained by: Cristoff A'dressa

A stylish Shoveler, draws the crowds with innovative finishes, clean lines and precision paddling. Could be cooking up something special this year and looks comfortably seated for a win.

27 Mister Naga

By Loose Missile out of Starfish

Owner: Shapla Restaurant

Trained by: Caroline Reeper

Tantalisingly hot and fresh from last month’s Delhi Derby, this vindaloo veteran could Bahji his way through to take his rightful place on the throne, as long as he doesn’t fall foul of the wind

28 Always A Smile

By Fully Quackcinated by Route out of Lockdown

Owner: The Stow Family

Trained by: Jen Antonique

A firm favourite at many events this long­time racer is often seen streaking downhill to join the crowds Usually arrives first to the party ­ unless she stops for a drink on the way!

29 Blind Duck

By: Perfect View out of South Facing

Owner: Winchester Blinds & Shutters

Trained by: Roman Venetian

Likes stormy conditions after which she is frequently at her most active, this paddler always has a clear view of her surroundings and if required can batten down the hatches to concentrate fully on the job in hand

30 Robin Reliant

By: Smart Motor out of Juice

Owner: IVC

Trained by: Rev. D. Upp

Famously reliable with plenty of oomph under the bonnet, built for speed with streamlined looks this could become a classic racer as she's always outperforming the competition Frequents the Cornwall Racing Circuit but never misses the Alresford event

By Big Bottles out

of Ship

Owner: Hampshire Fly Fishing

Trained by: Tasha Hoye

This veteran velocipeed is rarely out of the water come rain or shine, except for late evenings in the closed season when he can often be seen wandering aimlessly in the Gundleton area. Don't be fooled though, has a swift turn of speed especially when the bell sounds for the final lap.

32 Say Again

By Syringed out of Necessity

Owner: Alresford Hearing Studio

Trained by: Hugh Jeers

Known to struggle in deep water this paddler uses advanced science to ensure a clear lead if the field is muddied Never distracted by the noise of the crowd or the other competitors this cautious canard's owner is relentless at removing wax which often affects her race waterproofing.

Dog Friendly Event

The Duck Race is a dog friendly event. Please ensure your furry friend is kept on a lead at all times and any poop is cleaned up quickly.

Watering holes for 4­legged visitors can be found around the venue If you find an empty one, let someone know and we'll refill it straight away.

The origins of the PIGS Duck race are somewhat shrouded in the mists of time, but one or two Old Boars (former Pigs who can remember that far back) believe it started way back in 1993 when the races were held in the back garden of The Globe­OnThe­Lake pub

The primary reason for holding the races was prompted as always, by the desire to raise money for people in need who live in and around Alresford. It started as a modest affair, with just a couple of hundred people attending The races took place in Alresford pond, along the water’s edge of the pub garden with the sluice gates being opened to encourage a modest flow of water along the ‘ course ’ Many local businesses and tradespeople very kindly sponsored individual ducks and races and there was always frantic activity at the betting tent for each race.

By the turn of the century, the event had grown in popularity an the pub garden was fast becoming too small to accommodate the ever growing numbers attending. In 2001, George and Janette Hollingbery very kindly came to our rescue and offered the superb facilities of their home at Weir House which we still enjoy today and for which we will be forever grateful

The event is now enjoyed by several hundred visitors and includes other attractions for young and old alike, all of which helps PIGS raise a substantial amount for our local charitable causes The event is typically organised every other year, normally in June when everyone can enjoy a fun day out with plenty of excitement provided by the 8 races held throughout the afternoon

Who Are The Alresford Pigs?

It’s a very good question, and with so many newcomers to Alresford over the past few years it’s one worth answering.

The Alresford Pigs Association started in the 1970s when a number of locals decided that they wanted to provide financial help for people in the town who needed it Since then hundreds of people and organisations have benefited from donations and support

We raise money by organising or contributing to community events such as:

• Taking entry fees, manning the gates & acting as security support at the annual Alresford Show

• Organising traffic control at the annual Watercress Festival

• Organising the bi­annual Duck Race

• Working with the Alresford Chamber of Commerce to erect, maintain and remove the town's spectacular Christmas trees and lights

• Working with the Alresford Tree Committee to organise the arrival of Father Christmas

We consider any request for financial support from within the town to local clubs, organisations, individuals and good causes – relying upon the local community to inform us where our help is required It is impossible to list all of the requests for help we have supported down the years, but these include:

• Organisations such as the scouts, guides, sports & youth groups

• Local schools for specific projects

• School children unable to pay for school trips

• Single families needing white goods

• Families who need support that cannot be provided by other services

• Mobility scooters – we have our own fleet!

• Park benches

• Senior residents events and activities

The Pigs are relatively small in number and all members either live or work in the town. With an emphasis upon participation & fun we welcome new members, with the membership process started by recommendation from any one of our existing members

We are always seeking needy causes to support so do you need our help or do you think YOU can help?

Email us: info@alresfordpigs.org

Phone us: 01962 658961

Why Does Alresford Need The Pigs?

Over the years we have helped a great many individuals and organisations in Alresford and the surrounding villages. Many contact us afterwards to say thank you and update us with their progress. This correspondence is our reward for our efforts and reinforces why we do what we do.

"I cannot believe that you helped me or you even existed My counselling sessions are starting to make a difference "

"Thank you so much for sorting out our new carpets it has completely transformed our dull flat you guys are amazing "

"A very big thank you to the Alresford Pigs for your generous donation that paid for the coach to take us to Hayling Island. We all enjoyed our lunch at the Sinah Warren Hotel and walked in the lovely gardens We could not have made it without you "

"Thank you all so very much I will send photos of the holiday and [recipient] in his new wheelchair with a video You are all amazing!"

"Just to say a very big thank you for your kind donation towards our Summer Lunch, everyone had a lovely time "