2019: Monthly Medal (12.6.)

JUNE'S MONTHLY MEDAL

The Winners' Enclosure

Blue skies overhead and green fairways in front greeted the runners and riders for this month's Costa Blanca Handicap Stakes last Wednesday. Experienced thoroughbreds, the odds-on favourites, led the way as usual on Medal day, hoping to set the early pace. The rest of the field tucked in behind, at a decent gallop, hoping to spring a surprise, coming up fast on the outside in the finishing straight. With plenty of home and away talent on display among the 38 members and 1 guest, some decent results were expected at the winning post.

As things turned out a photo-finish was needed, with just one Stableford point separating the top five finishers - one under par for the first two, and par 72s for the next three. And plenty of 73 to 76s rode in close behind. Congratulations, then, to Eric Pagès who won by a short head, just pipping his compatriot Michel le Borgne on the back 9. Your correspondent immodestly claims credit for breaking the international hold on the top 7 places!

Up in the grandstand prizes were later distributed in the glorious sunshine being enjoyed by the members, along with some welcome refreshment and lots of convivial banter. On the whole, a very good day out at the races.

Results

Nearest the Pins
Hole 4:  Kate Hurley
Hole 8:  Edi Rogers
Hole 11: Marcel Barink
Hole 14: Dave Tomlins

Birdie 2
Hole 11: Eric Pagès

Individual Prizes:
5th place, with a net 72 off hcp. 6    Nino Andres Aloras
4th place, with a net 72 off hcp. 28  (better back 9) Gordon Burton
3rd place, with a net 71 off hcp. 22  Peter van der Mee
2nd place, with a net 71 off hcp. 15 Michel le Borgne
1st place, with a net 71 off hcp. 10 (best back 9)  Eric Pagès