Clive and Joan Hitchings celebrated 60 years of marriage in fine style at Stratford-on-Avon racecourse on August 31, where they were joined by family and friends, and a very special equine guest! I’m very vocal about how Stratford is my favourite racecourse so I was delighted to be asked to document the occasion, first in the splendid Paddock Pavilion and later in the parade ring.

The AGA connection also came into play (Hills of Ledbury), and it wasn’t the first time that Clive and Joan (and those famous silks) had appeared in my viewfinder. I’d photographed the couple on a number of occasions at Chaddesley Corbett point-to-point course (along with another of today’s guests, Natalie Parker), including on this bright December day in 2018, when Virak was the winner of the Ladies Open race.

So, the scene was set and it was cloudy but dry as the guests started to arrive, although rain was forecast for 5 o clock – just in time for the first race!

Smiles, laughter and hugs were in plentiful supply as Clive and Joan greeted their guests, and Clive even found time to demonstrate his golf swing (see the three images below), although in the third pic it looks like he’s attempting a bit of dad dancing as well!

The Amadeus catering team added the finishing touches to the tables, while the newly arrived guests enjoyed a catch up over a glass of fizz.

More guests arrived…

The main man decided to have a little bit of fun with one of the anniversary balloons while the rest of the family were rounded up for some group shots.

The family photos were done before lunch commenced because it would be nigh on impossible to get everyone together once racing had started.

The last of the guests arrived, including Paul Nicholls OBE, 14 times National Hunt Champion Trainer, and he was joined by Sam Loxton and Natalie Parker.

The cakes were impressive…

Please be seated…

With everyone seated it was time to say grace…

And then it was time to tuck in!

It was also time for the photographer to rein it in a bit while starters and mains were served and consumed (wine was also in plentiful supply for those who wished to partake).

I popped outside to take some exterior shots of the pavilion, which is in a great spot with a marvellous view of the last fence. It’s come a long way since we used it just after it had opened in June 2013 for our AGA Ladies Open Final – the first of four AGA Ladies finals that were hosted by Stratford.

When I came back in Nick had the microphone in his hand to give a five minute warning as his dad was about to make a speech – it could be anything from ten minutes to an hour long, so comfort breaks were advised! It was all in jest of course and despite some concerned looks, nobody tried to escape.

Clive had a good pile of notes and a few props, and there were a couple of serious bits – although there was plenty of laughter, too!

Clive is a character and he was soon in full flow with plenty of anecdotes to keep his audience entertained.

As you can imagine, Mr Hitchings has more than a few stories to tell…

After 60 years of marriage to Joan, his ‘angel’ (Clive’s words), it was good to see her roaring with laughter – he must be doing something right.

The microphone was handed over to a former neighbour to wrap things up with a nice little story and then it was time to cut the cake (or pretend to cut it so we could all take photos).

With the clock ticking towards the off time for the first race some people took the opportunity to study a bit of form and place a wager or two with the friendly chap from the Tote.

Top marks to this lady (below), those nails (in Clive’s colours) look fantastic!

The very special equine guest that I mentioned earlier – Yala Enki – was due in the parade ring at 5.40, along with Clive, Joan and the rest of the family, plus some of their friends.

The heavens had opened right on cue, but the rain didn’t dampen anyones enthusiasm and with brollies deployed (and a towel for my camera), we made our way to the parade ring to await the imminent arrival of Yala Enki (now retired, but winner of 13 races from 49 starts, and £442,141 in prize money).

Clive and Joan were pleased to see the big fella and he looked in great nick. After a couple of turns around the parade ring he made his way onto the course to have a trot in front of the stands, and he looked for all the world like he was ready to race!

And still the rain came down – but everyone stood their ground and there were no non-runners from the Hitchings entourage!

Best turned out was chosen and the groom was presented with her prize by the damp but very smiley group.

The Hills Of Ledbury Diamond Wedding Celebration Handicap Chase was won by Chess Player (Ben Pauling/Kielan Woods), so Clive and Joan made the presentation to winning connections, with plenty of encouragement from the Hitchings fan club!

Clive then led the way as some of the group made their way to the boxes behind the stand so the family could say goodbye to Yala Enki.

Julia had very kindly kept him in his box and there was time for a pat, some polos and some pics before they loaded for the return journey to Ditcheat.

Yala Enki was safely loaded so family and friends made their way back to the pavilion to dry off and have a hot drink. It just remains for me to say thank you to the Hitchings family and their guests, as well as the team at Stratford, who were as warm and welcoming as they have always been. I hope everyone enjoys the photos. Look out for some video footage soon!