A branch of Lockerbie Gala and ROM, the new horse racing group is the brainchild of former Cornet Kennie Little, son of Lockerbie ROM convenor, Bud Little.
And the group’s first ever event, a flapping meeting, is scheduled to take place next month at Newbie Mains, Annan.
Kennie, who was Cornet in 2014, said: “For anyone who doesn’t know what flapping is, it’s amateur flat horse racing and it’s mainly held in the Scottish borders in Hawick and Selkirk, with the exception of one race meeting held at the Mary Mass Festival Irvine in August each year.
“Although not recognised by the B.H.A, the rules and guidelines are the same.”
He added: “The Lockerbie Horse Racing Association are trying to bring a bit of horse racing back to the area as there is none at all and by doing this we are holding a flapping meeting with a pony race and an ex principals race.
“We’re trying to bring the community together, it’s not just a gala and ROM event, it’s for families and the whole community.”
And organisers are keen to make sure there’s something for everyone with a beer tent and prosecco bar, bouncy castle, burger van and ice creams also on the cards.
Encouraging people to support the association’s first event, Lockerbie Gala and ROM chairman Ian McLatchie said: “The Lockerbie Horse Racing Association are really passionate about bringing racing back to the area.
“It’s been felt for a long time that this is something the area has lacked and Lockerbie Gala are really proud of Kennie for planning what will be a great day of not just racing, but family fun too.
“So please come along on September 3 and support us and hopefully this can be an annual event in the flapping calendar.”
■ Lockerbie Horse Racing Association’s flapping meeting takes place on September 3 at Newbie Mains, Annan, from 1 pm.
