They were under starter's orders at Grayshott Social Club on Saturday 8th May for a race night and fundraising extravaganza, supported by a number of TV celebrities, to raise money for PK Pre-School.
The PK roof was badly damaged by the weight of snow fall in January, but thanks to a hugely successful evening and the generosity of the 80 guests that attended the race night, a staggering £2,600 was raised, which will cover the cost of the repairs and allow Play Leader Carol Houghton to invest in some new equipment for the children.
The race night was odds on to be a good evening from the start, with tickets selling out within a day of going on sale.
Racecourse legend John McCririck had kindly recorded a video message for the PK race night goers to set the evening off in truly unique, if typically eccentric style.
In addition to the raucous enjoyment of the horse racing that followed, shown on the club's new giant 10ft screen, there was the chance to win fantastic prizes in a poptastic, everyone's a winner, balloon raffle.
Celebrity comedian Rory Bremner, had also recorded a video giving a very topical impression of Gordon Brown, asking the Grayshott Social Club audience to vote PK (with their wallets!)
During a recent gig at Guildford's Yvonne Arnaud theatre, Rory Bremner took the PK cause to heart and initiated a collection from the very generous audience of his sell-out Election Battlebus Tour, which raised an additional £277 for the roof appeal.
Legendary rockers Status Quo were also in on the act donating two tickets for auction, for their upcoming Wembley Arena gig, with hotel accommodation thrown in, and had also recorded a special video for the race-night audience.
Auctioneer and Club Steward, Nicky Butt oversaw a frantic bid-off between rival Quo fans which raised a very rock and roll £250 with Vivien Thompson the highest bidder.
Movies in Grayshott, The Fox and Pelican and TJs Limos, clubbed together to create a fantastic package of Meal, Movie & Limo which raised £100 and was won by a very determined Drew Tyrell.
As they enjoyed a thrilling evening, racegoers were kept refreshed with jugs of pimms and a fabulous buffet supper.
PK would like to thank the hundreds of people who made the race night a huge success by sponsoring the evening and by donating time, goods and services.
Helen Moffat, Chair of the PK Committee said "We are blown away by the amount of good will that local and national businesses have shown to support PK. We would like to extend particular thanks to Churchill Retirement Living for sponsoring the entire event, Grayshott Social Club for their very warm welcome and all of their help and the sponsors of the eight races without whom it would not have been possible to hold the race night"
PK is a not for profit community-run Pre School in the heart of Grayshott Village. The pre-school holds a very special place in the community and this was evident by the amount of support and good-will that was shown in the run-up to the fundraiser and particularly on the night itself.
Finally TV Presenter and Sports Journalist Clair Balding has sent a message (see below) to thank all those who supported the race night and to congratulate them on their success in raising the roof for PK.
