Page 31 - Belgrave Diaries 1945_Neat

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Fort. Discussed probables for the race with Bilal, I have three ponies running in four races & all of them are -
among the likely ones for a place at least. Narayan told me that he was sending out all his savings to India, ®
40,000, & made 800 on the transfer. Not a busy morning, lovely day but cold. Various people came in to see
me. £

At the race course in afternoon.

Dined at Agency to meet Air Marshall Courtenay, found him pleasant, I have known him a long time but not
met for some years, he is rather striking looking, very tall, white hair & very black eyebrows. He had a dull
staff officer with him. Hick didnt seem to be very much enjoying his part. Heard that Welsh has joined
BOAC. Courtenay talked of Leigh who he first knew as a sailor long before the last war.

Friday 16th February

On the course in the morning seeing to last minute finishing off of various arrangements. A beautiful day,
cold & sunny with a north wind. M went in the car & had it parked next to HH's enclosure. HH was late as
thought the races started at 3 & so rather cross. A huge crowd, over a thousand in the enclosure and several
thousand people outside, all went well except for a scrap between some Indians & the Police, the former then
got excited and rushed about in a lorry to the danger of the public. Oleander won the first race, a hot