The Hagi Races

or 'Beware the perils of saki'

by Geoff Bradshaw, 27 Btn

In 1946, some of us from 27 Battalion were camped at Bofu. Four mates and I went on the turps (saki and all sorts). Now, saki should be drunk in tiny little glasses but we were young and brash and Kiwi so we used real glasses!

Next day we happened on a race meeting unlike any we had seen. The track was small and no race had more than four horses. As the horses went round each corner, the spectators bashed the horses on the rear. I was invited to ride in one race of three laps. Although my horse was large my feet wouldn't fit in the stirrups, so I told the locals to remove the saddle. As the horse went around the first corner, a local leapt out and whacked the horse! I had been in the lead but eventually came last.

Every jockey was presented with something. There was lots of good will and the locals were very friendly. It was an entertaining day for us all.

Geoff Bradshaw, 1999