Fifty-five LMD team members and their partners enjoyed a fantastic day at Doncaster Races on Saturday 17 July. According to Managing Director, Mick Dysart, the day out was arranged to thank the team for their hard work and dedication throughout the pandemic:

‘Covid-19 has brought uncertainty and opportunity in equal measure in the sectors in which we operate. Agility has been the key to dealing with both, and the team has provided the flexibility which has enabled us to maintain high levels of service for our customers throughout lockdown. In the stress and pressure of the day-to-day it is all too easy to overlook the effort and sacrifice being made by the team, and the race day provided an opportunity to show the team that their hard work is recognised and valued.’

LMD sponsored the feature race of the day, the LMD Vacuum Excavation Handicap. Mick and wife Sandra, who was chief organiser, were asked to choose the best turned out horse. They selected Colony Queen, which turned out to be the winner of the race itself. Mick and Sandra presented the successful stable girl with a £200 prize for her efforts, and their generosity received a mention in the pages of the Racing Post.

The race itself wasn’t without controversy with the then race leader, Aerion Power, mistaking the half-furlong post for the finishing line allowing Colony Queen to run past. The jockey received a twenty-eight days ban for, ‘failing to ride out on a horse that would have finished first.’

‘I think everybody enjoyed the day. It was great to be able to relax and socialise together for the first time in eighteen months or so, and lovely to see the team spirit and camaraderie.’

You can watch a replay of the race, including the dramatic finish, at LMD Vacuum Excavation Handicap.