Wensum: Fakenham writer Jim Harding discusses the cancellation of opening jumps at Fakenham Racecourse

In his weekly column, Fakenham writer Jim Harding explains why he believes jockeys know best when it comes to the racetrack…

I was eagerly looking forward to our opening jumps race meeting of the season, especially as the weather was kind. A blue sky and light winds seemed perfect.

As was the walk from my home to the track which includes a long stretch beside the Wensum.

After collecting my programme from the office and heading up to the press room to meet up with a few regulars from the past, all looked set fair.

A good crowd was in for the six-race card. This Tapping House Hospice Race Day would also help raise funds for the charity which has been recognised as being at the forefront of education in palliative care and end-of-life care for families in our region for over 40 years.

There were eight runners in the first race which meant that each-way backers would get returns from the bookies if their pick came in first, second or third - always a popular consideration for the small punter.

The ground looked in good condition so it was some surprise that two jockeys were unseated during the opening two-mile hurdle race and there was one faller.

Following this, a number of the jockeys reported that the track was slippery and the stewards were asked to perform an inspection.

Most of us, I suspect, thought this might be a formality and the rest of the day’s racing would proceed as per normal.

Sadly, chief executive David Hunter had the unenviable task of telling the crowd over the loudspeaker that further racing would be abandoned for the day with the safety of the jockeys in mind.

Whilst I could hear lots of mumbling and grumbling about this, it must have been the right thing to do in the circumstances.

I have always had the greatest respect for jockeys whose opinions count for much more than the likes of us who just watch on from the sidelines.

Jump racing is one of the toughest sports around and most non-riders have little idea of the risks involved when the going is deemed unsafe.

The best news for those attending was to learn that their entrance tickets, if retained, would be valid for the next Fakenham meeting on Wednesday, October 30.

Having set off with such high hopes, my day out was certainly a disappointment. But I rather felt more for those trainers who had sent horses a long way from different parts of the country to support the meeting and then had to take them back again.

Christian Williams and Evan Williams, for example, in Wales, have always been good supporters of Fakenham and between them had four horses due to run that afternoon.

If I was disappointed, I wonder how they felt. Norfolk-based author James Knox Whittet was the guest speaker at Fakenham Library very recently.

A friend told me the occasion had been well attended and his description of the islands around Islay and the Hebrides where he grew up were vivid.

He also read extracts from his new book, ‘Circles of Light’. From my experience, libraries used to be rather dour places, primarily existing for browsing to find particular books or reading that day’s newspaper or recent magazines.

How things have changed for the better. Most times when I visit Fakenham library there are tables surrounded by adults or children engaged in various book or computer-related activities.

You can even treat yourself to a cup of tea or coffee. This is such good news for parents with youngsters who readily - even enthusiastically - get a head-start in reading fluently, an activity which will benefit them, both at school and for the rest of their lives.

As a largely educated society, we may take reading for granted but not everyone copes well with it and to be denied the skill can be a very real hindrance to future progress - and the denial of a tremendous pleasure.