Arts, Dorchester, Events & Entertainment | Posted on August 18th, 2026 | return to news

Hold Your Horses! It’s Piddletrenthide Panto Race Night

In the changing economic climate where village amenities are disappearing, the residents of Piddletrenthide are putting the fun into fundraising.

Not only are the local people of Piddletrenthide creating a new event by holding their first race night – using pantomime horses – but they will be raising much-needed funds for the village church in the process.

Yes, you heard right. Host James Boughey is passionate about the village and its community, and following the success of the village fete, held at the Manor House, he and a team of volunteers are organising Piddletrenthide’s first race night using pantomime horses.

James Boughey said, “We just want the villagers to come together and socialise, mingle and get to know each other, like they did in the good old days.”

The neigh-bourly event will be held on Saturday 12 September in the Manor House grounds, starting at 4pm. There is the opportunity to buy a horse and use an on-site Cash Tote betting facility. Races will consist of four horses competing in four races over a set course, complete with pre-parade ring and running commentary, with the winner of each race progressing to the final “Manor Classic” race.

If you’re someone who doesn’t like to rein back your artistic side while at the races, you could get heads turning with some creative headgear. Don’t hold back – you might win the Ascot-style hat competition.

A full bar, food stalls and on-site parking will help make evening’s entertainment.

And try not to worry about the horses as they vie for position. There will be course-side vets and doctors, who will be ready to come to the aid of any fallers, complete with emergency sirens.

Organiser Tracey Mitchell said: “This will be excellent fun and something that will hopefully become an annual event.”

Hoof it to Piddletrenthide on 12 September. Bring your friends, neighbours, family and your best hat.

Visit https://piddlevalley.life/2026/08/13/place-your-bets/ for more information