On this Day 1986: The ‘secret world’ of Hen Racing

OTD, April 1st, 1986…

One from the Central News archive for April Fool’s Day.

Phil Bayles brings a spoof item investigating the secretive world of hen racing at Wirksworth in Derbyshire to the East Midlands news offering. MACE Archive notes: ‘Bayles investigates the sport at the Hope and Anchor pub talking to the reluctant trainer and race-goers including Jack Naughton, landlord of Hope and Anchor pub, Phil Grey, promoter and Roger Exley, champion trainer.

All denied that any hen racing was happening. Shots of the the chickens being prepared for racing at a secret location.’