RESIDENTS in a Middlesbrough care home have been getting in some practice ahead of one of the world’s most popular horse races this weekend.

Whilst ‘The Derby’ – like all horse racing at present – is being held behind closed doors on Saturday, it is still expected to be one of the biggest gambling days of the year as people watch one of the five English classic flat races from the comfort of their own homes.

Among those eagerly tuning in will be residents at Roseleigh Care Home in Lytton Street, Middlesbrough.

To get them in the mood for the big race, the home – as part of its weekly activity programme – recently staged a race night.

A ‘Paddock Bar’ was set up serving beer, pies and snacks and residents could then have a flutter on the races shown on television.

Fiona Fewster, Roseleigh deputy manager, said: “Many of our residents enjoy racing but with the current Covid-19 restrictions, we haven’t been able to take them to watch live racing so we thought the next best thing would be to bring the racing to them.

“We tried to make it as realistic as possible and everyone had a very enjoyable night.

“It’s certainly got them in the mood for The Derby on Saturday where our tip is English Knight.

“If that wins, there will be plenty of happy people at Roseleigh.”