Triple flypast launches Poppy Appeal

Armed Forces Day at The Racecourse Newbury, which celebrates the hard work and dedication of the men and women of the armed forces, had an aviation theme this year, with a flypast by the Army Air Corps and Chipmunk planes.
Also, a vintage Scout helicopter landed at the racecourse to deliver the ceremonial poppy.
It was accepted by the guest of honour, Flt Lt Michelle Goodman, a recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross.
As is tradition at the annual event – which is free to all armed forces personnel, MOD civilians and Royal British Legion members – poppies were showered down on to the royal box, while the Band of the Royal Logistic Corps opened proceedings.
There was also a full day’s racing, with Eddie Ahern winning the feature race on 17-2 shot Hazel Lavery.
Among the other winners was Jim Crowley, who picked up the spare ride on Godolphin’s Tawhid in the Whizz-Kids Stakes after intended jockey Frankie Dettori’s arrival was scuppered by transport problems.
Soldiers from Worthy Down Barracks, near Winchester, Hampshire, spent the day collecting donations, which totalled £7,500, to kick start this year’s Poppy Appeal.
The managing director of racing and events at The Racecourse Newbury, Stephen Higgins, said: “At this important time of the year we want to ensure that all of our visitors recognise the hard work of our armed forces, in particular our younger visitors.”