Dave Ward goes to the dogs? Don’t worry, the former MD of Evoca hasn’t started on a downward spiral since he announced his retirement. On the contrary, his former employers hosted an evening at the dog track as a way of saying ‘goodbye and thanks’ to their outgoing MD.
It was a hot and humid evening, but thirty Evoca staff assembled in the air-conditioned comfort of the dining room at Wolverhampton’s Monmore Green Stadium for chicken wings, burgers and bets. Oh, and alcohol. Lots and lots of alcohol.
For many guests, going to the dogs was a whole new experience but no matter: in addition to the waiters and waitresses that were on hand to replenish stocks and deliver sustenance was a smart young chap who’s sole role was to explain just how easy it was for you to have a wee flutter.
Nobody was about to break the bank, but it was amazing how a stake of a pound or two could galvanize one’s attention when the dogs darted around the track in pursuit of the hare.
It was a relaxed evening, full of laughs, with the only recourse to formality being Ray’s presentation to Dave and his very brief response thanking his former colleagues and to wish them all the best for the future.
In an especially nice touch, Dave was delighted to discover that the 7th race of the evening had been named in his honour. The Dave Ward Retirement stakes was won by Paradise Marco and it fell to Dave to present a trophy to the proud owner.
All in all it was a great evening and a fitting way to pay tribute and say adios to a fellow who’s bark was always worse than his bite!
He and wife Geraldine were last seen heading off in an Uber cab, in the general direction home.
Dave Ward’s PV Archive is HERE
