Hundreds of people turned out for this year’s Donkey Derby, raising thousands of pounds for local charities.

The annual event, now in its 55th year, sees competitors race donkeys around Saumarez Park, with the proceeds going to good causes.

This year’s Derby, which was as ever organised by the Lions Club of Guernsey, included the first ever John Randall Challenger Media Trophy awarded to the fastest racer from the local media.

The trophy was named after radio legend John Randall, who presented on BBC Radio Guernsey and Island FM over a nearly 35-year career, before sadly dying earlier this year after a short illness, aged 68.

Mr Randall was well known for his involvement with local charities and was heavily involved with the Lion’s Club, including commentating on the Donkey Derby.

With one of the busiest Donkey Derbys in recent memory, Lions Club organisers estimated this year’s event may have raised between £5,000 and £8,000.

A man in a green t-shirt with grey hair holds a lobster up.
Pictured: Radio legend John Randall was known for his generosity, whether that was bringing free seafood in for his colleagues or giving his time to local charities.

‘Dad would do anything for charity’

Mr Randall’s daughter, Victoria Randall, told Express the Donkey Derby was “one of Dad’s most favourite events to the point where he was keen for us to finish a family holiday early to get back to it one year”.

She said: “It was literally anything for charity with him, and especially the Lions Club.

“It’s a privilege to be here with everyone, and it’s lovely to see him honoured.”

  • Pictured: Becky cantered to victory in both her heat and the final, dragging Express reporter Jack Silver behind her.
  • Pictured: Jack Silver with John Randall’s daughter Victoria Randall and grandson Jack.
  • Pictured: The winning donkey, Becky, before the start of the final.
  • Pictured: Bailiwick Express’ Jack Silver moments before the start of the final.
  • Pictured: Jack Silver with the John Randall Challenger Media Trophy.
  • Pictured: The trophy.

The annual media race sees competitors from local media outlets including the BBC, Channel TV, Island FM and – of course – Bailiwick Express race using chariots known as ‘Sulkys’.

It’s now been renamed the John Randall Challenger Media Trophy, with Express‘ own Jack Silver beating Island FM’s Sally Barton in a fiercely-fought final to claim the inaugural trophy.

Mr Silver said he was “honoured” to have won the trophy, adding: “John had the biggest heart and was just a wonderful man.”

He added: “I wasn’t expecting to be anywhere near as fast but the races were great fun.

“Perhaps I’ve discovered a hidden talent… or perhaps I was just lucky to have picked my donkey, Becky!”

‘Keep going forward’

This year’s bragging rights among the local media may have gone to Express.

However, the big winner of the day was 13-year-old Hollie, who won her race before picking up the trophy for overall Champion Jockey.

Hollie told Express she had “so much fun with my friends”.

While she didn’t really expect to win, she said the secret to her success was to “keep on going forward”.

‘Proper Guernsey Summer park day’

Hundreds of people enjoyed music, rides, food and drink and lots of racing.

Paul Allaway, Lions Club President, said the aim was to bring the community together for “a proper Guernsey Summer park day”, while raising money for local charitable causes.

The volunteer-run charity said funds raised from the Derby support a range of local projects spanning health, education, social welfare and environmental initiatives.