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Couple happy to stay the course

Jul 26 2009 by Coreena Ford, Sunday Sun

THIS happy couple are under starter’s orders... for the rest of their lives.

Mark and Donna Burton

Mark Burton and Donna Griffiths, of Trimdon, County Durham, became the first pair to be married at Sedgefield racecourse yesterday, watched on by their proud friends and family.

The young couple, who have been together for seven years, dreamed of having an unusual venue to exchange vows, and the racecourse became the odds-on favourite as soon as they had paid it a visit.

Beautiful bride Donna, 25, said: “The pavilion is beautiful and it overlooks the racecourse, so the views are amazing . . . it’s fantastic here.

“We both like to have a bit of a gamble on the horses – especially the Grand National – and love the atmosphere when you’re at the races.”

The pair met for the first time back in 2002 at Otterburn Hall in Northumberland, where they were taking part in an outdoor pursuits course.

Mark, 27, was on the course with colleagues from the firm he worked with in Blyth, Northumberland, while Donna and a friend went along with a County Durham rugby club to fill two spare spaces. And, after a minor hurdle on their first date, Mark knew he’s found his favourite filly.

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