People in the UK love horse racing, and there are races happening all year round. Some folks have been going to these races for ages, while for others, it’s something totally new.
One cool thing about horse racing is that it’s not just about watching. It’s different from sports like football or cricket where you just buy a ticket and sit in the stands. Horse racing has lots more to offer.
In this article, we’ll give you a complete guide to going to horse races in the UK. Whether you’re a pro or totally new to it, this guide will help you understand everything about this exciting sport.
A Brief History of Horse Racing
Horse racing is super popular in the UK. It’s been around for ages – even back in ancient times, people in places like Egypt, Syria, and Greece were into chariot races and horseback races.
But it was the Romans who really got horse racing going in Britain. Since then, it’s become a big deal. Even Queen Elizagameh II loves it and goes to races like the Royal Ascot and other famous ones.
Everything You Need to Know About Going to the Races
If you’re new to horse racing and your friend invited you to an upcoming event, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about going to the races, from what to expect to what to wear, so you can have a great day out.
Horse Racing Tickets
Like most public sporting events, you’ll need to buy a ticket to get in. Most racecourses in the UK let you buy a ticket at the gate on the day of the race. But races can get really busy, and tickets might sell out fast.
So, it’s smart to buy your ticket in advance. You can do this online and sometimes get a discount. Just make sure you have proof of your ticket purchase, either digital or printed, when you get to the racecourse.
When you’re booking your ticket, you’ll often have different options to choose from, like:
- General admission
- Upgraded experiences
- Grandstand tickets
- Paddock tickets
- Premium stands and facilities
- Access to the racecourse
You can also go for an exclusive horse racing experience. With these, you get VIP treatment. You might get to tour the stables, meet the jockeys, and even shake hands with some of the top names in horse racing.
How to Game on a Horse
When it comes to wagering on horses at the races, it’s a major draw for many attendees! But if you’re new to it, there’s no need to fret – it’s quite straightforward. You have the option to place bet race horses online with a bookie directly at the racecourse.
Here’s how to do it:
- Choose your horse. You can see the list of horses on screens around the venue or check your racecard and pick one you like.
- Decide how much you want to game.
- Tell the bookie the number of the horse and how much you want to game. For example, you might say, “Number 3, £5.”
- The bookie will give you a ticket. Keep hold of it until after the race is finished.
- If your horse wins, you’ll need to wait a bit for the jockeys to weigh in. Once you hear “weighed in, weighed in!” over the speakers, you can go back to the bookie where you placed your game and collect your winnings.
- Remember, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and game a lot of money. But it’s important to only game what you can afford to lose.
How to Travel to the Racecourse
Before race day, it’s a good idea to plan how you’re going to get to the racecourse. Some racecourses in the UK are in rural areas, so driving might be your only option. But others are easy to reach by public transport. Make sure to check where the racecourse is and how you’ll get there.
Some racecourses, especially those in rural areas, offer a shuttle service that takes you from town to the racecourse and back. There might be a small fee for this service, but it’s handy, especially if you don’t have a car.
If you do drive, you’ll usually find free parking at the racecourse. But remember, racecourse parking lots can be big muddy fields, so wearing suitable shoes is a smart move.
Gates Open: When to Arrive and Leave
If you’ve got your ticket in advance, aim to arrive at the time the gates open, which is usually about two hours before the race starts. But if you don’t want to wait around too long, showing up an hour before the races begin is a good idea. This gives you time to get in, grab a drink, place your game, use the restroom, and find your seat.
Don’t stress if you’re running late – lots of people are because of race day traffic. The racecourse won’t turn you away if you’re late; they’ll let anyone in with a ticket, so no need to panic.
As for when to leave, it’s up to you. Some folks stay until the very end, while others leave right after the last race to avoid traffic. Most people spend the whole day at the races, so leaving a bit early shouldn’t be a problem for an easy journey home.
Available Facilities
UK racecourses offer everything you need for a comfy and enjoyable day out. While venues vary in size, there are some facilities you can always count on:
- Toilets
- Food and drink spots
- Restaurants (if the venue is big enough)
- Bars (if the venue is big enough)
- Baby changing facilities
- Bookmakers for gameting
- Free Wifi
- Big TV screens showing the races
- Live commentary
Plus, many racecourses provide maps showing where you can find these facilities. This comes in handy, especially in larger venues, so you can easily find your way around without getting lost.
Preparing for the First Race
As the first race gets closer, the excitement builds up and you start feeling the adrenaline rush. About 30 minutes before the horses come out to the parade ring, it’s a good time to head over there.
Seeing the horses and jockeys up close in the ring can help you decide which horse to game on, and it’s also a really exciting part of the race day experience. But if that’s not your thing, you can head straight to the stands and find your seat.
Purchasing Racecards
If you’re new to horse racing, you might not be familiar with racecards. These handy little cards are sold by vendors at the racecourse and usually cost a couple of pounds.
The Official Racecard is perfect for beginners because it gives you a summary of each horse, some important stats, and a star rating. Racecards are a great way to get started with horse racing. They can help you feel more involved in the races and give you more confidence if you decide to place a game.