If you’ve never considered a ‘day at the races’ as a means of entertainment, take a look at our handy guide on horse racing has stored up for you.

Horse racing has something for everyone in the family. There is the sporting thrill of seeing these equine athletes strut their stuff across the turf, giving their all in pursuit of glory and a place in the pantheon of the sport’s history. The winning and the losing are of course paramount to the appeal of horse racing and with that comes betting on the races themselves. We’ll delve deeper into that below and punters will no doubt avail of resources like mybettingsite.uk to mark their cards before going racing.

Aside from the action, there are also high fashion stakes in play with racegoers often encouraged to dress to impress for the big day out – with lots of racecourses offering prizes for the best turned-out attendees. A day at the races also offers a chance to sample magical food and drinks experiences, from fine dining to quirky cuisine with everything in between and, of course, it is a social occasion where families and groups can come together to enjoy the sporting spectacle and have a good time.

The Races

Horse racing dates back centuries and it continues to thrive in modern culture. Racing like many other popular sports can assemble the entire family. Wherever we look around the world, racing’s hoofprints are to be found. In America, they have the Kentucky Derby, in Australia the Melbourne Cup is ‘the race that stops a nation’, while in Britain the Grand National, Cheltenham Festival and Royal Ascot are major sporting events that are known far and wide.
The thoroughbred is the horse breed developed, nurtured and maintained for racing. These wonderful animals are categorised by their speed, agility and spirit for racing. Their very existence is designed to bring them to the racecourse to showcase these abilities.

Betting at The Races

Betting is a major allure for many racegoers. Having a flutter on the action can enhance the day out and maybe even help pay for it. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or a novice, it is important to get the facts and stats before putting your money down.
Making informed decisions is the key to successful betting. Study ‘the form’ – how each horse has performed in previous races, consider the recent form of the trainer and jockey – are they having a good spell – and check out the track conditions for the day and how the horses are likely to perform on them based on past experience.
All these factors are widely available for punters going to the races and they make for essential reading before betting on the outcomes.
Are you a win-only bettor, seeking that thrill of being first past the post, or is an each-way bet on an outsider in your racing style, looking to get in the first three or four home? Do you like to be exotically on forecasts and Tricasts, or will your day at the races be geared around the Placepot bet?
Whatever way you like to bet, there’s something for everyone at the races, small stakes or big.

Raceday Fashion

For ladies and gents alike, a day at the races can often be a good excuse to get the finery from the wardrobe and dress up. Different areas at various courses have designated dress codes but, as a general rule, racecourses are happy to encourage their patrons to dress to impress.
There are often Ladies Days’ where the best and most imaginative or innovative outfits are recognised with a prize. At the likes of Aintree in the spring, the Ladies Day offering is said to ‘blend high-stakes racing with fearless style in a way that creates epic tales and unforgettable moments’.
Wherever you go racing, there is always the chance to go that extra mile, dress up and feel good for the day out.

Food and Drink

A day at the races typically lasts for more than four hours, often in high summer, racegoers need to consider options for food and drink. It could be Pimm’s and lemonade cocktails of a summer’s day or a glass of bubbly to celebrate a winner but, whatever your choice, the racecourse is always a place to enjoy a tipple amongst friends.
Eating options are wide and varied. Many racecourses offer fine dining experiences in their hospitality areas, while there are also street food options, food on the go and if you find yourself in the Cumbrian countryside at Cartmel for the races, the world’s very best sticky toffee pudding available right there on the racecourse.