For many equestrians, a day at the races is a fantastic excuse to indulge in their favourite hobby. However, plenty of us don’t get to experience the excitement of race day all that often. Maybe we’re not anywhere near a track, maybe none of our friends are horse enthusiasts in the same way that we are. Whatever the reason, if it’s your first time heading to the races, treat this guide as your instruction manual!

I’ll talk you through the ins and outs of all you need to know for a great experience. Picking your wardrobe (it’s harder than it looks!), looking for likely winners, and finding your way around the course will feel a breeze.

Picking a Winner

The first step to a successful day at the races (should) start quite some time before you arrive – picking a winner. You’ll find that almost all betting sites will give you far better odds on bets placed ahead of time – known as ante-post bets. This is one of the simplest ways to find better value. Plus, by looking at the form early, you’re getting a head start on everybody else.

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