The Beginner’s Guide to a Day at the Races

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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Look out for horses that have: a good win record, are carrying a favourable weight, and enjoy running on the ground that’s predicted for the day of the race. It’s never a bad idea to see which jockey has been booked. If they’re a particularly good jockey this can be a sign that the trainer thinks the horse stands a good chance. You should also look out for horses wearing new tack for the first time, or any horse that’s seeing a significant step up, or down, in trip.

With that research out of the way, you should have a few good betting ideas and maybe even a few ante-post bets placed. Time to move onto the next step!

What to Wear

There are literally hundreds of equestrian fashion influencers out there who all have their own style that can be fun to take inspiration from for the day of the race. It does pay to remember though, that not all race meetings have the same dress code. Major race days often have a smart dress code, in which jodhpurs and chaps would definitely not be welcome. Make sure to check out the website of whichever race course you’re heading to, to avoid feeling out of place (or worse, not being allowed entry) on the day.

For a casual dress code, I think we should let the influencers inspire you! However, for a formal wardrobe, it’s worth seriously considering the weather. If you’re heading to the track in the height of summer, then feel free to go to town. You’ll be in great company in a flashy dress, heels, and a show-stopping hat. Conversely, if you’re heading out in the winter, then consider that your coat (and possibly umbrella) is likely to become a major part of your outfit! Choose a coat that’s warm and weatherproof – it might not seem glamorous, but you’ll be glad of it in the rain. Also, find shoes with heels that won’t sink into waterlogged turf. A silk scarf and statement bold lipstick might end up being all the accessories you need.

Getting Around

You’ve finally made it to the big day and hopefully you’ve arrived in plenty of time to familiarise yourself with the course. The first step is to look for the parade ring. This is the first place you’ll be able to see the horses and if you consider yourself a good paddock judge then you’ll want to make a beeline for here. You’ll be able to judge the condition the horses are in, see which ones are relaxed – or boiled over – in their environment, and maybe even pick a winner.

From the parade ring, head to the grandstand. All modern courses have a grandstand that affords you an excellent view of the whole race, particularly the finishing post. Some people prefer to stand up in the grandstand to see the race, others prefer a spot on the rail to watch the action up close. See which you prefer!

The Winner’s Enclosure

The final stop on your tour is the winner’s enclosure. It’s here that you’ll (hopefully) be cheering your horse in! After each race, the first three horses to place will be brought back here for fans to congratulate them and to be hosed down by their grooms. It’s particularly wonderful being able to celebrate a win if you’d placed a bet on the horse, but it’s a lovely sight to see even if you didn’t back the winner. Watching the joy on the faces of all the horse’s connections is a special end to the day. So, make sure you make it to the winner’s enclosure at least once to enjoy the spectacle.