I remember my very first horse race as if it was yesterday. Not because it was yesterday, it was about two years ago, but because I was incredibly nervous about it. I had never been to a horse race before and really didn’t know what to expect. I didn’t know what was happening, I didn’t know how to place a bet and most of all, I had no idea what to wear.
That might seem a little superficial now, especially as I’m not known as the fashion queen of the blogosphere, but when a German thinks about horse racing in the UK, they have an utterly posh affair in mind. Think women in beautiful gowns and fascinators and men wearing cylinders and frocks while sipping champagne and enjoying nibbles with carefully placed dill and caviare on top.
In reality, there are a handful of events in the annul racing calendar that require more than formal attire while others are less daunting than you might think. To ensure that you’re having the best race day experience ever, I thought I’d ask some of blogging friends about their top tips for a trip to the races, so here we go:
Helen from The Crazy Kitchen is a race day pro and has a tip that will save your feet and your sanity – “pack a pair of flip flops that you can slip into at the end of the day. They’re a godsend when you’ve been walking around on heels all day and although they’re not the most fashionable accessory, they will guarantee that you head home with a smile on your face and not a face distorted in pain.”
Jenny from Mummy Mishaps likes to do her research when heading to a day at the races. “I am by no means an expert, but I pick up a copy of the Racing Post read up on the favourites, former winners and to the Cheltenham Gold Cup Results (apparently they’re a good indicator to go by) to get an overview of who is starting on the day and who might be worth putting a little bet on. In the end, I’ll probably still go for the horse with the funniest name or the jockey who wears my favourite colour, but it’s all part of the experience and a bit of fun.”
Andrea from All You Need Is Love and Cake has been a horse fanatic ever since she can remember and some of her favourite memories are from horse shows and races that she visited with friends and family. “Last year, we celebrated the birthday of my cousin’s husband at a horse racing event. There was a concert and lots of things to do for kids too. It was a fab day out for all the family and if you are thinking of taking your kids along, I would highly recommend checking out the fixtures in advance. There are often dedicated family days with activities for children of all age groups.”
What are your tips for a fun day at the races? Share your ideas and stories in the comments below!
definitely choose names that have a meaning to you, or your first instinct – otherwise you might be upset when that comes in first & the one that looks good on paper that you placed your bet on strolls in last! I also like to bet on a few races in advance on the tote & then have a last minute bet on one that I fancy with the tic tac men – odds can vary so have a quick look around.