| If you're only ever watched horse racing on TV and | | | | prominently so that the officials can clearly see it. |
| have never been to a race meeting then there are | | | | 5. The paddock is where can you watch the horses |
| certain things you should know before you arrive so | | | | parade around and see which one you like the look of. |
| that you can make the most of your day out. | | | | It's well worth a visit so that you can decide which one |
| 1. Ensure that you arrive in plenty of time for the first | | | | you'll back to win. Perhaps you'll have already read the |
| race. If you don't know the area, or are travelling a long | | | | sports pages and know where your money's going. |
| way, you might want to leave additional time. You | | | | 6. Don't forget to leave the paddock well before the |
| should aim to allow 1 -1.5 hrs so that you can find your | | | | start of the race so that you can be in place for the |
| bearings, and see where the best vantage positions | | | | start of the race in plenty of time |
| are. Also, remember that it will be very busy, so a | | | | 7. You might want to seek refreshments between |
| journey you know well might take a lot longer on race | | | | each race, but remember that so will others, meaning |
| day. | | | | that it can be busy. |
| 2. It pays to dress smartly rather than casually. Some | | | | 8. Even if you did back the winner, it's not officially won |
| areas have a strict dress code, so you'll need to check | | | | until the "weighed in" announcement has been made. |
| in advance that you'll be appropriately dressed. There | | | | You can't collect your winnings until this announcement |
| might be lots of walking involved, especially if you have | | | | has been made. |
| to park far away, so relatively sensible footwear is a | | | | 9. It's always worth going to the prize winning area and |
| good idea. | | | | especially if your horse has won. You'll be able to see |
| 3. You'll need to remember money so you can place | | | | the winner and runners up close up, and might even |
| bets. Most bookmakers will have a minimum bet of | | | | spot a famous face or two. |
| £5, but some may be lower and some will take | | | | 10. At the end of a busy day's at the races, remember |
| cards. You'll also need to purchase a race card so that | | | | that everyone will want to leave at the same time, so |
| you know more about each race. You might also | | | | you'll need to be patient. Perhaps you'll have already |
| want to bring binoculars and your camera too, so that | | | | decided where you'll park, and how much time you'll |
| you don't miss anything. There are often large screens, | | | | allow, for the next time you come to a race meeting. |
| so that you won't miss too much action. | | | | Now you know more about the day, what to wear, |
| 4. If you have a metal swing badge, rather than a | | | | what to bring and what to expect, perhaps it's time for |
| ticket, you'll need to make sure that it is displayed | | | | you to go to a horse racing event for yourself. |