One of the last sporting events to go ahead before lockdown in the UK was the Cheltenham Festival. This famous jump racing week held in March at Prestbury Park is home to the Cheltenham Gold Cup – one of the most prestigious achievements in the sporting world.
If you are hoping to get a chance to go to the races and have never been before, here is a rough idea of what a day at the races is like…
A day at the races is not just a sporting event, it is a fun social event to, so don’t take it all too seriously! Relax have fun and enjoy yourself. When you arrive, it is a good idea to get a race card which will give you a guide to the horses that are running, the jockeys riding and a little information about them. If you like a flutter, this could help you when you place your bets!
You don’t have to bet when you are there – many people go to enjoy the atmosphere and the social aspect of the races, as well as to admire the horses up close in the parade ring. There are lots of people on hand to help you too, from stewards to event medical cover staff like OMS so don’t feel that once you are there you won’t be able to ask anyone anything!
As well as the opportunity to win some money and have a good time, you can enjoy food there too – there are plenty of takeaway options, or if you prefer to sit down to lunch, you can book in one of the restaurants to have something to eat.
Planning a family day at the races
Racing makes a memorable day out for all ages. Watching horses thunder past and clear fences while jockeys stand in the stirrups urging them on is exciting whether you are five or fifty.
With more than sixty racecourses across the UK, from Aintree and Cheltenham to Beverley, Kelso and Newbury, most families will find one within easy reach of home. That makes it simple to try a meeting without committing to a long journey.
A little planning makes the day more comfortable. Racecourses can get chilly towards the evening, so bring a warm layer and wear comfortable shoes, as you will be on your feet a lot. On hot days, make sure children have hats, sunglasses and sun cream. Set a budget before you go and stick to it, and remember to allow for food and drinks through the day as well as any bets.
Race week in the town of Cheltenham
The festival is not only about Prestbury Park. During race week the whole of Cheltenham fills up, and local bars, shops and restaurants prepare for the extra visitors. If you are staying in or near the town, book accommodation and any meals out well in advance, and expect pubs to be busy in the evenings.
Plenty of first-timers enjoy placing a bet, and it can add to the excitement of watching a race. Treat it as part of the entertainment rather than a way to make money. Any stake is a gamble, with no guarantee of winning anything or even getting your money back, so decide beforehand how much you are happy to lose and stick to it. That way a bad run of luck will not spoil what should be a memorable day.