Going Racing

Watching a horse race on a television screen or computer monitor is one thing, but it has to be said that nothing compares with attending the races in person. It's no surprise then, that race attendance is incredibly popular. With 59 courses in the UK alone, there are plenty of opportunities to go along and experience the exhilaration of a day's racing first hand. To help you get the most out of a day trip, here are some useful pointers:

Bear in mind that some forms of racing (and therefore some courses) are seasonal. As a general rule of thumb, national hunt racing is most popular in the winter months, and flat racing is more dominant in the summer. All weather tracks (Lingfield, Southwell and Wolverhampton) tend to have regular meetings all year round.
According to the British Horseracing Board, most race courses allow children (under 16s) to accompany an adult free of charge. This can make racing a great day out for the whole family, especially when you consider that many courses provide additional entertainment during school holidays.
Don't wear jeans. A day at the races is considered an elegant affair, so you won't do well to turn up in jeans and t-shirt. You don't need a top hat and tails, but you should dress smartly for the occasion if you want to fit in with the crowd and feel comfortable.
The enclosures at a racecourse are pretty much like the seats in a theatre. The more you pay, the better the position. In racing, the cheapest option (and the least formal) is the Silver Ring / Course / Picnic enclosure. The most expensive is the Members / Club enclosure. The Tattersalls / Grandstand enclosure is an option for those who want somewhere between the other two extremes, and allows good views of the parade ring and winners enclosure.