What to Expect At Your First Horse Racing Event

Horse racing is a tradition that dates back centuries and has been a celebration of the unique bond between humans and horses. There has always been an element of class and esteem at some of the more prestigious events, which is why it’s important to know what to wear, and where to go. As a spectator, you will need to be prepared for your first horse racing event. There can be some variations and different types of atmosphere depending on the event, how significant it is in the season as well as what horses are competing. In the UK, there is definitely an air of elite society because the royal family is very passionate about the races. Part of this remains in horse racing events globally, because of the standards and expectations, even as a spectator. Whether you want to support and bet on a specific horse or are hoping to get a general feel for the atmosphere as a whole, this guide is for you to prevent feeling out of place. 

These are some of the key things that you can expect from your  first horse racing event , and how you can prepare yourself. 

Dress 

Of course, some horse races are more esteemed than others. While more significant races within the championship involve sophisticated dress codes and formal attire, others that are less well-known tend to be more casual. Research what type of event you are going to and depending on how influential the race is, decide on an outfit that is practical and comfortable. If it is a more common race, you could focus on keeping warm and waterproof, whereas more popular events will need smarter attire. Formal suits and dresses are commonly worn with extravagant headpieces when there are esteemed celebrities in attendance. Although this practice could be argued as somewhat excessive, the stakes are usually higher with better payoffs during these events, so it’s definitely worth going to at least once purely for the improved betting game. 

Schedule

The schedule of events can often vary when thinking about when to arrive and how to present yourself. Do your research ahead of time and make sure that you arrive before the races start. Some larger events include seat allocation, while other smaller viewings encourage a free-for-all. This is another reason why you will need to arrive on time because you will want to find a good seat. 

High Stakes

As we’ve covered, different events have different amounts of betting and stakes. The larger, more popular races tend to have very high stakes and make for a very tense event because the horses competing are usually some of the best in the game. This is why it’s important to research which horses you want to root for, as well as which event has better stakes. They have already been through a series of competitions during elite events, and are going to make a tough competition until the end. 

Food and Drink

Whether your first event usually generates larger crowds or not, there is going to be the option of different food and drink. For security reasons, the larger events don’t usually allow you to bring your own food and drink into the event. That is why you will want to arrive with plenty of time to purchase some refreshments. There is also often a bar, but it’s best to avoid going crazy because it can make for a pretty expensive day out if you’re not careful. It’s generally best to get a drink and some snacks and make your way to your seat in plenty of time. 

Don’t forget 

Now that we’ve set some expectations for your first event, these are some things that you will need to remember before setting off. Don’t forget your ticket, because security is usually pretty hot and won’t let you in without one. Most events offer e-tickets, but you can get a physical ticket if you don’t want to rely on your smartphone. Remember to arrive in plenty of time and before the races start to avoid causing a possible distraction during the tense races. You should also remember parking information if you plan on driving or route plan for different forms of public transport. 

Overall, horse racing events can be a unique day out as long as you make the correct preparations. Do your research beforehand and check how you are going to get there, where to park or where the train or bus will take you. Another thing to research is whether there is a dress code and plan your outfit accordingly. This is largely determined by the role that the specific race event plays in the championship and the standard of racers competing. Lastly, arrive with plenty of time to get acquainted with your surroundings and settle into your seats before the races start. Have a great day!