How to Plan a Days Horse Racing at Newbury Racecourse

Horse racing is one of the most exciting spectator sports, and if you plan a days horse racing at Newbury racecourse it is easy to get up close to the action. Once considered an elitist sport, it can now be enjoyed by the whole family, even the kids.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Get to Newbury. Newbury racecourse is located in Berkshire in the centre of the south of England. There is a mainline train station situated right at the racecourse that has direct connections to London. The racecourse is also easily accessible by car and close to a number of motorways such as the M3 and the M4. You will find signs along the route once you enter Newbury that will direct you to the free car parks.
2. You may be surprised at the inexpensive prices. Anyone under the age of 18 gets in free and a ticket to the Grandstand Enclosure will only cost £14 per adult. If you want to pay a bit extra, get into to the Premier Enclosure for only £20. The Picnic Enclosure is the cheapest at around £5.
3. The days when people dressed up in their best suits and summer dresses are long gone, although you still can if you want. Basically, you can wear what you like at the racecourse as there is no dress code. The only enclosure that is slightly different is the Premier Enclosure where you will not be allowed in with trainers, jeans or T-shirts.
4. Buy a racecard. Now that you have arrived, it's more than likely you will want to try your skills and have a flutter on a few races. The racecard gives all the information you will need on the races including jockeys riding the horses and information on the horses.
5. Get down to the paddock. The paddock is an exciting place to be, it is here you can see horses, jockeys and owners getting ready for the next race. There is a great atmosphere at the paddock area as the pre-race tension mounts. This is also where you can find the television crews as they interview jockeys and talk to the viewing public.
6. Place your bets with one of the bookmakers or at the one of the betting windows. If you have not done this before they will be more than happy to explain what to do. Don't let the excitement get to you though; better to start betting small and work your way up if you happen to hit a lucky streak. Then, if you want a really great view, go right down to the rails and watch the horses thunder by.
7. Take the children. The race course is very family friendly and during the summer months there are face painters, clowns and bouncy castles available. The racecourse also has two great restaurant and there are sometimes market stalls available on site. For more information, go to www.newbury-racecourse.co.uk.