Finally! It is that time of the year when you need to dress up and go to your favorite horse racing event. Big horse racing events happen once every year, and being able to make the most of your day is really important.
Horse racing as a sport is full of surprises and hidden things that can make or break your day at the races.
Especially if you are traveling a long way to get to a certain horse racing event, there are a lot of things that might go wrong and ruin your entire experience.
That’s why we decided to dive deeper into horse racing tourism and write a full guide to going to a horse racing event.
From what to wear, how to behave, things to consider, and some other helpful tips that will not just save you money, but also save you from trouble and make sure that you have the best time.
So, grab some horse racing-inspired cocktail, a pen and paper, and let’s go through this together.
Book your Accommodation in Advance
To minimize disappointment, especially if you are arranging your vacation around an event, book your travel and accommodations ahead of time. This should apply to any type of travel, but it is especially critical if you need to be there at a specified time.
It is not only a terrific method to ensure that you have lodging and travel arrangements in place, but it is also an excellent way to find the greatest rates on flights and hotels. This will undoubtedly provide you with peace of mind knowing that everything is in order before you begin your journey.
Do some Research on the Horses
Last but not least, before you leave on your horse racing vacation, make sure you’ve done your study on the various horses. It is a good idea to investigate the horses that will be racing in the races you wish to watch and wager on so that you may spend less time researching on your vacation.
For example, if you are going to Churchill Downs checking the Kentucky Derby results for last year to find some common patterns to identify.
Furthermore, it will allow you to make more educated bets and increase your chances of identifying the winning horse.
Make sure you have Enough Cash
One of the most crucial considerations while traveling is how much money you bring with you. When arranging a horse racing vacation, be sure you have enough money to cover all of your expenditures.
Even though all of the horse racing tracks allow card transactions, it is still a good idea to take some cash with you.
Horse racing can be an extremely costly sport, so make sure you have a budget for things like admission fees, betting prices, and any other unexpected expenses that may arise during your trip.
Exploring the Racecourse
Once you’ve arrived and settled up, take a walk around the track before the race starts. Check out everything it has to offer, including food booths, games, and horse-related equipment or accessories. Find where the bookmakers and totes are.
This will benefit you later on. Enjoy it, take it all in, evaluate the atmosphere from various points along the course, and locate a new spot to watch from. Take some time to take in the ambiance of the event before the racing begins. You can even watch the horses warm up, prepare, and move to their racing positions.
What To Wear
Each racing event has a particular dress code that racegoers can follow or reference. Most dress standards are advisory and serve as a tip for how others should dress to attend the event.
While others must adhere to regulations, items such as trainers, football colors, fancy clothing, and jeans are frequently prohibited in hospitality enclosures; however, other areas will be considerably more liberal as long as they are neat and suitable.
When picking your race day clothing, be sure you dress for the weather. This goes hand in hand with clothing appropriately for the racecourse circumstances, such as trudging through mud and grass for an extended period of time. It is critical to have suitable footwear and attire for this activity.
Leaving the Races
When your day is done and it’s time to leave the track, it doesn’t mean your adventure has to finish there. There will be plenty to do on the opposite side of the track, with local taverns, pubs, and restaurants welcoming racegoers with open arms.
While you’re at it, get a meal or a drink and plan your next trip to the races to repeat the experience.
Final Words
Last but not least, remember to immerse yourself in the moment, don’t stay on the phone too much, and try to enjoy the sport as much as you can. You can take a couple of selfies but don’t turn your trip into an influencer campaign.
