Going to the races for the very first time can be a daunting task, as there is the question of what to wear, the best places to view the horses when on course and what horses I put your hard-earned cash on to get even more back. This article's aim to help put your mind at ease, and give you an understanding of what to expect when you head to the races. 

What To Wear

Depending on the code of racing will essentially depends on weather and what's best to wear. If it is a summer flat meeting there is no real compulsory measure to go fully suited and booted, but it is common procedure for men to wear a shirt, tie, smart trousers and shoes - usually trainers and shorts are not allowed, or at least in certain enclosures, but be sure to check out the dress code which will be on every racecourse website. 

For ladies attending a Flat race meeting in the summer, it tends to be the perfect day to dress up in all their glitz and glamour. Although this is not compulsory in many areas, it is becoming increasingly popular that racecourses put on best-dressed competitions. But again, be sure to check out the dress code, which will be on every racecourse website. 

Jump meetings tend to adopt a dress-for-the-weather approach rather than a strict dress code like some flat meetings. Although it’s still nice to dress up for the jumps racing, remember we are in the UK, so the weather can be very temperamental. Dig out your best coat and hat, and you will be perfectly fine, as long as you keep warm and dry.

Arriving At The Racecourse And Before The Racing Starts 

This is usually the perfect time to check out the surroundings, which is especially important if it’s a first-time visit to the racecourse. Have a look around, grab yourself a drink or food and most importantly, get a racecard and the perfect spot to watch the racing unfold for the afternoon/evening. This will also be the perfect time to check out the runners in each race if you haven't already, study the form shown in the racecard and get your bets ready. Having a good look at the runners in advance is very important and can certainly help you win a little bit of money whilst there.

Watching And Betting On The Races  

Now, the horses are starting to get ready and head to the parade ring for the first race on the card; this could be one of the most important times to get the perfect place at the parade ring. Even if you don’t know too much about the horses themselves, you can get plenty of useful information just by watching them walk around the ring:

•  Are the horses moving nicely? 
• Are they behaving with their handlers? 
• How do they look whilst going around? 

Going to watch the horses in the parade ring before each race can be very important and will help you with all your betting needs throughout the afternoon/evening. Even if they are all behaving and there are no bad signs, you might just see a horse that catches your eye and you might want to back solely on that; many people, even avid racing fans, do that regularly.

Once the races are off, be sure to find out the best viewing area possible, there are plenty around the racecourses as they are specifically made for the punter to watch the jockeys and horses battle it out to try and win. Between each of the races, be sure to check out the course amenities with various different food and drink stations available. The on course bookies will usually be in view of the racing, so be sure to pick up and put on any bets you want in between each race. And remember do not lose your betting slip, especially if it’s a winning one!  

Once Racing Finishes

When the racing has concluded, be sure to pick up any winnings with the on-course bookmakers if needed, as they don’t mess around when it comes to packing up after racing. Be sure to check out any local bars, pubs or restaurants, especially if you are leaving with plenty of winnings, as that is most definitely the perfect excuse to spend the profit you made. There are usually plenty of amenities around the racecourses themselves, if not there is almost certainly a local town or city that you could venture into. 

Conclusion   

A good day out at the races is the perfect excuse to get together with family and friends, and although it could be more expensive than a football match or other sporting event, you make a whole day out of it. You don’t have to be an avid fan of horse racing, it is still a very nice day and can be made better with the company that you go with.