Never been racing before? Always wanted to give it a try, but think it seems too daunting with rules and etiquette? The good news is that at Newbury, the elitism myth has never really existed and we make a point of laying out the welcome mat for all our visitors. If you’re new to racing we hope the following information should help you get the most out of your day.
The even better news is that it won’t cost you an arm or a leg. You can come racing for as little as £7 at Newbury. Under 18s get in FREE to nearly all our fixtures and there are concessions and special offers on most racedays. What other sporting venue offers such family value for an afternoon or evening’s entertainment?
On arrival
When you arrive, it’s worth buying an Official Programme and all will be explained… for each race the horses and races will be listed with the key words and figures deciphered. To get a headstart, visit our Reading the Official Programme page. The only formula we can’t guarantee is the winning one – and if you find out, let us know! If it’s all still too much, just pick the one with the best name and rely on beginner’s luck! The Official Programme also contains a map of the racecourse facilities to help you get your bearings.
The pre-parade ring
Horses are brought here from the stables and led around by the grooms. This is to limber them up prior to their race and gives racegoers a chance to see the horses before they are saddled and to assess their fitness and attitude. On busy days, a useful tip is to come here to get an early glimpse of the horses and then head straight off to place your bet and find a good position in the stands from where to watch the race.
The Parade Ring
Also referred to as the paddock, this is where horses are led around having been saddled, immediately before their race and the jockeys will mount the horses here. Not surprisingly this is the centre of activity, and is great for soaking up the atmosphere. You can see all the horses for the next race, along with some of the sport’s most well known jockeys, trainers and owners having their final discussions before the race. This is where you will spot television crews and pundits as they conduct interviews.
Placing a Bet
You will probably fancy a flutter, so slip across to the bookmakers or to one of the totepool betting windows as the horses leave the parade ring. The bookmaker will be happy to explain what you do. The easiest way to bet is to either place a sum of money ‘to win’ which means you will be buying the next round of drinks if your horse wins, or to place a bet ‘each way’ which means you will still get some money back if your horse is placed second or third. Bear in mind however that a £2 each way bet, for example, will actually cost you £4 because you pay for the place bet as well as the win. For more details, visit our How to Bet page.
Watching the race
Both the Premier and Grandstand Enclosures have undercover viewing on steps, so it is easy to get a good view, or you can go right down to the rails to get up close. If you go upstairs to the restaurant or bars in the stands there are panoramic views and televisions. If you choose to go in the Picnic Enclosure there are huge open spaces, benches and tables to sit at and an under cover area or you can watch the racing from your car! There is also a giant screen next to the finishing straight which everyone can view. You will soon get hooked up in the excitement, then hopefully all you have to do next is cheer home your runner!
After the race
Hopefully you will have bet on the winner and you’ll want to rush back to the parade ring where the winners are led in! The first four home will be led back to the winner’s enclosure which is in the parade ring where you first started. There’s always a great buzz, especially after big races and you’ll be able to see the horses being welcomed back by their connections, and after most races there will be trophy presentations to the winning owners, trainers and jockeys and sometimes interviews so you can catch all the post race drama.
Between races
You’ll be surprised how quickly time goes but if you have time, there are all kinds of good spots to eat and drink. We also have two fully fledged restaurants. Like any other restaurant, you will have to book in advance if you want a table in either our Hennessy or Racegoers’ restaurants, but if you want to be informal there are snack bars and food vendors aplenty. You can buy anything from a pizza to a pasty, baguette or burger, or some fab fish and chips, all at good value for money.
Shopaholics will like our various shopping stands, and kids will enjoy special entertainment particularly in the summer time when we often have bouncy castles, clowns and face painters. For certain racedays, you’ll find even more entertainment. Details of what’s being laid on can be found within the fixtures section or in the official programme.
Afterwards
You can stay as long as you like to soak in the atmosphere, and mull over your day. The majority of the bars close when racing finishes, but selected bars stay open between 30 minutes and 45 minutes after the last race.