What Makes a Great Day at the Races??:)-D

We in South Africa are spoilt! We have such an underutilized wealth of passionate racing people who could make an impact on our favourite past time. Amongst us all, surely there are ideas that add value to the game and can help us grow our sport once again.

I have a question:

What to you as an individual/family makes a day at the races a memorable event? Is it the service of the clerks, the greeting from the hostess, the cleanliness of the venue, the menu, the service levels, the fact that the beers are always cold, bars stay open late etc..............?

I am just curious to see what is important to everyone and will post this topic on the other 2 sites as well.?

I have read over the years and been witness to some rumblings about raceday experiences - so people what to you makes a great day stand out to an average day or for that matter what keeps you away from the course etc.?

-D

Frills don`t bother me,whats on the track is the most important part of the experiance.

I agree that what's happening on the track is obviously important, but decent service, good food (if not necessarily of Michelin-star restaurant quality), clean venues and prompt service with a smile are all part of the experience, especially when you ate taking the Dearly Beloved out for a day or evening. On the whole I find these things at our Durban tracks to be acceptable if not spectacular, although the air conditioning battles when its midsummer in Durbs. That is really the only time that I think I would have been better off staying at home watching on TV and diving into the pool between races. Minor quibbles would be no sound when trying to watch away races at Clairwood and the rather aged TVs in the View room at Greyville, where getting a good picture isn't always easy. The food tends to be entirely predictable, but it's okay and I guess the eating bit is only part of the reason for going to the races in the first place, unlike a conventional restaurant where it is perhaps the main purpose of the exercise.

Not being a punter I can't speak for the tote clerks, and whatever flutters we do have are taken on the phone, but from what other people have said I suppose this is one area that needs looking at, especially on the big days. So do the charges - what they are asking for Summer Cup day, even in venues that don't look out on the track, is outrageous.

Good horses (possibly a "champ")
Good company
Hot food
Cold wine
A few drams
Racing should be a pastime and fun -D

Plus a few winners would help

Personally I enjoy the odd race meeting at Turffontein and the Vaal, usually go when we have a horse running and make a day. Really, really, really, really miss Newmarket, was by miles my favorite race track.

Enjoy watching our horses run and that's why we have brought Gilmore Girl up to Gary Alexander's yard. Looking forward to seeing her come out soon.

Good food is a plus, seldom had a bad meal in the Elevation Room and the TV's on the tables are very good, with a great view. Try not to go on big race days as other activities try to distract you from the racing, and the service takes a dive on these days and prices get seriously inflated.

A few winners always help making a good day.

Only let down in one useless on-couse bookie at the Vaal, and if you want an bet with a bookie at Turfies you have to take a 5 minute walk to the room where all the bookies are situated, so have to call your off course bookie for a bet.

On a casual day, like I used to do as a kid, I actually just enjoy walking around, having a boerie roll or curry watching the horses in the parade ring and watching the race from the stands.

A great day at the races 'in the past',was having a runner on the day,and staying awake half the night wishing the seconds could do a double up so that the morning would arrive,and off to the races with your 'RA'badge proudly paraded on your shirt/jacket.All the excitement would follow,and hopefully you could run a nice race,or to crown it all by leading your horse to the no 1.At present, im priveledged to have a share in a box,RA badge,somewhere in a draw at home,but enjoy the thrills off racing with a few social friends,with plenty of eats and drinks on the balcony,and hope the party does not go on through the night.Dont wont to blame anything on 'BAD COMPANY'.

I like the way you guys think! I have never owned a horse, but do take pride in watching these beautiful animals take charge from the ring!!

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