Have you ever been on a day out at the races? If not you should, as it can be a really enjoyable experience. Racecourses up and down the UK have done a great job at improving their facilities to make sure those who want to spend a day in luxury have to option to do so.
If you are planning a day at the races this year, here are the best two luxurious options.
Cheltenham Festival – March 14-17
The Cheltenham Festival is the highlight of the national hunt calendar. The most prestigious race over jumps takes place at the meeting on the final day with the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Thistlecrack is the 7-4 favourite in the horse racing odds for the 2017 contest for his trainer Colin Tizzard. He was recently beaten at Cheltenham in his final preparation run before the meeting, although he did win the King George VI Chase at Kempton in impressive style to establish himself as the horse to beat this year.
Cheltenham have some of the best boxes of any racecourse in the UK therefore if want a day in luxury, look to hire one of these at the four-day Festival. They are situated above the main stand so you will have a fantastic view of the course, which is great for the Cheltenham Gold Cup as the terraces at the track can often get very busy for this race which makes it difficult to see the action.
If you are looking to book a box for the Festival, you can add a fine-dining package so you can enjoy a gastronomic treat before racing starts. You will also be able to order champagne throughout your day. Hopefully you will be celebrating a few winners and will have something to toast at the end of racing.
If you want to go a step further and arrive in style, maybe think about hiring a limousine to take you to the racecourse. Trains to Cheltenham are very busy and uncomfortable during the week of the Festival so you have make sure you plan your travel if you want to make it a memorable day.
Epsom Derby – June 3
There are five Classics in flat racing in the UK and the one which attracts the most attention is the Derby at Epsom. The winner of this race is generally regarded as the best three-year-old of that season and usually has a successful career in breeding after they finish racing. Harzand took the prize in 2016 for Irish trainer Dermot Weld.
The Derby is as much about fashion as it is the racing therefore you do have to plan your clothing. In most enclosures, women are expected to wear formal daywear which includes a hat, while men should have a top hat with a black or grey morning dress.
The best place to watch the racing at Epsom is from the Queen’s Stand. This will offer you a great view of the Downs. You will have a number of dining options including the Downs View Suite and a Great British Picnic option which are popular very popular so book well in advance.
If you are going racing in 2017, make sure you take out your finest outfit and get ready for an exhilarating day watching the finest beasts trying to make it first through the finish line.
