Lord and Lady Lockey have kindly written a guide to a day's racing as well as their opinion on various racecourses that your horses might take you to
A GUIDE TO YOUR RACEDAY
"The first you will probably know is a letter/e-mail advising you that your horse is 'being considered' for a race. Entries are then made (or not) 5 days before the race day (unless it's a Classic when they are done well in advance, but if the horse is that good you probably don't want to know what we are advising!).
"Entries are e-mailed/phoned through by Mark's office and then published in the Racing Post or on the internet on that day, so you can see what the horses are up against. Declarations are then made 48 hours prior to the day, together with the name of the jockey. Normally you would be advised of this by Mark or Phil (the racing manager) or, in the case of syndicates, by Jenko (Mr Supreme Adviser and sometime ex-amateur jockey).
"So far so good. Now is dream time!
"Going to the races: It really is a privilege to be an owner - I know your paying for it, but that's for pleasure, not profit! Or is it?
"Dress code: Be smart - your horse will be well-turned out and often wins 'the best turned out' so support it as well. Men - ties are a must, suits or sports jackets; no jeans or trainers! Ladies - you are all gorgeous, but make a special effort, again for the horse, but also for your 'old man'. Sometimes on some courses there are Ladies' Days and they often have a good turnout prize, which surely one day, as one of Mark's owners, someone will win.
"Tickets: You are normally entitled to 4 Owners' and Trainers' badges, syndicates and partnerships 6, or sometimes more. Racecourses can and do sell more at a discounted price. You should have been sent a free Owner's and Trainer's car park pass from the course. Go in there (even if you have to blag your way in). There is always an Owner's and Trainer's Bar - some good, some b. awful but use it; if nothing else, you can people watch.
"Finding the Trainer: Sometimes difficult! But he will, of course, know you are coming. Fifteen minutes before the race he will collect the saddle from the weighing room (forbidden to owners) and go to the saddling box. By this time your horse should be in the pre- parade ring, will be called out and saddled up.
"And then to the parade ring: Now your big moment - in you go, if you have a badge. No child under 12 is normally allowed in - can be dangerous. You will then find Mark, same spot on each course. He will chat about the prospects etc.
"Then the 'Diddy Men': The jockeys will come in en masse and find the trainer. They will, if they are proper jockeys, touch their hats when being introduced to you by the trainer. Technically that's it. Mark will then talk to the jockey, giving him instructions as to the ride. Don't join in - it's the trainer's job, not yours. By all means query them if you wish, but in private.
"The race: Watch it where you will, but normally by the winning post is a good place or on TV screen, either on the course or a bar.
"End of race: If not in the first four, go to the unsaddling enclosure quickly and pat your horse and hear what the jockey says about the run. Sometimes they are very helpful - they can't win all the time.
"If you are in the first four: Congratulations, jockey unsaddles and they tell you about the race.
"If you are a winner: Winner's Enclosure, excitement, jubilation, maybe Press. Certainly photos of you and the horse, lad/lass etc. Presentation. Normally a prize for the owner, the trainer, the jockey and lad/lass. Smile you're on camera!
"Don't forget the lad/lass: they look after your horse before and, as importantly, after the race.
"Normally the Stewards would invite you and the trainer for a glass of champagne and to view a video of the race. Thank them - it's good PR for everyone in racing.
"Now if you've had a bet: Go and collect.
"GOOD LUCK! We hope this helps you to being an owner and enjoy fully the joys of ownership."
ASCOT RACECOURSE - ROYAL ASCOT
www.ascot.co.uk
"Where do I start? Amazing building, bit like Stansted Airport though, has a through draft if there is a slight wind, and can be uncomfortable, if you are eating at one of the loads of eateries on the second floor. Enough has been said about the viewing by people more qualified than me.
"It's lousy; plenty of big screens though if you have binoculars.
"We are in one of two fish restaurants, by the pre-parade ring. Un-bookable so you need to get there 11ish to grab a table. You queue for food, well served by helpful overworked staff.
"Choice of Poached Salmon. Prawns, Smoked Salmon, with salad and new potatoes all at £22 with another £8 for two lots. Lobster was however £40, disappointing, my fault for not looking at the prices. Wine and Champagne by the bucket load but I hate to remember the prices.
"There are tons of other eating places Fish and Chips even, and a bar called The Losers Bar - should have stayed there all week.
"We were fortunate enough to be guests in a Box, even though this one was nearer the start than the finish, you have to resign yourself to the fact that whilst they have a terrific view of the racing, it is half a mile to the parade ring, and through the crowds takes forever, so you may not see a horse in the flesh. The food however was outstanding chosen by the host but served by efficient uni students and most seemed to be ex public school, ours was ex Eton. I am sure that it is the way to go racing, and eating if you have a corporate purse.
"I still prefer York!"
AYR RACECOURSE
www.ayr-racecourse.co.uk
'If you have the time, or strength, go by car or train. If not, you have no choice but to fly with Ryan Air. Flight is OK in the air, apart from announcements every 5 minutes with offers etc. What annoys me is, baggage allowance 15 kilos per person, having paid £10 per case on top of the fare, we would be careful and weighed the cases on the scales, give or take 15kilos each. Checked in 29.9 kilos together. Ok. Coming back, together 31.1 kilos — extra cost £5.50! The only difference was that we had dirty clothes, so their scales are set to produce revenue and annoy me!
'Anyway to the racing, they really try to help owners with a runner on the day. Loads of info. on entry and a voucher with your name on for lunch on the day, if the horse is running. Truly a magnificent lunch, massive buffet, with hot or cold choices and free wine, you can pay £40 if you have a runner and you don't have enough vouchers for other guests. Gives you an idea of the value. Top marks to them.
'Owners and Trainers bar, free coffee and biscuit (you have to ask for the biscuit), pleasant enough site with Tote and 3 TV's. However no food, and no wine glasses - bottle of wine with half pint glasses?
'Only other thing - too many people and noise, seems like nearly anybody could get in, however it was Gold Cup weekend. Loads of bars and other fast food outlets including, for owners, a large grass area with tables and umbrellas opposite the parade ring.
'The course good to soft, but sticky, better than most but as usual not the going that the Clerk of Course states. I met the gentleman, William Johnson, who owns most of the course - Jenko introduced me; he said to give them Hell in the write-up, but not quite necessary. Racecard comprehensive and with other meetings on the day listed.
'What to do at night - recover! Or get on with the delights of Ayr, of which there are many. We stayed at Loch Green in Troon. Jenko in Ayr. Night out: "Meet us at a wine bar and then we were going to an Indian Restaurant." In the taxi on the way to find the wine bar, yacking women in the car, phone rings, Jenko with lots of background noise, says it is called the "Free House". Taxi driver thought I was mad! My hearing, don't you know! It was the "Tree House", a night club with amazing music and noise - had a drink and went very near to the Rupee Rooms, good Indian restaurant. I could hear everything, but not being a connoisseur on Indian didn't know what I was eating, but it was OK.
'If you fancy the trip, it's worth a visit.'
AYR GOLD CUP WEEK INCLUDING AYR RACECOURSE II
'We stayed at Lochgreen House Hotel, Troon. A posh, quiet, old house in immaculate grounds, bit stuffy, but very good. Rooms huge, a specialist bar with every known liqueur whiskey—had to try a few. The dining room, elegant and I have to say the best dinner I have had in the last year, anywhere.
'£37.50 per person: 1st course - Quail fois gras, outstanding, 2nd course - Lobster Bisque, the best (a meal in itself), Main course - Fillet of Beef, tender, succulent and filling, Desert - can't remember, but it was sugary - Varied and wonderful and, for that money which may seem expensive, great value.
'Cochrane Inn, Gatehead - don’t ask where, got a taxi, about 6 miles away. A large fast food place with big menu, disappointing though. It was recommended by the Hotel, then we found out they owned it! About £8-£9 for a main course.
'Waterside Inn, Ayr, on the side of the river with a great terrace and views. Bar with food on one side of the building, restaurant on the other. Food and ambience first class (wish it was in Newmarket). Starter - scallops, freshly 'hand caught', this means some poor guy presumably goes in the sea and chips them off a rock, as opposed to being factory farmed - thank you 'some guy', they were delicious and huge. Main course - half a lobster, really very good, not sure what everyone else had but everyone raved about it and had a great meal.
'THE RACES, Ayr have tried and have improved the facilities considerably. Good Owners and Trainers bar. If you have a runner - free buffet lunch and wine in Western House, perfectly acceptable for free. At least one racecourse is trying.
'However I understand that behind the scenes, that the stables are a mess and most untidy. Trainers please kick up. It didn't suit the high standards of our Trainer.
'GOLD CUP DAY, The Roman Warrior Room. On the second floor of the stand overlooking the winning post, terrace outside, good view of the course, and loads of TV’s inside. A 4 course lunch with wine for about £200. A bit steep, but I suppose comparable with most other courses on big race days. The food was OK, but I am sure it is aimed at corporate hospitality, as they all are. Live in this world of racing and by now you should know what to expect.'
BEVERLEY
www.beverley-racecourse.co.uk
'Yorkshire, Mark's favourite county, and one of mine too. Get there from the south A1 , M18, M62 and about 10 miles to the left through some nice villages. One of which has something unique! Spot it and Mark will give you a prize! Clue, to do with colour.
'A sharp oval right-handed track with a funny camber on the corner and a 3f uphill climb to the finish. Viewing, not bad, better to stand on the steps to see the whole course, but they have a new large screen from which you can really see the whole race very easily.
'Saddling and paddock, quite a walk from the viewing stands, and if you wish to talk to your jockey after a race, you have to have your marching boots on.
'An evening meeting really well-attended with lots of happy people.New building for Owners and Trainers overlooking paddock and finish, not bad.
'Food and Drink, loads of places, Members Restaurant really very pleasant. If you book, say you are an owner or you may not get in. My favorite racecourse caterers, same as York and Pontefract, great value, 3 course £16 to £20 per person.
'Racing itself. Fair, good middle of the road stuff, with a good few southern trainers making a raid on the northern boys.
'Worth a visit, and if you are not in a hurry, loads of areas well worth visiting nearby.'
EPSOM DOWNS
www.epsomdowns.co.uk
'Easy to get to, good parking everywhere, even on the Downs.
'While we have talked in the past about Derby day, it's still worth a visit on a normal day's racing.
'A left-handed horseshoe track of one and a half miles with a four furlong straight finishing in front of grand stand. Good view of whole course from practically everywhere.
'A good-sized screen helps for the far away 1 and 1/2 mile start.
'Queen's Stand, fairly new with good facilities for viewing, and a good betting hall. Eating here, Blue Riband Restaurant, very good food, but very expensive £62. Per head, if you insist you can get a 10% discount as an owner. Great shame it's so dear, this really is a corporate eating place, otherwise you stand and have sandwiches at one of four bars.
'Princes Stand, Owners and Trainers only, been there for years - next to the Queens Stand but a low building, not particularly good viewing. No proper food, bar and sandwiches.
'Grandstand Enclosure, very busy, usual bars and fast food places, fairly good viewing if you get to the right part.
'Grandstand Redevelopment, New Entrance pavilion, to be complete 21st May. Second phase is the demolition the whole grandstand, due for completion in 2009. It will have a capacity off 11,000. To see full picture gallery of what it will look like visit www.epsomdowns.co.uk
'Good place to go - good racing, good friendly service, generally a great day's racing.'
EPSOM RACECOURSE (DERBY DAY NO LESS) II
"Most of you know why we went to the Derby—Sienna Storm, He ran well, was hampered when Horatio Nelson sadly broke his leg in front of him, otherwise he would have been in the first 10. It took nothing away from him, to have a runner in the Derby is a big deal—all credit to Mark and the yard."
"The day, the food, the atmosphere - fantastic!"
"We went in a minibus with Mark, Angie and Clare. Angie produced an amazing breakfast to eat on the way, presentation as good or better than anything that could be bought, this was accompanied by 2 bottles of Bollinger and a small amount of orange juice!
"Arrived at Epsom and stayed in the car park 'acknowledging our public'! Then had to go to the bar to replenish with 2 more bottles of champagne. Conrad didn't bring enough! Mark said I should have brought a case, I didn't think he drank!
"My family and Clare had lunch in the posh restaurant in the Queens stand, reported that is was great helped by the atmosphere of the day.
"Beryl, Angie, Mark and I were invited to the beautiful Derby suite among the important folk. More champagne on arrival everything beautifully laid out with a wonderfully presented buffet. More drink, very good Macon, as you would expect the food was great, although being a democratic sport you queued up for it, the Aga Khan was in front of me so I didn't push! There was also afternoon tea but we didn’t stay for that. No question it really is a big deal having a Derby runner. Mark deserves a winner here, not necessarily mine, so persuade him to sort one out for you.
"Great atmosphere watching the race and the whole ambiance of Epsom is electric. We left shortly afterwards, guess what, Angie produced tea - cakes and biscuits. No champagne though. New time Conrad?"
FOLKESTONE RACECOURSE
www.folkestone-racecourse.co.uk
"The racecourse of Kent". That's what is said on the racing card. It probably is. I hope Kent has more attractions.
'Down the A11, M25, M20. 2 hours from Newmarket, well-signposted before you get to Folkestone. I however would have rather gone on a ferry at Dover. It would have passed the time more pleasurably.
'I've been going there for 25 years, from my old point-to-point days. They say they have made major improvements, really! It was of course raining. Car park on grass, very wet. Owner's and Trainer's bar is available to Members, consequently, very full and awful. No freebies for owners, food in here was sandwiches or sausage roll or meat pie. Wine was a miniature bottle at £4.70 - more expensive than Newmarket.
'It was Irish night, a large stage at the back of the parade ring, managed to flap and spook horses, people with silly Irish hats selling drinks from haversacks. That is of course why we come racing!
'The Brasserie buffet was closed - no food! The going was described as good to soft all day. I am told that the Clerk of the Course walked the course by strolling from one side to the other. The going was heavy and barely raceable. Check on the withdrawn horses, more than some courses have runners.
'Good points: Big bright screen, good commentary, few people - no pushing, except to find shelter from the rain! My advice avoid it like the plague.'
Updated:
'Not a lot different, from the last time. The AA says on there route finder that it is 2 hour 18 minutes from Newmarket. We left early - too early and it took 1 hour 45 minutes. We were there before anyone else. The course not really open, but of course we got in and it gave us an enough time to really look around. We have been going for about 25 years, and I think last report says that not much has changed; it still hasn't, other than loads of white plastic rails as opposed to painted dangerous wooden ones.
'However, last time the Fish Restaurant was closed, this time it was open. We didn't go in, but the Lookout Restaurant was also open. Never been able to get in before. Did this time. The credit squeeze, I think!
'Great surprise, better than most course Members' restaurants, brilliant view, 10 TV's and really honestly the most pleasant staff that I have come across in ages.
'We were offered a table at the front overlooking the course, really good viewing, better than the Rowley Mile. The 3 course lunch was £32.50 and was really very good, 3 choices for each course all most acceptable, Hot Salmon, or Pork Loin, or Seared Duck, all great.
'The reason for this report is that things change and we must give places a second chance. There were probably all of 500 people there, and I guess they all enjoyed it, which is good.
'I still hate the track and everything else there, but maybe this will change as well.'
HAMILTON PARK
www.hamilton-park.co.uk
'Should get an award for the most improved facilities for punters, but particularly for owners and trainers.
'How to get there: You can - but you may not be able to get back! If it is an evening meeting, there are no planes back, so if you fly (Easy Jet) you have to stay over. Hamilton is south of Glasgow - plenty of taxis there, but it is advisable to book one back. You can of course drive (about 7 hours from Newmarket). Anyway face it, it's about enjoying yourself.
'New Clerk of the Course, Hazel Peplinski, seems really switched on. Made it her business to come and speak to us in the paddock (she would, wouldn't she). Scottish racing really cares about owners and trainers; with a runner you get a free lunch or dinner in a new purpose-built marquee, next to Owner's and Trainer's Bar. Very good, hot dish e.g. lamb or the usual cold ones and a good sweet. Most acceptable.
'If you win a race—we didn't (but did go on to win at Salisbury this week instead)! Apart from a memento and prize money of course, there is a DVD (better than a video), framed photo of your horse, bottle of champagne and for the lad who leads up your horse a jacket. Good touch I think.
'The course itself hasn't changed, but the facilities have. Great new saddling boxes with proper wash down for the horses after the race and rubber floors all over.
'Viewing is fine. Stand on the grandstand and with the help of the screen you can see the whole race. Good atmosphere, and apparently good behaviour (good old Scotts). The racecard is £2 and very good and informative. There are two other main eating areas, the Dukes Bar and Restaurant but I think it is booked up weeks in advance.
'They have a good website, so you will get all the info from there, www.hamilton-park.co.uk.
'Many, not some, of the southern race courses should get on their bikes and look how Hamilton does it. Customer service applies to racing as well as other industries; many people forget this, Hamilton hasn't.'
HAYDOCK PARK
www.haydock-park.co.uk
'Up the A14 then M6 all the way to junction 23 AA say 3 hrs 13 min. It took us 2hrs 50 min. Coming back nearly 4 hours.
'We've been there before, and it really is a course that looks after Owners. Set in park-like surroundings with a large car park. Imposing entrance, owners and trainers received enthusiastically by helpful staff. First place to go is the Champagne Bar, with a lovely conservatory and on a fine day (it was) loads of tables and umbrellas outside. Here, apart from a drink, they have fish cold buffet which is good value at £17. We however booked in the Colours Restaurant, discounted to £45 for owners. A corporate building, but Sodexho are the caterers and in fairness the food was Ok, and loads of flat screens and a Tote. You have however to go outside to see a live race. Only booked there late, it was the only place that was not fully booked, and niggle again, you had to pay upfront! Policy, rubbish, change it.
'The Owners and Trainers has a most acceptable position, next to the weighing room and with view of the parade ring, this is quite beautiful. Amid trees with loads of space.
'The race cards are fine with everything you want. The course does have going problems from time to time, but it is great for good viewing with a large area in the stand for owners and trainers with tiered seats. Better than most with good commentary and large well-positioned screen.
'Because of the distance from Newmarket and no driver (normally Mark) on the way back we stayed at the Holiday Inn. (On the complex) Perfectly acceptable at £69 a night Band B - after negotiation, of course.
'Go there if you have a runner, you will enjoy.'
LINGFIELD PARK RACECOURSE
www.lingfield-racecourse.co.uk
'Lingfield. I know, but it was jolly and different.
'If you live within 10 miles or so, it is on a summer's day or evening a pleasant way to pass the time. The facilities are amazing — better than Newmarket, loads of fast food places and other dining experiences. We ate in the Trackside Carvery. It is in the main stand with complete views of the track with a large glass front so that you don’t have to move to see the races, loads of Flat screen TV's.
'It was £40 plus admission and was extremely good value. Letherby and Christopher again, but at their best and better value than Newmarket (Rowley Mile something above £100).
'4 starters, most had the Italian mixed meat, really very good this was served to you and you then had the carvery—Beef, Turkey, Ham, etc –as much as you like! Some people really amaze me the amount they eat. After, desserts and an amazing cheese board and the special wine offer was Rioja Rose £12, not bad.
'Just one more thing, my pet hobby horse, The Owners. Firstly if you an ROA member to get in is free, great owners bar and food, a good private viewing area in the stand and everyone most helpful."
NAD AL SHEBA, DUBAI
www.emiratesracing.com
'A great experience and, if you are lucky enough to go, I am sure that you will enjoy it because it is different.
'Fly by Emirates, the best airline by far. They have a great web site where you can book and do decent deals, flights can be as low as £350 return, if you pick the right time. I suggest that you get the night flight which gets in about 6am, you then get an extra day.
'While racing starts in November (every Thursday night) the World International meetings start in January and finish at the end of March with the multi-million pound World Cup. Nad Al Sheba has a great web site where they show all the facilities available and you can book tickets and restaurants.
'There is the new Nad Al Sheba Club which you can join on line and on the night they have facilities for eating. From here you can wander around and see the horses in the paddock, before and after the races. Remember no betting in Dubai, they do however have a sweep where you have to name the first and second in each race! Impossible. You can of course discreetly use your mobile phone to bet in the UK if you wish.
'To sit and have dinner, there is the Dubai restaurant on the third floor of the Millenium Stand. Ask for a table at the front, AED 325 (about £45), includes tickets and three course dinner and wine. Only here and the club can you drink.
'Once there you must look at the course, grass and dirt circular around a flood-lit golf facility, with two large screens so you don’t miss anything. A lot of british trainers and most of the top jockeys from UK are there. Some seem to commute for a couple of days each week, lure of good horses and good prize money. Godolphin have such a major presence there will be horses that they have raced or acquired from the UK that you may be familiar with.
'Two other things that are worth considering. You can go on a stable tour, on Wednesday mornings at 7am. Worthwhile and you will see the horses working on the track as well as all the facilities of the course. Taken by an English ex-pat (most helpful) then a breakfast, about £20, again bookable on their web.
'Finally on the way to the course you can see all the camel yards and camels working or sometimes racing. The main object though is to see the Godolphin Museum, every cup and photos of every Group race that they have won, together with videos of a lot of races. It's free and, in my opinion, you should try to do both of these before you go racing.
'There are, of course, other racecourses in Dubai, Jebel Ali (Saturday racing) and Abu Dhabi (Sundays) which are worth a visit.'
NEWMARKET - JULY RACECOURSE
www.newmarketracecourses.co.uk
'For the Owners and Trainers, they have a proper charming building just as it should be, greatly improved from the previous shed.
'They have spent £10 to £12M on the facilities, ever penny well spent. 100 mature trees have been planted. All blend in beautifully. There are numerous new buildings, bars restaurants loads of excellent loos.
'A new café Stravinsky's on a walkway to the Bistro looks terrific. The bistro has new décor and looks great. The Members now has a brand new conservatory at the front of the building called The Summer House. Looks very elegant and comfortable.
'I am not normally impressed, but these facilities will keep Newmarket on the map, and the whole team is to be congratulated. Go see for yourself, it will be worth the visit.'
NEWMARKET - ROWLEY MILE RACECOURSE
'Cambridgeshire Meeting: 3 days of racing, each busier than the last. Most people will be familiar with Newmarket courses and this one is really the headquarters of racing. Arrival and parking perfectly okay. Owner's badge allocation normal, but you can get extra badges if required with help from your trainer. Owner's and Trainer's Bar on day 1 and 2, but on Cambridgeshire Day a large Marquee by the entrance - tables, chairs, food and drink. It's quite a way to the course and parade ring.
'Millennium Grandstand looks horrible from the racecourse side gallops, but not bad for viewing and eating and drinking. The Champions Gallery offers lunch and, if you are lucky, tables with a good view of the course. They each have their own TV which helps, anything from £80 to £120 per person. Corporate or special occasions only, I would suggest!
'Loads of bars and other eating places, the best (unbookable) is the Bistro which is comfortable and offers a la carte lunch, about £20 a head for 2 course meal and afternoon tea etc. No view of horses, other than watching them go past to the course in the passageway by the side of the building. You can hire hospitality marquee on the other side of the course. I think it's OK for entertaining if you are not mad about racing, because you don't have the atmosphere.
'On Saturday, major rugby match! Big screen in the Grandstand area, but not even a little one in the Premier Enclosure. Don't the toffs like other sports!
'In the Owners and Trainers stand and at the base of the Millennium stand there are 6 TV's to aid the large screen, but they were saving electricity or something, as they were on for the Cambridgeshire handicap, but then turned off! Why?
'For reasons that may not be clear to you I visited the racecourse stable and lad's canteen and quarters. We are all of course concerned about the welfare of horses. Well, Newmarket facilities are outstanding: 5 yards 100 boxes with either straw, shavings or paper bedding, each box had a built in spray disinfectant system and they were immaculate. Canteen, clean and pleasant, free papers and coffee all day for the staff. Sleeping rooms were pretty good, shared accommodation of 2 or 3 bedrooms, each with TV and showers around the corners. Very clean and tidy.'
ROWLEY MILE RACECOURSE, NEWMARKET II
'Loads of places to eat; ignore the debacle in the Members on Guineas Day the other year, let's hope it was a one-off.
'The Bistro, a pleasant room with a conservatory from where you can see the horses going on to the track. You can't book, so on busy days you need to get there by 12pm or stand in line (I don't do queuing!). You can choose from 4 or 5 starters and the same number of 'mains', all reasonably priced. You can have 3 courses or one. All the food is worthwhile and the staff are helpful and efficient. You can't however stay all day, so it's a bit in and out.
'If you are a member of The Jockey Club Rooms, then of course you can get in. If, however you have a friend who is a member then they have 3 guest badges, so cadge if necessary and accompany them. Great restricted menu – Sausage and mash (about £7). Most of it is the same as in the Panoramic restaurant, but there it will cost £80 - £120 depending on the day – a heck of a price to pay for a good view although it does include the ticket.'
NOTTINGHAM
www.nottinghamracecourse.co.uk
'What a pleasant surprise - years since I have been and much improved.
'Go to their web site, it's very good. It will give directions how to get there and you can print a map off, it's easy from here A14, A1, A52, then more or less signposted.
'We were lucky in that it was a nice sunny day, not often, but good. The course looked fantastic with a good covering of grass, a large circular course with great viewing, plus a very large screen. Very good. The pre-parade ring and parade ring are spacious and pleasant, everywhere the staff were friendly and helpful.
'Owner's and Trainer's Bar - disappointing, small, dark. You did get a free coffee however!
'Courses must improve things for owners, we are not second class citizens.
'The race card is very good, loads of information, together with all the other races on other courses, with their colours.
'The refurbished stand, Centenary Stand, has a Member's lawn with tables outside. The grandstand is excellent with the restaurant on the second floor, with great views across the course. We ate here £42, for four courses - you can stay all day. There are new caterers, Azure, who are very good. Three starters and mains. I had Beef olives stuffed with black pudding, Lady L had chicken supreme, both of which were as a good as any racecourse food anywhere. It puts Letherby and Chrisopher to shame.
'Better quality, presentation and value.
'There are three other eating places and bars - all looked very good. We, of course, didn't try them all - I was driving!
'In conclusion, I really recommend Nottingham, runner or not - worth a visit.'
PONTEFRACT
www.pontefract-races.co.uk
'One of my favourite courses, easy to get to – from the south A1 left M62, left to course, drive in bear left where signed Owners and Trainers.
'A right-handed circular track, couple of hills, good viewing with great screen. Before the M62 proper you could see the course from the main road. In front of which was a slag heap (open cast mining). At one time they never started racing until 3 o'clock, to let the miners get off shift and wash up.
'A good grandstand both for Members and Tatts. Owner's and Trainer's Bar on ground floor of Park Suite, quite good, light and airy with tables outside for the hot sunny days.
'Bars: Club has five, Paddock five or six, 2nd Enclosure three, 3rd Enclosure one. They like their drink up north!
'Park Suite more corporate, but good value at £47 - sited over parade ring and winning post.
'Member's Restaurant, best ever a la carte by Craven and Gilpin, who do York among others. 5 or 6 starters, the best being Yorkshire pudding with sausage and gravy (about £3.50). Mains, about 10 choices, mostly good northern food.
'WARNING - If you are in a syndicate with more than 4 people, you must ask for admission to paddock. Health and safety from ROA restricting to 4 people - they were even checking off names to get in. So either ask before or draw lots - annoying but it's for safety reasons. Paddock is on a slope but has ample viewing around perimeter.
'The racing, on the whole pretty good. Program is £2, as good as any. Commentary by Derek Thompson, he is fine and articulate. The people are friendly and efficient - go there and enjoy yourselves!'
SANDOWN
www.sandown.co.uk
'Easy to get to; mind you leave a lot of time if you are on the M25. It took us 3 hours there, frustrating to say the least, one and a half hours to get back. Traffic!
'It was Variety Club Day and consequently a lot of people to see C class celebrities, still it's for charity and that's no bad thing.
'Sandown has lots of space for viewing eating and drinking. They have a good Owner's and Trainer's Bar next to the weighing room; free sandwiches and coffee.
'Lots of eating places, a Loch Fyne seafood restaurant and The Tingle Creek, a la carte restaurant, £55 per head and if you have a runner on the day you get 10% off the bill plus a free bottle of Champagne. All very good, but you must book, it is obviously popular as it had about 100 people in.
'I must just tell you this, we were later than we expected and I wanted a bet on in the first race. I went to the tote on the first floor and placed my bet (a loser)! The young man said "Is your horse going to win today?" I said "Do you know me?" He said "No, but you have an owners badge on." Egotistical me or what.
'All the staff from the car park (valet parking if you wish) to the lift attendants were pleasant and polite. Well-trained unlike some courses.
'The track or tracks, there is a short straight for sprints and an oval for longer races are good. The big screen helped a lot as well. The PA system was good and could be heard all over the course.
'Whilst it is big and a bit brash, it is great for a day out with good racing and seems to be more owner-friendly than most courses.'
WINDSOR RACECOURSE
www.windsor-racecourse.co.uk
'One thing that probably epitomizes racing today is the following: Northern Racing who own this and Yarmouth courses amongst others, are well known for having lousy prize money. However this takes the biscuit - check in the Owners and Trainers to get your badge, what do you get? A piece of paper, next to which is a piece of colored string to attach it to your bag, coat etc. Must have saved them at least .001p per badge. You have seen true racing buffs with loads of tickets attached to their binoculars, this will not be possible in future with this flimsy effort.
'That said, if you want a good social night out there are more drink and food outlets than any course I know. The atmosphere is most pleasant however I personally hate the course. Great winding corner, horses changing legs, rushing from one side to the other, viewing is lousy, even with two screens in front of the stands.
'Race card is very good. If you want to see what your jockey looks like without the cover of his helmet, there is a photo of each jockey as well as the owner's colours.
'We ate in the Club restaurant, no booking, but queuing. I don't do queues. Got in, food ordinary, service as usual by young untrained staff pretty awful. If you read Clement Freud in the Racing Post, the one thing we seem to have in common is grumbling. I apologise for that, but all my life I have been tilting at Windmills, I am just trying to improve things for everyone else. I don't think it's working though.'
YARMOUTH RACECOURSE
www.greatyarmouth-racecourse.co.uk
'Very different to most courses in a lot of aspects, different people - a mix of East Anglians, holiday makers and a sprinkling of Newmarket trainers. A good place to give horses their first run.
'There is no big screen, which really is a disaster, because if you are outside all you can see is the last furlong. This brings me to a true story from years ago. Prior to there being TVs for the Stewards to monitor the races, there was all sorts of shenanigans going on at the far side of the track as it often gets foggy or misty in late afternoon. This very good friend of mine, who used to race ride about 40 years ago, tells the tale of when jockeys would lean down and grab the leg of another jockey to either get them off or seriously unbalance them while over on the far side. Absolutely true. Stewards must have had a more difficult job then.
'Anyway back to today, loads of parking on both sides of the course, attendants a bit jobs-worthy though. Bouncy castles, bars, seaside atmosphere, good parade ring. Stand with restaurant and corporate boxes above. Not enough TVs in the restaurant so viewing dodgy.
'Racecard OK, but why do the put the 'Team' names and photos at the front, should be on the back page.
'Trafalgar Restaurant: caterers Letherby and Christopher, food excellent, but service without question the worst I have ever had anywhere in the World! Staff inexperienced, Manager appeared to be asleep and shouldn't be in the job. The Clerk of the Course should investigate.
'However that aside, top jockeys, half decent racing, and fair day out.'
YARMOUTH RACECOURSE II
'I chauffeured Mark and met owners for lunch in the restaurant in the new stand. Called the 'Trafalgar Rooms'. Nice room, good views, Letherby and Christopher are the caterers, same as Newmarket.
'Head Waiter, Jimmy Dimitri. A subservient, obsequious man. "Sirs, your table is here all day, please enjoy". Talk about comedy of errors, a pleasant girl (1st day) took the order 3 times and then got it right! Nearly 10 minutes later she asked if we would like our main course. We said yes but would prefer the starter first!
'Mark had Caesar Salad—one leaf and some chicken, amazing. The crab mixture was however good. Having had the main course, cod - OK and overdone lamb, we said we would order the dessert when we came back from watching the race, "Of course, sir".
'We came back to find the whole table cleared, no wine, water, cutlery, only the tablecloths. No staff in sight. Eventually I got hold of Jimmy who was lurking on the other side of the course. He of course was most apologetic and did put it right and provide a new bottle of wine and took our dessert order.
'The whole problem is not down to inexperienced staff but to lousy, if not non-existent training. The point about this is that the Chairman Simon Clark should know, Letherby and Cristopher should know, the whole world should know - there is no excuse and it does not help racing one little bit.'
YORK RACECOURSE
www.yorkracecourse.co.uk
'My favourite course for everything to do with racing and great people – Northerners like our trainer and smart people (ties, jackets and suits in the main for the men and, whilst there is plenty of flesh, the ladies are smart and restrained). Not one person did I see with too much to drink.
'The Member's Restaurant undoubtedly has the best variety of food and value. Lunch for £20.50 for a huge menu of five or six of each course including cold buffet, salmon, beef, tongue, turkey, ham, port and salads galore. Desserts like you have never seen before. The caterers here show up every other racecourse for quality and value. Have tea, £6.50, like you have never seen before – held at a separate sitting, they flock in! Again, you cannot officially book so be there at 12pm to avoid queuing.
'If you stay over in York, go to Bari Ristorante in the Shambles. A family (maybe nice Mafia) ran Italian Bistro. Granpa is in a glass window making pizza bases – he looks about 90, permanently covered in flour and looks a great character. The food is great; it is always busy and a great Italian experience.
'On the way to York or back home, stop at The George Hotel Stamford. Visitors include Charles I in 1641, Conrad and Beryl in 2006 and countless other times! A coaching house in the Dick Turpin's era, but the only robbery I felt was the Tote at the previous 3 days at York!
'Eat in the Conservatory for the best snack or full meal ever, Fish and Chips £13.95. You need a large plate and it probably needed a large trawler to bring it in. Lobster salad £14.95, excellent. Wine by the glass, good quality and plenty of choice. Check their website for more info: www.georgehotelofstamford.com
'Phew! What a week, my diet's gone to pot.'