Last Saturday (19th July), my parents and I headed to Newbury Racecourse which is our local track. Honestly, for how close it is and how often they hold fixtures, we really don’t go as much as we should. My excuse? I’ve been travelling for the last 18 months and only just returned home a month ago. So, in many ways, I’m still getting back into the rhythm of the racing world which is one of the main reasons I started this blog: to fully re-immerse myself in the sport I love.
Last weekend was a weekend long racing event for Newbury. The card featured everything from 5-furlong sprints to 2 mile races, including a Weatherbys Super Sprint-sponsored race, a fantastic initiative aimed at giving less expensive racehorses a shot at a big win. And true to why I love racing, it wasn’t just about the horses. The evening was capped off with live performances from Ella Henderson and Sophie Ellis-Bextor. Although we didn’t stay long enough to see them, the energy on social media looked amazing.
Betting-wise? Let’s just say I didn’t back a single winner. But everything else, the atmosphere, the racing, the setting definitely made up for it. Even the short burst of rain that passed during one race couldn’t dampen the day. Although it did make it very humid.
Newbury Racecourse isn’t my absolute favourite, but it’s a good one. What stood out this time was the chance to hear from former Irish National Hunt jockey David Crosse, who hosted two sessions sharing stories from his career and insight into the behind-the-scenes world that the public rarely sees. He even offered a unique opportunity to watch from the starting gates, something I definitely should’ve said yes to, especially given this blog’s name!
The vibe at Newbury is also more relaxed than at some other venues. You can take your drinks outside, something not all racecourses allow and while you might not get Group 1 action like you do at Ascot, Cheltenham, or Kempton, Newbury gives you quality lower-level racing. It’s the kind of track where maiden and stakes races let younger or less experienced horses develop, without the intensity of a huge crowd.
If that sounds like your kind of racecourse, the next evening fixture at Newbury is Monday, 5th August, with six races from 5:15 to 8:10 pm. Right now, Newbury has regular evening meetings, often on Thursday nights which a great way to get consistent exposure to live racing. If your new to the racing world. Now that we’re in the height of the flat season, there’s racing almost every weekend.
Another racecourse offering evening fixtures is Royal Windsor, with Monday night racing nearly every week. Of course, there are many more check out the British Horseracing Authority’s website to see upcoming fixtures that are in your local area.
Useful links
Behind The Starting Gate 
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