Horse Racing: Best finery on show at Carlisle (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Horse Racing: Best finery on show at Carlisle

9:30am Thursday 28th July 2011 in Sport

ON Sunday I made my first foray into the horse racing world as I went to the races at Carlisle for the Stobart Live at the Races event.

Arriving at Carlisle I was excited for what lay ahead, not only to see some of the country’s best jockeys, including 2010 flat champion jockey Paul Hanagan, but to see how it all works and the developments in the last ten years hat have brought it into the 21st century. I had heard from colleagues it was a brilliant day out, but I wasn’t prepared for just how much fun it would be.

With the first race due to start at 1.50pm I made my way into the racecourse and felt it best to familiarise myself with the surroundings - the Edinburgh Woollen Mill Grandstand, the betting area, food and drink facilities and the newly developed Lester Piggott Race Centre, which opened in June 2010.

There was a crowd of 5,586 in their finery and all of them looked like they knew what they were doing, while my colleague Kate and I sidled around taking it all in.

We made our way around the paddock, the grandstand and to the betting markets - from the independent bookmakers to the Tote, and there was still time- to look over a history of the course before grabbing a drink.

The Edinburgh Woollen Mill Grandstand, built in 2002, offers a superb view while a big screen opposite the main stand ensures none of the action is missed.

We played a watching brief in the first race won by the favourite, but had a winner with our first bet in the second race - and we were jubilant.

We had only won £5.70 each but the thrill of success with the sun basking down and an incredible atmosphere in the stands, was more than enough.

There are not many sports in which you have this sort of access and by looking at the horses and trying to read the form and ratings, we hoped for more of the same luck....it did not happen again until the sixth race, but a couple of winners kept us smiling.

As an added extra, the day was rounded off with evening entertainment by X Factor finalists Paije Richardson, Aiden Grimshaw and Rebecca Ferguson, as well as Kendal’s Steven Hall, a Britain’s Got Talent finalist.

I had always envisaged a day at the races as something for the well-heeled but I felt at home and managed to leave having only spent £15 without admission costs.

At these prices, there’s no reason why a family can’t make the most of a thoroughly enjoyable day out.

* On Monday, Carlisle Racecourse will host a world first with all races featuring women jockeys.

Tickets for Edinburgh Woollen Mill Ultimate Ladies' Night are available on the gate for £16 for adults or for £13.60 with advance purchase discount at www.carlisle-races.co.uk or 0844 579 3002.

Admision is free for accompanied under-16s.

Paddy's 5 Star Guide
ENTRY: Grandstand and paddock £14, premier enclosure £20.

PARKING: Free but trackside is £10 per vehicle.

FOOD: Chips £1.60, Fish and Chips £4.50, Cranstons sausage and mash with onion gravy £5.20.

DRINKS: Tea £1.30, Coke £1.25, Carling (pint) £3.50 Vodka and Orange £3.70.

RACECARD: Course guide £2.50.

VALUE FOR MONEY: Good value for all the family.