How To Do The Races In Style

With 2016 now finally here, many of us will be looking for a few fun ways to get out and about to shake off the festive cabin fever. And the racing season offers a great way to have a little sporting excitement whilst trying out the latest fashion trends in a truly fabulous setting!

 

Although many of us may associate horse racing with fusty old betting shops that offer tips on the Grand National for horses with silly names, it’s increasingly becoming something of a hot-spot for many celebrities thanks to the rise of glamorous Ladies Day events and the emergence of racing-influenced fashion styles.

 

Racing opportunities

 

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There are many racing events dotted throughout the calendar that can provide a good introduction for the racing newbie. The deeply aristocratic Royal Ascot takes place in the middle of June and offers you the chance to party like royalty and even spot a celebrity or two!

 

Whereas the pinnacle of the racing season is undoubtedly the Grand National which runs at the Aintree racecourse in Liverpool in April. As we’d feel more comfortable offering fashion advice, if you fancy a tip or two on the Grand National, you’d be better off visiting a site like Coral that offers a greater degree of expert horse-racing knowledge.

 

Fashion at the races

 

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Racing events have become something of a staple in the fashion calendar. The extravagant hats worn at Royal Ascot give a good indication of the enthusiasm that many fashionistas have for these prestigious racing events.

 

And whilst some of the garments worn at recent Aintree racing events may have pushed the boundaries of acceptable fashion, our fashion tips for events like the Grand National is to always check the dress code at the racecourse’s website, and be prepared to wrap up warm for any unexpectedly chilly race meetings!

 

Making it an event

 

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Modern race-going has become so much more than just the horse racing and fashion tips however, as many people are increasingly turning a race meeting into a fully-fledged holiday activity. Thankfully it’s now easier than ever to really make it a luxurious occasion as you can now easily rent some bespoke country houses and even mansions with the help of the UK Airbnb site that has hundreds of opulent retreats dotted around the nation.

 

And some glamorous hotels such as the Goodwood Hotel are handily located near the Sussex racecourse and offer suitably luxurious specials such as a Girl’s Weekend Away offer. This provides full access to the hotel’s health club, so that you can return to the racetrack fully-energised the next day to cheer on your winner as they cross the line!

 

 

 

What Do You Need for a Day at the Races?

The glitz and glamour of a major horse racing event is one of the reasons the sport is loved by people from all walks of life. High octane action on the course is flanked by endless rows of food stalls, bars, live music and women in outlandish outfits. All in all a day at the races is one that’s not only filled with betting action but all round entertainment.

So before you head off to one of the biggest meetings of the year, the Grand National for example, what do you need to know to get maximum value out of the day?

Choose Your Outfit Wisely:

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by  Eva Rinaldi Celebrity and Live Music Photographer 

As much as a day at the races is a fashion parade, it’s also a day out in the open for the most part. The Great British weather is notoriously unpredictable and if you are attending an event such as the Grand National 2015 you need to be prepared for anything. A long skirt for women accompanied by a light jacket and a fancy hat are always good choices. For men, the classic two piece suit is a must for any high profile racing event. Ties are optional if the weather is nice, but you need to ensure your outfit is both practical and fashionable.

Have a Plan B:

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by Kurayba 

Having a back-up plan is always necessary in the racing world because, as we’ve said, the weather is notoriously unpredictable. To ensure your day at the races isn’t a washout you need a point of cover if the sky decides to open up. Most major race courses will have an indoor section, for example Newmarket racecourse has two grandstands, so you should try to create a base inside before heading outside. If you can manage to hold a spot under cover and still get outside to see the races you’ll have cracked it.

Study the Form:

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by  Paolo Camera 

One of the biggest considerations you’ll need to make before you head off to the races is the form. Although the auxiliary antics on offer are always fun, the main reason you’re at a racing event is, unsurprisingly, the racing. If you’re going to make a bet, you need to know what you’re speculating on and the best way to do this is combine online research with your own observations. Make sure you check out the stats from one of the many online bookmakers offering Grand National 2015 odds then compare these stats to the form books available at the racecourse. After weighing up your options, make sure don’t spend more than you can afford.

Get Out Early or Stay In Late:

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by jaguarmena 

The final thing you need to think about before you go off and enjoy a day at the races is the amount of time you’re going to spend inside the venue. Major events attract thousands of spectators and that causes a swell of people when the final race comes to a conclusion. The majority of people will want to head off into the nearest town as quickly as possible, so you need to make a choice: leave early or stay late. Either option is as valid as the other, but you need to make your choice and stick to it. If you can follow this simple piece of advice and our preceding three points, then a day at any racing event in the country will be a fantastic day filled with fun, frolics and, hopefully, profits.