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Thought it might be useful to start a fred where people could say which parts of the course they watch from and what they recommend to newbies?
For example this year we're only going for the Tuesday, largely because of work/family commitments, and this year we are moving from the Best Mate to the Tatts for the first time, hoping for a better experience.
Anyone got any tips for first time Tatts-goers? Or where do you sit/stand, and what on-course recommendations do you have?
For example this year we're only going for the Tuesday, largely because of work/family commitments, and this year we are moving from the Best Mate to the Tatts for the first time, hoping for a better experience.
Anyone got any tips for first time Tatts-goers? Or where do you sit/stand, and what on-course recommendations do you have?
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Get there early, whatever your enclosure.
There's plenty to do, feeling the building of the atmosphere is an amazing rush and you'll always find someone to have a chat with (had a great old time with Gabby Logan over a coffee last year....by which I mean....oh never mind.) Besides - this is what we live for isn't it so why would you want to be anywhere else?
Try and watch one race from the middle of the course. Okay you might have trouble following the race all the way round, depending on your view of a big screen, but it's thrilling being right in the guts of the race at the last fence and underlines the danger horses and jockeys are in travelling at 30 mph at a load of birch.
Other than that, the usual commonsense stuff - get the equation of drinking / bladder management / betting / viewing a race solved beforehand and you'll be okay.
There's plenty to do, feeling the building of the atmosphere is an amazing rush and you'll always find someone to have a chat with (had a great old time with Gabby Logan over a coffee last year....by which I mean....oh never mind.) Besides - this is what we live for isn't it so why would you want to be anywhere else?
Try and watch one race from the middle of the course. Okay you might have trouble following the race all the way round, depending on your view of a big screen, but it's thrilling being right in the guts of the race at the last fence and underlines the danger horses and jockeys are in travelling at 30 mph at a load of birch.
Other than that, the usual commonsense stuff - get the equation of drinking / bladder management / betting / viewing a race solved beforehand and you'll be okay.
1. Train it there but don't always take the "Shuttle Bus" which is hardly a shuttle as it takes almost an hour for 2 miles so walk out of station and get a cab.
2. Tatts tickets are 30 in advance great value, so get there early have a few sherberts in the Centaur.
3. Then head down to the temporary stands down by the Guinness Village, good view and access to Paddock/Bar and Bookies.
4. Go into to toilets in the tented village, much less of a crowd.
5. Put you packet on Peddlars Cross to storm up the hill for the 3 rd year running.
6. Get late train back alllowing thong to die down.
7 Savour every minute !!
2. Tatts tickets are 30 in advance great value, so get there early have a few sherberts in the Centaur.
3. Then head down to the temporary stands down by the Guinness Village, good view and access to Paddock/Bar and Bookies.
4. Go into to toilets in the tented village, much less of a crowd.
5. Put you packet on Peddlars Cross to storm up the hill for the 3 rd year running.
6. Get late train back alllowing thong to die down.
7 Savour every minute !!
Get late train back alllowing thong to die down.
One of the all-time great typo's of Betfair IMO!
One of the all-time great typo's of Betfair IMO!
Perhaps Cheltenham have introduced an Ascot style dress code! Think there could be plenty wearing orange stickers
Out of interest, where do those of you who are members prefer to watch from?
Always on the lawn for the supreme, then downhill from there !
Up in the stands, ideally right above the tunnel that leads through to the Tommy Atkins (?) Bar and paddock.
Get a good view of the big screen and the course and there's no chance of some huge Rupert or Felicity standing in front of you, blocking your view.
Get a good view of the big screen and the course and there's no chance of some huge Rupert or Felicity standing in front of you, blocking your view.
Outside the Golden Miller bar / Mill House bar all 4 days. Same spot forever!
Advice - pick your spot early and if you are in club too, make sure you select a spot where the fences / hurdles are not obscured by the columns.
Advice - pick your spot early and if you are in club too, make sure you select a spot where the fences / hurdles are not obscured by the columns.
Am I the only one who struggles to get anywhere up in the stands? Constantly packed before races I usually stand what I believe is called the lawn? I'm one who likes to be on the move in between races though. I think for someone new to the fest the golden rules must be-
1. Have something decent to eat before arriving and go for a slash as soon as you get on course or before. The toilets are usually chocka block and the last thing you want to be doing is spending your time waiting to have a piss or buying food.
2. Get to the course early and soak it all up. I only just managed to get there for the Supreme last year because of traffic and I have to say it probs would have ruined my day if I missed the first.
3. My usual plan when I get there on time is to go have a Guinness down in the Guinness Village. Probs the best pint you will have all year imo. Great place to go before racing.
4. Go to the paddock and look at the horses. A tip I will give you is try and get around all of the f u c kwits that stand at the top because 9 times out of 10 there is loads of room down on the steps and around the paddock. The muppets that stand at the top do my head in and create an illusion that the place is crammed.
5. Take a look at previous years results & sp's to give you a bit of a reality check before you go. In every race there will be some hotpot or certainty that will usually go missing. It's great when they do come in but not many of them win.
1. Have something decent to eat before arriving and go for a slash as soon as you get on course or before. The toilets are usually chocka block and the last thing you want to be doing is spending your time waiting to have a piss or buying food.
2. Get to the course early and soak it all up. I only just managed to get there for the Supreme last year because of traffic and I have to say it probs would have ruined my day if I missed the first.
3. My usual plan when I get there on time is to go have a Guinness down in the Guinness Village. Probs the best pint you will have all year imo. Great place to go before racing.
4. Go to the paddock and look at the horses. A tip I will give you is try and get around all of the f u c kwits that stand at the top because 9 times out of 10 there is loads of room down on the steps and around the paddock. The muppets that stand at the top do my head in and create an illusion that the place is crammed.
5. Take a look at previous years results & sp's to give you a bit of a reality check before you go. In every race there will be some hotpot or certainty that will usually go missing. It's great when they do come in but not many of them win.
Always in the club enclosure, standing on the steps to the left where big mac and tania
sit on the bench, which is opposite to where the big layers are, a great place for people spotting too, last year after the mares race i found myself standing next to JP McManus..and no i never asked for a tip.
Centaur a mad house, not being a snob, but it's like being in a witherspoons, this year i will be making a effort to get across the course for the cross country as from the club enclosure you have to watch it on the big screen, couldn't be arsed last year in moving, as said, this year i will make a effort to move and see them up close.
The best tip i can give, go to the toilets in the car parks before entering the course.
sit on the bench, which is opposite to where the big layers are, a great place for people spotting too, last year after the mares race i found myself standing next to JP McManus..and no i never asked for a tip.
Centaur a mad house, not being a snob, but it's like being in a witherspoons, this year i will be making a effort to get across the course for the cross country as from the club enclosure you have to watch it on the big screen, couldn't be arsed last year in moving, as said, this year i will make a effort to move and see them up close.
The best tip i can give, go to the toilets in the car parks before entering the course.
re 4. (above) Better still, gp to the pre-parade ring and have a shufty at the horses before at least one race.
Also, eavesdrop in on some of the paddock watchers. Fair play if you know what Stringhalt is and genuinely know when a beast has 'run up light', but outside of a horoscope or a documentary fronted by Prof Brian Cox, you'll never hear such distilled guesswork masquerading as informed comment!
All good fun though.
Also, eavesdrop in on some of the paddock watchers. Fair play if you know what Stringhalt is and genuinely know when a beast has 'run up light', but outside of a horoscope or a documentary fronted by Prof Brian Cox, you'll never hear such distilled guesswork masquerading as informed comment!
All good fun though.
Arrive early. Gates open at 10.30. I arrive at about that point.
Also, if you arrive at about that time or earlier, you can at close up see the horses unloading from their horse boxes. This is better than I make it sound!!
Also, if you arrive at about that time or earlier, you can at close up see the horses unloading from their horse boxes. This is better than I make it sound!!
Every race I spend 10-15 minutes in the Pre-parade ring, tend to watch the races from the big stand half way between the last flight and the finish line. As sad as it is, I love getting photo's of most the horses, always have done and always will. Before any decent race I always have my camera out.
Would love to pay the extra money for a members seat one year, but cant really justify the money. Also their isn't such a good atmposphere in the members bit, or not at least for the other meetings.
Would love to pay the extra money for a members seat one year, but cant really justify the money. Also their isn't such a good atmposphere in the members bit, or not at least for the other meetings.
If the weather is fair I like to finalise my Placepots and forecasts on the balcony outside the Golden Miller (or the one further along, forget it's name 
)looking across to the parade ring, watching the throng of humanity pass below, well the milfs anyway
Watch most of the races from beside the bookies pitches in Club, (quick to collect or place for next race).
What do you folks do after racing ? I generally have a wander about, even stick my head in the Centaur if I'm feeling brave, then saunter into town PoW first then wherever.
)looking across to the parade ring, watching the throng of humanity pass below, well the milfs anyway Watch most of the races from beside the bookies pitches in Club, (quick to collect or place for next race).What do you folks do after racing ? I generally have a wander about, even stick my head in the Centaur if I'm feeling brave, then saunter into town PoW first then wherever.
Drive down with 2 mates on Monday, and normally stop off to have pint or two in the pub on Cleeve Hill (can't remember what it's called). Then off to our 'digs' in Bishops Cleeve.
Form study, watch Morning Line then fantastic breakfast in our house (been staying there every year for years) every day before racing. I personally don't like to be at the course too early before racing, so we set off on out 30 minute walk to the course at about 12:30. We have seats in the Tatts Grandstand (not cheap, but fantastic views all round the course, and own 'private' bar) so can just nip out to see the race just before the off.
After racing, maybe a couple in the Istabraq bar, before the walk back to Bishops Cleeve.
Normally just go to pubs in the village, meal and form study, maybe the Indian on the Wednesday night.
Fantastic few days!
Form study, watch Morning Line then fantastic breakfast in our house (been staying there every year for years) every day before racing. I personally don't like to be at the course too early before racing, so we set off on out 30 minute walk to the course at about 12:30. We have seats in the Tatts Grandstand (not cheap, but fantastic views all round the course, and own 'private' bar) so can just nip out to see the race just before the off.
After racing, maybe a couple in the Istabraq bar, before the walk back to Bishops Cleeve.
Normally just go to pubs in the village, meal and form study, maybe the Indian on the Wednesday night.
Fantastic few days!
Joci - Sounds great (apart from the Morning Line). The view from the Tatts Grandstand seats is sensational (but you must be loaded to be able to afford one for the whole Festival!).
No Sky in the house we stay at sadly, so C4 is the best we can do!
Not sure how much it costs to be honest, probably around £80 per day, with entrance tickets and the seats on top of that. One of the guys organises all the tickets, and I just pay him at various points during the year, whenever Cheltenham demand payment (paid the last instalment last weekend).
Don't think I'd want to revert back to watching from anywhere else now.
Not sure how much it costs to be honest, probably around £80 per day, with entrance tickets and the seats on top of that. One of the guys organises all the tickets, and I just pay him at various points during the year, whenever Cheltenham demand payment (paid the last instalment last weekend).
Don't think I'd want to revert back to watching from anywhere else now.
My advice would be to move around and watch races from all different areas, a real different perspective from every angle. Definitely try to get to the middle, it really is strange looking back up at the crowds in the stands and almost feeling entirely separate from it all,whilst at the same time right in the thick of things. Good views in front on the Guinness tent of the final jumps, up in the stands to feel part of the roar, and down on the lawn (standing on a bench if im in with a shout jumping the last) all give great experiences.
Also the pre-parade ring can sometimes feel like the best kept secret of Cheltenham, especially if you're early and there are few people there; working out which horse is which and seeing all the connections look so nervous really is the calm before the storm! It sounds silly but its so exciting seeing which star will come down the walk way next... Love it and can't wait.
Also the pre-parade ring can sometimes feel like the best kept secret of Cheltenham, especially if you're early and there are few people there; working out which horse is which and seeing all the connections look so nervous really is the calm before the storm! It sounds silly but its so exciting seeing which star will come down the walk way next... Love it and can't wait.
Lucky enough to have Members seats and I really can't speak highly enough of how good it is up there. When you consider the view, and how much everyone probably bets, they are well worth every penny IMO.
Almost every race you sit down and think how lucky you are to be sat there, directly in front of the Corporate Boxes which cost infinitely more and have the same view.
The only problem is you now have to buy them for 5 years at a time from this year so it's a decent wedge up front. But the best money I spend without any shadow of doubt!
Almost every race you sit down and think how lucky you are to be sat there, directly in front of the Corporate Boxes which cost infinitely more and have the same view.
The only problem is you now have to buy them for 5 years at a time from this year so it's a decent wedge up front. But the best money I spend without any shadow of doubt!
usually do the first 2 days, always on the royal lawn then back to the guiness bar between races for a pint of the black stuff and a shot of whisky, happy days indeed, absolutely cannot wait for it!!
More of a fan of Flat and went to Cheltenham for 1st time last year.
Watched Supreme and Arkle on the rail near where the horses enter/exit the course and so near the final flights. Changed my view on NH forever, the immense power and speed simply cannot be captured on TV.
Not going this unfortunately but next time I will invest more to get more of the atmosphere
Watched Supreme and Arkle on the rail near where the horses enter/exit the course and so near the final flights. Changed my view on NH forever, the immense power and speed simply cannot be captured on TV.
Not going this unfortunately but next time I will invest more to get more of the atmosphere
From Monday after Stratford Races my couple of racing mates and I'll stay in my static caravan for the week. It's 16 miles from the course. Wake up, fetch the Racing Post, watch the Morning Line, breakfast and then leave around half past ten for the course. We park up in one of the private car parks next to the course then out comes the hamper. After all the hours studying we generally know what we're going to back so we have the luxury of savouring every minute and chatting to old friends.
We go into the Best Mate enclosure in the spacious Loyalty Club tent and it suits us perfectly. We'll meet up with folk who we've known for years and watch the racing from either the temporary stand or standing near the 3m hurdle start with tremendous views across the course and the Main Stand as the backdrop as they finish.
And this year on Thursday it'll be my hundredth Festival Day.
We go into the Best Mate enclosure in the spacious Loyalty Club tent and it suits us perfectly. We'll meet up with folk who we've known for years and watch the racing from either the temporary stand or standing near the 3m hurdle start with tremendous views across the course and the Main Stand as the backdrop as they finish.
And this year on Thursday it'll be my hundredth Festival Day.
Taking two lads who've never been before on the Tuesday this year so will aim to get there for the gates opening and show them around/have a craic with people etc. Always worth going to have a look at the trophies up near the parade ring. Still trying to find somewhere decent in Tatts where you get a really good view of the racing though? Usually end up on the steps infront of the Guiness Grandstand
I've only been once before but I found in tatts gettin to and from the toilet was a pain, in best mate it was ok :-), AND in tatts I felt the pain of GMOOH getting beat a snoater in the supreme. This year five of us going for the four days wed in tatts, first day looks tough for betting strategy.
Do you have to have Club tickets to get to the centre of the course for the x country, or will normal tatts tickets let you get over as well?
Cheers
Cheers
Tues - Dormy House - Morning Line - Full English - To the Course - Arkle Bar - Lawn -Arkle Bar - Lawn-Arkle Bar - repeat to fade - with maybe some stand action and parade ring thrown in for good measure - Back to Dormy House - Dinner/Large Drinks - Bed.
Wed - Same
Thurs - Same but head home after the racing
Fri - Recovery on the sofa (To busy on the Friday and after 3 days of the above the 'once a year brigade' are just to painful to deal with.
Bring it on - Bookies are going to get smashed this year IMO!
Wed - Same
Thurs - Same but head home after the racing
Fri - Recovery on the sofa (To busy on the Friday and after 3 days of the above the 'once a year brigade' are just to painful to deal with.
Bring it on - Bookies are going to get smashed this year IMO!
Tues - Dormy House - Morning Line - Full English - To the Course - Arkle Bar - Lawn -Arkle Bar - Lawn-Arkle Bar - repeat to fade - with maybe some stand action and parade ring thrown in for good measure - Back to Dormy House - Dinner/Large Drinks - Bed.
Wed - Same
Thurs - Same but head home after the racing
Fri - Recovery on the sofa (To busy on the Friday and after 3 days of the above the 'once a year brigade' are just to painful to deal with.
Bring it on - Bookies are going to get smashed this year IMO!
Wed - Same
Thurs - Same but head home after the racing
Fri - Recovery on the sofa (To busy on the Friday and after 3 days of the above the 'once a year brigade' are just to painful to deal with.
Bring it on - Bookies are going to get smashed this year IMO!
dont want to be a kill joy but its funny that 99% of racegoers have poor viewing,horrendus queues for toilets,drinks,food, but all the betfair forum have it sussed ,think theres plenty of daydreamers on here,basicaly unless your an owner or well in moving anywhere after 1.00 is an absolute nightmare and like most sporting events atmosphere apart the tv at home is the best spot,and cornish pasties arnt 5 quid a pop in tesco,
I went for the first time last year 1TP and can honestly say didnt have a problem with view or toilets.
Watched Supreme up to the CH from in front of Guinness Village - had Tatts tickets and didnt really know where that was or what it allowed. School Boy error.
For the end of that day, and all Wed, my mate and i would be in the bar at the top of Tatts tiered standing area right opposite the winning line. Dont know the name of the bar but we were able to walk out about 5-10 mins before each race and find a spot on the railing which gave a perfect view of the course and big screen. Best bit for me was that you had a completely uninterrupted view of the home straight.
Thats the one and only time i've been to Cheltenham so will try to find some of these other bars being mentioned. Spent the end of both days in the bar which is kind of in the open slightly higher up from the parade ring. Again, dont know the name so people can feel free to tell me
Watched Supreme up to the CH from in front of Guinness Village - had Tatts tickets and didnt really know where that was or what it allowed. School Boy error.
For the end of that day, and all Wed, my mate and i would be in the bar at the top of Tatts tiered standing area right opposite the winning line. Dont know the name of the bar but we were able to walk out about 5-10 mins before each race and find a spot on the railing which gave a perfect view of the course and big screen. Best bit for me was that you had a completely uninterrupted view of the home straight.
Thats the one and only time i've been to Cheltenham so will try to find some of these other bars being mentioned. Spent the end of both days in the bar which is kind of in the open slightly higher up from the parade ring. Again, dont know the name so people can feel free to tell me
eastayrshire
15 Feb 12 13:39
Joined:
23 Apr 06
| Topic/replies: 6 | Blogger: eastayrshire's blog
I've only been once before but I found in tatts gettin to and from the toilet was a pain, in best mate it was ok :-), AND in tatts I felt the pain of GMOOH getting beat a snoater in the supreme. This year five of us going for the four days wed in tatts, first day looks tough for betting strategy.
Rubbish imo.
I'll be up a MUNKEE after the first day
15 Feb 12 13:39
Joined:
23 Apr 06
| Topic/replies: 6 | Blogger: eastayrshire's blog
I've only been once before but I found in tatts gettin to and from the toilet was a pain, in best mate it was ok :-), AND in tatts I felt the pain of GMOOH getting beat a snoater in the supreme. This year five of us going for the four days wed in tatts, first day looks tough for betting strategy.
Rubbish imo.
I'll be up a MUNKEE after the first day
Tory, think the outdoor one is the Cottage Rake, but could be wrong.
johnn
I'll be up a MUNKEE after the first day
I feel the confidence of a man on HF @ 9/4, let's hope the Zark has little bark
I'll be up a MUNKEE after the first day
I feel the confidence of a man on HF @ 9/4, let's hope the Zark has little bark
Whats the name of the other bar I was on about? Up the tiered standing area from ground tatts area bang in line with winning post.
Also, with Tatts, can i get into arkle bar, istabraq, golden miller etc?
York is nearest course and whilst not a patch on chelt, being much smaller makes it far easier to know all the bars etc
Also, with Tatts, can i get into arkle bar, istabraq, golden miller etc?
York is nearest course and whilst not a patch on chelt, being much smaller makes it far easier to know all the bars etc
seven springs breakfast
then tatts guiness enclosure or paddock if winner from here
newbury for curry
then tatts guiness enclosure or paddock if winner from here
newbury for curry
Cheers saxon, so is Golden Miller next to Cottage Rake ?
where is the arkle bar and lawn situated? and the guinness tent??
Tory 15 Feb 12 20:35
I went for the first time last year 1TP and can honestly say didnt have a problem with view or toilets.
Watched Supreme up to the CH from in front of Guinness Village - had Tatts tickets and didnt really know where that was or what it allowed. School Boy error.
For the end of that day, and all Wed, my mate and i would be in the bar at the top of Tatts tiered standing area right opposite the winning line. Dont know the name of the bar but we were able to walk out about 5-10 mins before each race and find a spot on the railing which gave a perfect view of the course and big screen. Best bit for me was that you had a completely uninterrupted view of the home straight.
This is gold dust, thank you. Anyone else fill in any of the blanks for us first time Tattsers?
Thats the one and only time i've been to Cheltenham so will try to find some of these other bars being mentioned. Spent the end of both days in the bar which is kind of in the open slightly higher up from the parade ring. Again, dont know the name so people can feel free to tell me
I went for the first time last year 1TP and can honestly say didnt have a problem with view or toilets.
Watched Supreme up to the CH from in front of Guinness Village - had Tatts tickets and didnt really know where that was or what it allowed. School Boy error.
For the end of that day, and all Wed, my mate and i would be in the bar at the top of Tatts tiered standing area right opposite the winning line. Dont know the name of the bar but we were able to walk out about 5-10 mins before each race and find a spot on the railing which gave a perfect view of the course and big screen. Best bit for me was that you had a completely uninterrupted view of the home straight.
This is gold dust, thank you. Anyone else fill in any of the blanks for us first time Tattsers?
Thats the one and only time i've been to Cheltenham so will try to find some of these other bars being mentioned. Spent the end of both days in the bar which is kind of in the open slightly higher up from the parade ring. Again, dont know the name so people can feel free to tell me
Tory 15 Feb 12 20:35
I went for the first time last year 1TP and can honestly say didnt have a problem with view or toilets.
Watched Supreme up to the CH from in front of Guinness Village - had Tatts tickets and didnt really know where that was or what it allowed. School Boy error.
For the end of that day, and all Wed, my mate and i would be in the bar at the top of Tatts tiered standing area right opposite the winning line. Dont know the name of the bar but we were able to walk out about 5-10 mins before each race and find a spot on the railing which gave a perfect view of the course and big screen. Best bit for me was that you had a completely uninterrupted view of the home straight.
Thats the one and only time i've been to Cheltenham so will try to find some of these other bars being mentioned. Spent the end of both days in the bar which is kind of in the open slightly higher up from the parade ring. Again, dont know the name so people can feel free to tell me
This is where I meant to put my post. This is gold dust, thank you. Anyone else fill in any of the blanks for us first time Tattsers?
I went for the first time last year 1TP and can honestly say didnt have a problem with view or toilets.
Watched Supreme up to the CH from in front of Guinness Village - had Tatts tickets and didnt really know where that was or what it allowed. School Boy error.
For the end of that day, and all Wed, my mate and i would be in the bar at the top of Tatts tiered standing area right opposite the winning line. Dont know the name of the bar but we were able to walk out about 5-10 mins before each race and find a spot on the railing which gave a perfect view of the course and big screen. Best bit for me was that you had a completely uninterrupted view of the home straight.
Thats the one and only time i've been to Cheltenham so will try to find some of these other bars being mentioned. Spent the end of both days in the bar which is kind of in the open slightly higher up from the parade ring. Again, dont know the name so people can feel free to tell me
This is where I meant to put my post. This is gold dust, thank you. Anyone else fill in any of the blanks for us first time Tattsers?
Looking at the course map now, didnt realise you could get passed the club area to another section of Tatts, usually end up in the Guiness Village area
Anyone else been going since 1991 (or sooner) and had enough now ?
I'm happier watching on TV
got fed up of doing exactly the same thing at the same time , same hotel , same pubs , standing in the same place etc. year after year.
I'm happier watching on TV
got fed up of doing exactly the same thing at the same time , same hotel , same pubs , standing in the same place etc. year after year.
BigU2fan Joined: 20 Aug 05
Replies: 153 16 Feb 12 11:36
Anyone else been going since 1991 (or sooner) and had enough now ?
No - I love this place with my life.
I will never stop going to the festival - it's in my DNA
HTH
Replies: 153 16 Feb 12 11:36
Anyone else been going since 1991 (or sooner) and had enough now ?
No - I love this place with my life.
I will never stop going to the festival - it's in my DNA
HTH
BigU2fan
Nope - been every year since 1990 and look forward to it more now than ever.
I gave up on Gold Cup day when it sheeted down during Imperial Commanders win and it was impossible to find a dry spot on the course, too many people for me...
Nope - been every year since 1990 and look forward to it more now than ever.
I gave up on Gold Cup day when it sheeted down during Imperial Commanders win and it was impossible to find a dry spot on the course, too many people for me...
I'll never forget that day horse9 - without doubt the worst experience on a racecourse in my life.
Pissed wet through, everyone had umbrellas up so couldn't see the screen, people cheering when Kauto fell nearly got me chucked out for nearly smacking some pr1ck who cheered, and another pr1ck hurling abuse at Restless Harry after he got up when he fell in the AB (looked like he wouldn't get up at one stage)
Never been on the Friday since (admitadly it was only a couple of years ago), and will NEVER go in the Best Mate again. That enclosure is a disgrace to such a wonderful horse.
Pissed wet through, everyone had umbrellas up so couldn't see the screen, people cheering when Kauto fell nearly got me chucked out for nearly smacking some pr1ck who cheered, and another pr1ck hurling abuse at Restless Harry after he got up when he fell in the AB (looked like he wouldn't get up at one stage)
Never been on the Friday since (admitadly it was only a couple of years ago), and will NEVER go in the Best Mate again. That enclosure is a disgrace to such a wonderful horse.
Well said Wellchief. People who cheer when horses fall or ae injured should be thrown ou an banned for life. Utterly disgraceful behaviour. The reaction of some of the people around me when Rewilding littlerally snapped his leg at Ascot was astonishing.
Been in it a few times Banks, and it just seems the kn0bhead : proper racegoer ratio is much higher there than in the tatts or club. Obviously other people will have differing experiences (and if you go in the BM I don't mean any disrespect), and I don't want to open up a big debate over BM vs Tatts.
I also felt that I wasn't really at the festival in the BM and felt cut off from the action - I felt like I was watching the people on the other side of the course watch at the Festival, if that makes sense? (a bit like Soccer Saturday - you watch people, watching football).
When a big win comes in, the Tatts and Club go mad throwing papers in the air, clapping and cheering. When I was in the Best Mate everyone was already in the queue for their next pint at that point.
I also felt that I wasn't really at the festival in the BM and felt cut off from the action - I felt like I was watching the people on the other side of the course watch at the Festival, if that makes sense? (a bit like Soccer Saturday - you watch people, watching football).
When a big win comes in, the Tatts and Club go mad throwing papers in the air, clapping and cheering. When I was in the Best Mate everyone was already in the queue for their next pint at that point.
Cheering fallers never happened in NH racing, I can only think it's the advent of exchanges that's changes attitudes as I really don;t believe the himan race has degenerated into heartless b'stards wishing pain and injury on the very subjects that perform for our entertainment ?
Talking on the Albert Bartlett, do you rememebr Black Harry falling at the last when Withcita Lineman won ?#I stood in the middle of the course by the last hurdle and watched it unfold - Ruby was thrown 30 yuards from teh horse but sprinted back and sat on the horses neck to stop him from getting up and further damaging his leg, Ruby literally saved the horses life.
He stayed with the horse for 15 mins until he got up and then the biggest cheer of the day as they took the screens down and he walked the horse back into the unsaddling enclosure - lump in throat moment !
And all this right before riding Kauto Star to his first Gold Cup win - incredible scenes.
The guy went as high as he can go in my estimations that day....
Talking on the Albert Bartlett, do you rememebr Black Harry falling at the last when Withcita Lineman won ?#I stood in the middle of the course by the last hurdle and watched it unfold - Ruby was thrown 30 yuards from teh horse but sprinted back and sat on the horses neck to stop him from getting up and further damaging his leg, Ruby literally saved the horses life.
He stayed with the horse for 15 mins until he got up and then the biggest cheer of the day as they took the screens down and he walked the horse back into the unsaddling enclosure - lump in throat moment !
And all this right before riding Kauto Star to his first Gold Cup win - incredible scenes.
The guy went as high as he can go in my estimations that day....
It's interesting to hear the views of others. I have done BM, Tatts, Guinness seats and Club and think they all have good and bad points.
I think Tatts plus a Guinness seat is far better value than Club. A huge proportion of Club viewers have a pretty poor view as the stand can't accomodate enough. You can see plenty of sub 6 footers on the lawn who are struggling to see a horse. The steps in front of the GG are not bad plus you can wander up and get a place just before the off.
BM is under rated in my opinion. You can get a decent view and whilst I understand your knobhead point I get equally wound up by certain snobbish types in Club who particularly on the Friday aren't necessarily racing types.
I do a mixture over the 4 days partially because I usually don't go with the same people every day so tend to go in whichever enclosure they prefer but also for a bit of variety.
I've had great days in all enclosures. In fact when I look back at my favourite festival experiences the enclosure I was in seems irrelevant. My advice to everyone would be to try them all and see what you like. Whether trading up or down on your usual ticket you may be pleasantly surprised.
I think Tatts plus a Guinness seat is far better value than Club. A huge proportion of Club viewers have a pretty poor view as the stand can't accomodate enough. You can see plenty of sub 6 footers on the lawn who are struggling to see a horse. The steps in front of the GG are not bad plus you can wander up and get a place just before the off.
BM is under rated in my opinion. You can get a decent view and whilst I understand your knobhead point I get equally wound up by certain snobbish types in Club who particularly on the Friday aren't necessarily racing types.
I do a mixture over the 4 days partially because I usually don't go with the same people every day so tend to go in whichever enclosure they prefer but also for a bit of variety.
I've had great days in all enclosures. In fact when I look back at my favourite festival experiences the enclosure I was in seems irrelevant. My advice to everyone would be to try them all and see what you like. Whether trading up or down on your usual ticket you may be pleasantly surprised.
Fair points mate
Although I have to admit I've never been in Club for the Festival - would love to but I think £65 is far too steep - especially if there is a big group of you (I think there are 13 of us this year and there's no way I'd ask all 13 to shell out £130 each for 2 days racing).
If I had the choice of 3 days in the BM for £22 a day or 1 day in Club at £65, I'd take the 3 in the BM all the time.
Although I have to admit I've never been in Club for the Festival - would love to but I think £65 is far too steep - especially if there is a big group of you (I think there are 13 of us this year and there's no way I'd ask all 13 to shell out £130 each for 2 days racing).
If I had the choice of 3 days in the BM for £22 a day or 1 day in Club at £65, I'd take the 3 in the BM all the time.
I'm loathe to give out my best kept secret, as took a while to find it and don't want to ruin it, but in the spirit of building up some 'goodwill points' for March, here goes...
Behind the grandstand and above the paddock area (upstairs) there's a small bar where you can get a beer fairly easily (will also see a few 'faces' in there), but the best part about it is the loo next door - nobody knows its there, and if you're a newbie to the festival, believe you me thats vital! Blimey, I've just realised how much I sound like my dad!!!
Behind the grandstand and above the paddock area (upstairs) there's a small bar where you can get a beer fairly easily (will also see a few 'faces' in there), but the best part about it is the loo next door - nobody knows its there, and if you're a newbie to the festival, believe you me thats vital! Blimey, I've just realised how much I sound like my dad!!!
LOL Nick - I know where you mean, there's a ring of about a dozen bookies outside (don't bet with them they're thieving b'tards), got a feeling the toilets are for club badge holders only.
Actually, there's a new bar they've built (tent) that's open to the public and it's last the parade ring, by the pre-parade ring, right up by the members entrance.
Getting a beer in there is seriously easy....
Actually, there's a new bar they've built (tent) that's open to the public and it's last the parade ring, by the pre-parade ring, right up by the members entrance.
Getting a beer in there is seriously easy....
Horse9 - good post re Black Harry. I had forgotten about him.
Sadly I heard a few isolated cheers in Club when Kauto took that hideous fall. Mainly drunk, day-tripping idiots who as far as I am concerned should be escorted from the premises.
On this point though, I have to say, I think things have deteriorated a bit. As the courses push beer and drink to entice the day tripper rather than the enthusiast this problem seems to grow. I know lots of lovers of the sport who have a drink at the track but do not do this, it is usually just the nutters in my experience.
One thing that still excites me at the festival is to stop and soak it up as it starts to fill up in the hours before the first. 99% of those there have been waiting patiently for so long for what is about to unfold, care passionately about the sport, the glorious history of it, and more than anything about the horses and their welfare, and it is 4 days of unmitigated fun and drama. I feel privilleged to have been before and to go again and always remind myself of that when I travel on Monday and when I arrive at the track at 10.30ish on the Tuesday.
Sadly I heard a few isolated cheers in Club when Kauto took that hideous fall. Mainly drunk, day-tripping idiots who as far as I am concerned should be escorted from the premises.
On this point though, I have to say, I think things have deteriorated a bit. As the courses push beer and drink to entice the day tripper rather than the enthusiast this problem seems to grow. I know lots of lovers of the sport who have a drink at the track but do not do this, it is usually just the nutters in my experience.
One thing that still excites me at the festival is to stop and soak it up as it starts to fill up in the hours before the first. 99% of those there have been waiting patiently for so long for what is about to unfold, care passionately about the sport, the glorious history of it, and more than anything about the horses and their welfare, and it is 4 days of unmitigated fun and drama. I feel privilleged to have been before and to go again and always remind myself of that when I travel on Monday and when I arrive at the track at 10.30ish on the Tuesday.
Cheers Horse, I'll keep an eye out for that. I take it thats just for the festival, otherwise I must have walked straight past it last month without noticing!?!
Think you might be right about the toilets, but think it was just a polite notice rather than one of the old boys checking your badge. As opposed to a badge-holder checking your old boy!!
Think you might be right about the toilets, but think it was just a polite notice rather than one of the old boys checking your badge. As opposed to a badge-holder checking your old boy!!
R Carver - good post.
My first festival 1990 was when the old Bula stand stood proud, a wooden shack next to the 'new' club grandstand, 30k attended Gold Cup Day and it was nowhere near the spectacle it is today.
I do sadly think that since punters have the opportunity to lay/sell horses I do feel their pockets have removed common sense from their brains and watching a stricken horse lie on the floor whilst high-fiving is as sick as it gets.
Thankfully these scum are few and far between, the vast vast majority are decent racegoers - the day Cheltenham gets like Royal Ascot with 20k clueless spivs getting dressed up, remining in a bar all day and leaving completely wasted will be the day I give up going...
My first festival 1990 was when the old Bula stand stood proud, a wooden shack next to the 'new' club grandstand, 30k attended Gold Cup Day and it was nowhere near the spectacle it is today.
I do sadly think that since punters have the opportunity to lay/sell horses I do feel their pockets have removed common sense from their brains and watching a stricken horse lie on the floor whilst high-fiving is as sick as it gets.
Thankfully these scum are few and far between, the vast vast majority are decent racegoers - the day Cheltenham gets like Royal Ascot with 20k clueless spivs getting dressed up, remining in a bar all day and leaving completely wasted will be the day I give up going...
R Carver - good post.
My first festival 1990 was when the old Bula stand stood proud, a wooden shack next to the 'new' club grandstand, 30k attended Gold Cup Day and it was nowhere near the spectacle it is today.
I do sadly think that since punters have the opportunity to lay/sell horses I do feel their pockets have removed common sense from their brains and watching a stricken horse lie on the floor whilst high-fiving is as sick as it gets.
Thankfully these scum are few and far between, the vast vast majority are decent racegoers - the day Cheltenham gets like Royal Ascot with 20k clueless spivs getting dressed up, remining in a bar all day and leaving completely wasted will be the day I give up going...
My first festival 1990 was when the old Bula stand stood proud, a wooden shack next to the 'new' club grandstand, 30k attended Gold Cup Day and it was nowhere near the spectacle it is today.
I do sadly think that since punters have the opportunity to lay/sell horses I do feel their pockets have removed common sense from their brains and watching a stricken horse lie on the floor whilst high-fiving is as sick as it gets.
Thankfully these scum are few and far between, the vast vast majority are decent racegoers - the day Cheltenham gets like Royal Ascot with 20k clueless spivs getting dressed up, remining in a bar all day and leaving completely wasted will be the day I give up going...
R Carver - good post.
My first festival 1990 was when the old Bula stand stood proud, a wooden shack next to the 'new' club grandstand, 30k attended Gold Cup Day and it was nowhere near the spectacle it is today.
I do sadly think that since punters have the opportunity to lay/sell horses I do feel their pockets have removed common sense from their brains and watching a stricken horse lie on the floor whilst high-fiving is as sick as it gets.
Thankfully these scum are few and far between, the vast vast majority are decent racegoers - the day Cheltenham gets like Royal Ascot with 20k clueless spivs getting dressed up, remining in a bar all day and leaving completely wasted will be the day I give up going...
My first festival 1990 was when the old Bula stand stood proud, a wooden shack next to the 'new' club grandstand, 30k attended Gold Cup Day and it was nowhere near the spectacle it is today.
I do sadly think that since punters have the opportunity to lay/sell horses I do feel their pockets have removed common sense from their brains and watching a stricken horse lie on the floor whilst high-fiving is as sick as it gets.
Thankfully these scum are few and far between, the vast vast majority are decent racegoers - the day Cheltenham gets like Royal Ascot with 20k clueless spivs getting dressed up, remining in a bar all day and leaving completely wasted will be the day I give up going...
Stop it,still got 3 full weeks of grinding work to go and it's on my mind constantly,i cant look at my phone without someone asking me if im on betfair or oddschecker!
Tuesday tho is my fave day.Get to the course for opening at 10.30,and just take a slow walk through towards the parade ring.Sit on the steps for a while before convincing myself its time for an irish brewed beer.Go in Mill house and walk onto landing just to watch people coming through with everyones hopes still intact.Normally bump into loads of racing correspondents as its just along from the press room.Pop into centaur to say hello to a few people i know before heading back and planning my expenses paying placepot with another jar.Down to pre parade for the supreme then into the stand (outside mill house) fingers crossed,hopes at the ready,look out to cleeve hill,remember to breathe then enjoy fully my favourite week of the entire year
Tuesday tho is my fave day.Get to the course for opening at 10.30,and just take a slow walk through towards the parade ring.Sit on the steps for a while before convincing myself its time for an irish brewed beer.Go in Mill house and walk onto landing just to watch people coming through with everyones hopes still intact.Normally bump into loads of racing correspondents as its just along from the press room.Pop into centaur to say hello to a few people i know before heading back and planning my expenses paying placepot with another jar.Down to pre parade for the supreme then into the stand (outside mill house) fingers crossed,hopes at the ready,look out to cleeve hill,remember to breathe then enjoy fully my favourite week of the entire year
fingers crossed,hopes at the ready,look out to cleeve hill,remember to breathe then enjoy fully my favourite week of the entire year
Know that feeling well, and couldn't have put it better myself - well said 180!
Know that feeling well, and couldn't have put it better myself - well said 180!
i remember being there when restless harry fell at the last. i was in tatts and could see through a gap in the screens that had been put up. i remember seeing the jockey stroking the head and neck of the horse and it was horrible to watch as it looked like he was a goner. he then got up and i let out my biggest cheer of the day.
weather wise, that's one of my worst days at the festival. i also remember a very very cold day when my way de solzen won the world hurdle ( i think? ) and gold cup day was just as cold the next day. one of the lads on our trip was turning blue on gold cup day in his smart suit. served him right!!
weather wise, that's one of my worst days at the festival. i also remember a very very cold day when my way de solzen won the world hurdle ( i think? ) and gold cup day was just as cold the next day. one of the lads on our trip was turning blue on gold cup day in his smart suit. served him right!!
180 - Stop it,still got 3 full weeks of grinding work to go and it's on my mind constantly,i cant look at my phone without someone asking me if im on betfair or oddschecker! - 
Horse9 - the day Cheltenham gets like Royal Ascot with 20k clueless spivs getting dressed up, remining in a bar all day and leaving completely wasted will be the day I give up going... - me too I am afraid.
Horse9 - the day Cheltenham gets like Royal Ascot with 20k clueless spivs getting dressed up, remining in a bar all day and leaving completely wasted will be the day I give up going... - me too I am afraid.
went for a few years in best mate and tatts but i enjoy a drink, so consequently enjoy a pishhh, and it was not practical...gave up for a couple of years then booked me a seat in grandsatnd and it is without doubt best money i have spent on entertainment..great views, have a drink, bet and wet in comfort...can't waitfor march!! but also add its great being at home,prepare some nice grub, nice booze, internet on and tv ready to go...you can't lose whichever way you decide to go!!!
R Carver - I echo those sentiments entirely.
It might be too early (probably not) to get this excited but there is truly nothing like that Tuesday when you arrive. I've been lucky enough to go to some pretty huge events in world sport but I have never felt the electricity of such optimism that is literally hanging in the air on the Tuesday. It seems to just cling to you like mist from the second you see the course on the drive in.
At that point you are buoyed by the magical history of the meeting, as all your favourite memories flood back to you (Dessie's Gold Cup, Istabraq and Best Mate's hat-tricks, Moscow Flyer, Kauto and Denman, the 50-1 shot that actually came in for you so that you were the only one cheering it home). Plus, you have that glorious excitement of the whole week to come, and know that (fingers crossed) something new will emerge as a star this time round.
I did all four days for the first time in 2011 and will do all four from now on, although I do agree that Friday's crowd seems to be a little way away from the other three. I didn't enjoy it as much as the other three days last time, just because of the overcrowding and the influx of people who seem to care less about the racing. Also think the planning of the racing is a little off - Friday's card doesn't excite me as much as the other three now. Besides the Gold Cup, I think it's a little light on quality. The Triumph has never been my favourite race and the last three races are usually forgettable.
Wouldn't it be great if every day felt like that first Tuesday...
PS: Black Harry sticks in my mind for a lot of reasons. Firstly, Ruby was brilliant with how he kept him alive that day. Secondly, such a shame that it effectively ended his career as that was one mighty looking horse - he'd have been a sensational chaser. Thirdly, I would have had my biggest win ever at the Festival if he had won. He was beaten when falling but looked home and hosed coming down the hill and I had snapped up 40s, 33s, 25s etc in the build-up to the meeting. Rarely can I remember such excitement turning to such dread when he came down.
It might be too early (probably not) to get this excited but there is truly nothing like that Tuesday when you arrive. I've been lucky enough to go to some pretty huge events in world sport but I have never felt the electricity of such optimism that is literally hanging in the air on the Tuesday. It seems to just cling to you like mist from the second you see the course on the drive in.
At that point you are buoyed by the magical history of the meeting, as all your favourite memories flood back to you (Dessie's Gold Cup, Istabraq and Best Mate's hat-tricks, Moscow Flyer, Kauto and Denman, the 50-1 shot that actually came in for you so that you were the only one cheering it home). Plus, you have that glorious excitement of the whole week to come, and know that (fingers crossed) something new will emerge as a star this time round.
I did all four days for the first time in 2011 and will do all four from now on, although I do agree that Friday's crowd seems to be a little way away from the other three. I didn't enjoy it as much as the other three days last time, just because of the overcrowding and the influx of people who seem to care less about the racing. Also think the planning of the racing is a little off - Friday's card doesn't excite me as much as the other three now. Besides the Gold Cup, I think it's a little light on quality. The Triumph has never been my favourite race and the last three races are usually forgettable.
Wouldn't it be great if every day felt like that first Tuesday...
PS: Black Harry sticks in my mind for a lot of reasons. Firstly, Ruby was brilliant with how he kept him alive that day. Secondly, such a shame that it effectively ended his career as that was one mighty looking horse - he'd have been a sensational chaser. Thirdly, I would have had my biggest win ever at the Festival if he had won. He was beaten when falling but looked home and hosed coming down the hill and I had snapped up 40s, 33s, 25s etc in the build-up to the meeting. Rarely can I remember such excitement turning to such dread when he came down.
Hi Tom, I agree with that. Electric is the correct word to describe that atmosphere. I always feel a little queasy. I am probably a bit sentimental but as you say, those memories do come flooding back, what lengths those do for our pleasure. Magnificent. I did prefer the 3 day festival and the dillution of quality is IMO frankly disgraceful but if they put another 10 thousand in on the Friday, i'd hapilly still turn up!
I expected to get slaughtered for being some sort of traitor but some of your comments emphasise my reasons for not going:
'too many people'
'Best Mate stand a disgrace to such a wonderful horse'
people cheering when horses fall
k nobhead / proper racegoer ratio
'too many people'
'Best Mate stand a disgrace to such a wonderful horse'
people cheering when horses fall
k nobhead / proper racegoer ratio
U2, there are certainly positives and negatives for going.
You've quoted three from me above, and they really are isolated incidents amongst 40,000 people per day, and to be fair, you get knobheads in all walks of life - quite a few on here
I think there are too many people because its too bl00dy good!
If you just stay at home it doesn't feel particularly special. It feels better than a normal race meeting, but this is the one meeting of the year where people travel hundreds of miles from the UK and Ireland to be at the greatest show on earth. Its not just the actual time at the racecourse; its the whole event that surrounds the festival.
Its like I go to Glastonbury every year. You can't move, its freezing, you stink, everything costs a fortune and it takes 8 hours to get out the car park. But its Glasto and I wouldn't have it any other way
You've quoted three from me above, and they really are isolated incidents amongst 40,000 people per day, and to be fair, you get knobheads in all walks of life - quite a few on here
I think there are too many people because its too bl00dy good!
If you just stay at home it doesn't feel particularly special. It feels better than a normal race meeting, but this is the one meeting of the year where people travel hundreds of miles from the UK and Ireland to be at the greatest show on earth. Its not just the actual time at the racecourse; its the whole event that surrounds the festival.
Its like I go to Glastonbury every year. You can't move, its freezing, you stink, everything costs a fortune and it takes 8 hours to get out the car park. But its Glasto and I wouldn't have it any other way
Tom I will never forget Black Harrys terrible fall at the last that day. I stood to win quite a bit on him and he looked home and hosed coming down the hill but was probably beaten at the time when falling. It was amazing that he survived but of course it really finished his career
Black Harry - i stood to pick up 1600 but watching the horse get up and walk back to the paddock was worth not picking that up, sometimes experiencing the event is worth more than backing a winner....
It's a special moment on the Tuesday, when after a walk from Bishops Cleeve, we pass the railway station, and cross the wooden style into the car park area, and ready ourselves to do battle with the bookies once again!
We walk up that way as well JOCI. Walking up that hill gives you some idea what the horses go through after 3 miles!
We get the train in to Cheltenham Spa on the first day, but the second day we drive and park by the Used Car garage in Bishops Cleeve, because its free to park, only 20 min walk to the course and easy to get away after racing.
When we drive we always go for a big breakfast in the Royal Oak in Bishops Cleeve by the Tesco, been going there for years now - one of my fav pubs in the world!
We went to trials day last month and they've got rid of the wooden step
They've now replaced it with a revolving metal gate - it's just not the same
We get the train in to Cheltenham Spa on the first day, but the second day we drive and park by the Used Car garage in Bishops Cleeve, because its free to park, only 20 min walk to the course and easy to get away after racing.
When we drive we always go for a big breakfast in the Royal Oak in Bishops Cleeve by the Tesco, been going there for years now - one of my fav pubs in the world!
We went to trials day last month and they've got rid of the wooden step
They've now replaced it with a revolving metal gate - it's just not the same
The Royal Oak WC - mind your head on the low beams inside!? Have I got the right place?
Yes, and there's another pub up the road a bit (King's Arms?) we go to as well in the evenings. On one of the nights we take in the Indian on the opposite side of the street.
Yrs since I have been there! Never been to the Indian.
Yeah, I think thats the one RC.
I've just googled it and its from the 18th century, so its just a good honest traditional pub. When we went this year it had all been refurbished inside as well.
Because its slighlty off the beaten track you don't have to wait long for food, and its easy to get a pint (but not when you're driving I might add
)
I've just googled it and its from the 18th century, so its just a good honest traditional pub. When we went this year it had all been refurbished inside as well.
Because its slighlty off the beaten track you don't have to wait long for food, and its easy to get a pint (but not when you're driving I might add
)
For the last couple of years I have used the Paddy Power Flyer steam train from Toddington which arrives at the racecourse station at the top of the main car park after a really nice 25 minutes journey. Short of a helicopter (which isnt going to happen!) I can't think of an easier way in and out. One minor problem - this year it has been renamed the ATR Flyer and I get a bad feeling Tommo will be lurking on the platform. Dumbleton Hall provides quiet old-fashioned accommodation a mile or so from Toddington. It all forms part of a relaxing and enjoyable couple of days which is enough for me.
A couple of thoughts.
As stated previously the Centaur is an acquired taste, noisy, smokey and a less than perfect big screen. Can't understand why anyone would spend time in there when the greatest racing on earth is taking place outside.
If you are in Club and want to watch fom the lawn there are 3 rows of benches. Steer clear of the back 2 as some little git will inevitably stand on one in the front row and ignore all attempts to move him. It is surprisingly easy to bag a place on the rails at the front of either tatts or club, much better than trying to watch from the grandstand steps.
The on-course market is as strong as you will find. Unless you bet BOG take your time and shop around the back rows.
The boxes may be no-go areas but many of the bookmakers marquees in the tented village are possible. Obviously it helps to have an account, in which case a phone call beforehand might result in entry with free drinks & sandwiches. The Guinness tent itself is everything you have heard, noisy crowded but great fun for a while at least.
Watch the weather forecasts and dress warmly. The wind can be surprisingly cold on the lawns.
Grab the freebies, including Betfair scarves and Paddy Power hats.
If you are driving tune in to Festival Radio once you get withing 5 miles of the course, by which time you will be stuck in traffic anyway.
Arrive early, walk the course, drink in the atmosphere. There's still nothing to touch it.
Good luck all.
As stated previously the Centaur is an acquired taste, noisy, smokey and a less than perfect big screen. Can't understand why anyone would spend time in there when the greatest racing on earth is taking place outside.
If you are in Club and want to watch fom the lawn there are 3 rows of benches. Steer clear of the back 2 as some little git will inevitably stand on one in the front row and ignore all attempts to move him. It is surprisingly easy to bag a place on the rails at the front of either tatts or club, much better than trying to watch from the grandstand steps.
The on-course market is as strong as you will find. Unless you bet BOG take your time and shop around the back rows.
The boxes may be no-go areas but many of the bookmakers marquees in the tented village are possible. Obviously it helps to have an account, in which case a phone call beforehand might result in entry with free drinks & sandwiches. The Guinness tent itself is everything you have heard, noisy crowded but great fun for a while at least.
Watch the weather forecasts and dress warmly. The wind can be surprisingly cold on the lawns.
Grab the freebies, including Betfair scarves and Paddy Power hats.
If you are driving tune in to Festival Radio once you get withing 5 miles of the course, by which time you will be stuck in traffic anyway.
Arrive early, walk the course, drink in the atmosphere. There's still nothing to touch it.
Good luck all.
Unless my memory is worse than usual yes I think you still can. I can't see the logic of allowing people on course for the X Country but not allowing them to walk before racing.
You need permission to walk the course - they used to allow anyone on there a few years ago at 7am but the increased popularity make this unmanagable.
Connections of course can at any time...
Connections of course can at any time...
I remember a good many years ago (over 10 years), we were lucky enough to get rooms in a bungalow which was effectively 'on the course'. It was the home of the course foreman and his family. It was situated right by the car park, on the corner as the horses turn out into the country. We had breakfast and could see the horses galloping / exercising in the morning through the French windows overlooking the course. That was a perfect spot. Did that for a couple of years, but then sadly the course foreman died of a heart attack. I can remember having a £100 on Alderbrook to win the Champion Hurdle that year, which went down the plughole!
How great to see restless harry just battle his way to victory at haydock
Apologies for sounding thick but having only ever been in the Tatts area where the Guiness Village is how do you get to the other side of club for the rest of the tatts section??
Do you mean by not walking through the club lawn? Along the main passage along the back of the stands to the top.
Bluebird- The is a few food outlets up at the top of tatts knocking out fish&chips at £9 a pop..i was stuck in a long line last year for 15mins before the last race after getting the munchies, by the time i scoffed my tucker, the last race had started and it wasn't worth trotting back into club, so i watched from there, well i say watched, i watched the big screen from 15 rows back..it is worth going down that way in search of a bit of each way thieving though as the is a load of small independents down there...although the bookmaker who payed me out on the winner of the last race last year, looked like he was sucking a lemon, as he paid me out on my 10/1 winner.
So in short, sardines in a can and to get there pass club, pass the centaur and keep walking.
So in short, sardines in a can and to get there pass club, pass the centaur and keep walking.
I enjoy the Best Mate, bit of fun watching the tribute bands before racing, the non racing fans tend to stay in the marquee which admittedly can get messy as the day goes on.
But for £20 a day its great value, I'll be there tues-thurs.
Been in tatts, it seems you have to get a bet on early just to get a view and it gets too crushed for me.
But for £20 a day its great value, I'll be there tues-thurs.
Been in tatts, it seems you have to get a bet on early just to get a view and it gets too crushed for me.
in the best mate enclosure avoid drunks dressed as batman or lepricorns 
....and everywhere on course, avoid tw@ts in 'Pint Of Guiness' hats
I'm mortified; just realised my mock exams are the Tuesday of the Festival... I am going to have to speak to my work to see if I can miss them, I know they ain't going to be too happy but I have to get my priorties right!
Who gives a sh!t about mocks? Just answer c,c,b,a,c,b,a,a,a,c. The answer to the bonus question is Colonel Mustard with a Revolver in the Ballroom - simples!
Haha. In theory Wellchief your spot on. In practise their 3.25 hour technical exams which would actually take 4 hours to do in complete. So as it starts at 1pm I have no chance of seeing the bulk of the racing.
Also as I have tickets, it wouldn't be quite the same watching it from a bookies near Kings Cross! Lol... I think my manager knows me well enough to realise I wont be concentrating at all if he makes me go!
Also as I have tickets, it wouldn't be quite the same watching it from a bookies near Kings Cross! Lol... I think my manager knows me well enough to realise I wont be concentrating at all if he makes me go!
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