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wess
14 Nov 14 19:40
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Date Joined: 24 Oct 08
| Topic/replies: 40 | Blogger: wess's blog
Today was my first time at the course since the Festival last year.... and I must say I was totally underwhelmed by the changes made to date and what looks like is to follow in the coming 12 months or so.... Everything seems to be geared solely towards the enjoyment of the "prawn sandwich" brigade with corporate facilities seemingly springing up all over the place and no improvements I could yet see for the normal guy going to the races with his mates and having a few pints along the way.....an outside Tapas Bar ( @ £14 a dish)....next to an outside wine bar... WTF ???.....

Only fair to judge properly when the development is finished.. but for me on todays experience I am not sure it bodes well...!

Other attendees views much appreciated.... or am I on my own...?!
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Report layingisthewayforward November 15, 2014 11:43 AM GMT
Just finished reading an article that the See you then bar will be members only next year.   Have been using this for the last 10 years! not happy here.
Report .Fidway. November 15, 2014 2:35 PM GMT
I find drinking at the races takes something away from the occasion, plenty of time for that after the racing is done. you wait all year for the festival to come along and then spend half of it queueing for a drink or the toilet.
Report rogerthebutler November 15, 2014 8:54 PM GMT
My first view of things today - and I loved it!

I wasn't drinking and tend not to at the races, ditto eating at the racecourse (prices have been outrageous on course for food for years) so can't really comment on that angle.

It's WAY more easier to get around though. You can get from pre-parade ring, to parade ring to course so much easier now. The area outside See You Then feels modern and spacious. Ditto the levelling out of the area at the bottom of the parade ring and whilst the 'Paddy Power Bridge' will divide opinion (folly or great viewing platform?) I think the general smartening up of the place - especially getting rid of the old Grandstand and it's 'bathing cubicle' corporate boxes was long overdue
Report Ibrahima Sonko November 15, 2014 9:07 PM GMT
^agree.


Also a lot of places to actually sit down, lots of benches near trees etc.

Was going to watch a race from the bridge, didnt, maybe tomorrow.
Report opatcho November 16, 2014 8:45 PM GMT
I like the redevelopments, think the new Quevega bar looks nice and is a decent place to chill out in, particularly during the more quieter events - I think it will become too rammed during the festival

As long as I can get a beer, food and my bets on quickly then anything else is a bonus

The biggest improvement they could make is allowing beer to be taken out on the stands, it would help free up space in anf around the bars.
Report Glossy November 16, 2014 9:18 PM GMT
Definitely agree with that re: taking beer outside opatcho.
Report bluebirdfan November 17, 2014 8:53 PM GMT
Food and drink is a fortune (and crap) on any racecourse. If you want drink go to a pub, if you want racing the new developments are much needed
Report foxy November 18, 2014 9:10 PM GMT
sonkos point about there been more benches is a very good point the tired old course we are losing was shocking for finding a seat for 5 mins.

it needed improving and from what I have seen its going to be fantastic perhaps longchamp will follow suit because that does need to come down.
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