Went to Redcar for the first time last year and I thought it was okay, even though it was nearly a 400 mile round trip.
Ripon is brilliant and would probably be my top as well.

ItsMeSwaddle 13 Feb 23 17:56 
Exactly, if there was any group that needed it less for me this would be it, but maybe I am bias.





I don't have a bias with regards to who should be ripped off and would like to see a fair price for all, similar perhaps to what is charged in most other countries.

Redcar is my local course, ive turned down free tickets no end of times. Much prefer Ripon and Thirsk.

Got to agree re Ripon - a cracking track whereas whilst i do enjoy racing days out to York i just find it a bit too big for my liking

Fascinating that earlier in the thread people struggle to win at Beverley. They are not alone, as a lot of the people I see around the tracks I go to also find it hard there.

But, I'm a member there and have been for 10 years. In 8 of those 10 years, Beverley has been my most profitable track. I have looked long and hard at my extensive records and think it may be because I have become used to picking the right type of races at Beverly to bet upon, rather than the right type of horse.

Good thread this but it started off with a view on Catterick. Well, having been to a good number of flat meetings there the past 10 years I finally did a jumps card on North Yorkshire Grand National Day back in January.

Now, no track appeals when you lose - which I did that day - but I have never had such an uncomfortable viewing day as that bl**dy afternoon. The sun was low in the sky (as might be expected in winter) and was opposite the stands all afternoon. Very hard not to be blinded by it and there was also a very strong wind that made standing at the back of the stands hard work. I must admit the day had a better 'feel' to it that some flat days there when, on an overcast afternoon with a small crowd, it has felt dire, but my jumping experience there will not be repeated anytime soon!

Lastly, sorry but what a mean-minded view about OAP's getting concessions. Yes, a fair price should be charged for all but why complain because someone is getting something you are not? Good luck to anyone getting any concession, that's what I say!

Basically look at it this way.

I am young I wish to have the Sport in 20 years like, said OAP likely long goneski…

I’ll be off racing regardless at full price…don’t you worry about me…

Do I want to Sport to die because Mr OAP paid a 10er rather than a score that everyone else paid? No not really.

Swaddle, you need to understand that many pensioners are struggling to make ends meet never mind going the races. They won't be taking "anything with them" other than their memories.

Nice new cafe down there Brian’s

3 things to reply about.

1/ Swaddle - Yes, some OAP's don't need the concessions - I'm 63 and don't need them, but I still take them. We do seem to have a tradition of concessions in the UK for older people when older people often have the most money. Perhaps that should change? BUT, you will be old one day and then let us see what you think! BTW - I really don't think that concessions for OAP's will make or break racetracks! Their crunch time will come if/when the media rights cash dries up. 

2/ Swaddle again. No, you have that wrong about some people never losing. Those of us who make a profit in the long run (year on year, but not all years) lose plenty of times but because we put in the study and have discipline we win. The other advantage I, and others who make it pay, often have is a big enough bank to withstand the lean periods. No good punting if you have to stop to gather funds every few weeks / months. That was me in the 1980's when I was young.

3/ To all, as for my promotion of Leicester's concessions. Well they may be good at concessions but then look at Thursday's card that has just come through - for once there will be more people there than horses!! Will probably include me, all the same. However dire a card is, there is generally some angle to go at it from.

Always liked catterick and the home made pie in the cafe was good years ago, wetherby was not bad, redcar was always poor food and depressing but ride on the front to see the sea and ice cream made up for it, ripon not my fav and like someone said cant understand why its popular still has asbestos sheets on stands and its not changed in 30 years,beverley always low grade racing and full of well oiled fans but bars were good, food not, newcastle used to be ok the pitmans derby weekend was good and remember stan smith ? the owner shaking everyones  hand to thank them for coming as they left what a good man he was, sedgfield free day on first day of cheltenham what happened to that, food was ok racing and atmosphere always good, the best for me cartmel 20,000 plus on a bank holiday, music funfair and great in town afterwards but seem to be taking the p.. with admission charges now

I dont think any group of people deserves a concession more than other people.

and if I had to choose one group that did its not older people, it completely goes against the motto of everyones turf?

Why does someone that is 72 that has had EVERY CHANCE to secure their future financially for the past 50 odd years deserve a ticket any cheaper than:

-A spotty 19 year old teenager that nobody will take seriously just purely because of his age so he is flipping burgers for 8 bob an hour?

Well that 19 year old needs to get out and vote just like the Boomer generation did and of course still do.

Truth hurts does it?