New To Horse Racing? Here's our guide to a day at the races

1. ARRIVE EARLY

Most racecourses open a couple of hours before the first race, so we advise you aim to get at the track at least an hour before racing starts to familiarise yourself with the course, what is on offer and give yourself plenty of time to have something to eat and drink. It also give you a chance to study the form to ensure you’re ready to place a bet before the horses go under starters’ orders for the opening race.

2. BUY A RACECARD

The racecard provides you with all the information on the runners and riders for each race. It also gives tips, a low-down on the racecourse you’ve visited, which trainers and jockeys are currently doing well, who has travelled the furthest and other vital bits of form. The racecard will also help you find your way around the course and show you what is on offer to keep you entertained in between the racing.

3. HAVE A WANDER

Have a walk around the facilities on offer at your local track. There will be plenty of time between races to explore every part of the course and soak up the atmosphere of more than one particular area. You might find the perfect spot to watch the racing from.

4. WATCH THE PARADE

Before each race we advise you take a look at the horses in the parade ring. Racehorses are beautiful animals and here you will be able to get really close before they race. Fitness and well-being really count, so look closely and you could find your winner!

5. PLACE A BET

Horseracing is an exhilarating sport, but by putting a few pounds on your favourite horse, it just adds to the excitement. Remember never bet more than you can afford to lose. See our betting guide here.

6. VIEW RACES FROM DIFFERENT PLACES

Dependant on what your tickets allows you to do, do take advantage of the various viewing areas and watch each race in a different place, especially high up in the Grandstands if at all possible. It really gives you a different perspective of the action.

7. JOIN IN THE CELEBRATIONS

After each race, pop over to the Winners’ Enclosure and enjoy watching the winning and placed horses return to their jubilant owners and trainers and the presentations to the winning connections.

Want to know more about what happens at the racecourse, here’s Radio DJ and TV presenter Sara Cox’s guide to what happens behind the scenes during a day at the races.