There are few more social days on the calendar than a trip to the horse racing. It is a perfect opportunity to round up friends and family for a day in the fresh air.
Attending the horse racing is most popular in the summer time, with fans able to attend the meeting in more comfortable clothes rather than having to brace themselves for the colder conditions that come in the winter months.
If you are betting on races online from the privacy of your couch you can be dressed in pyjamas. However, if you are going to the track you need to suit up.
Getting dressed up is one of the most exciting parts of the day when it comes to going to the horse racing, but what are some of the key facts that potential visitors should bear in mind before heading to the track?
Dress For The Weather
While everybody loves to get dressed up in their finest outfits to visit the racing, it may not always the best plan if the weather isn’t playing ball. There are few things worse than getting all dressed up, before having to stand around in the cold and wet conditions.
Horse racing is all about enjoying the day out with your friends, meaning that you should ensure that you’re comfortable with what you’re wearing. That means, if it is raining, it could be worth wearing an extra jacket to stay warm instead of wearing just a dress or a three-piece suit.
Meanwhile, scarfs and hats are always welcome for those attending the racing, meaning that you should wear them if the conditions aren’t warm enough to have skin on show. If you dress for the weather, then you’re bound to have the best possible experience when attending a raceday.
Get Creative
The vast majority of social horse racing fans will attend the racing in the summer months when the weather is better for standing outdoors all day. Fans that will visit the tracks around the world during the summer months can get more creative with what they are wearing for the raceday, as they won’t need to wrap up in extra layers to survive the conditions.
Therefore, Racegoers heading to some of the biggest summer meetings such as Royal Ascot and the Kentucky Derby will often get more creative with what they will be wearing to the racing. This is typically done by sporting brighter colours, with many opting for the brightest possible shades of yellow, blue, and pink. Hats are also extremely popular during the summer months, especially with female visitors.
Read Possible Dress Codes
Most racecourses across the world will be slightly different in the way that they operate, meaning that there could be stricter dress codes in some compared to others. This could especially be the case when it comes to some of the biggest events in the diary, with massive events such as Royal Ascot and the Kentucky Derby having set rules that visitors need to follow depending on where their ticket is located.
For example, at Ascot, female visitors will not be able to have a dress that is too short in the premium enclosures, while male visitors may be required to wear a hat. Reading up on the dress codes in advance could save hassle when you get to the track, as there is typically no leeway when it comes to the rules that must be followed.
If you don’t follow the dress code, then you will likely be refused entry to the enclosure that you have paid for, meaning that you could stand to lose out on money if you have paid for a hospitality package. Visitors should always read up on the rules of entry before putting together their outfit for a big day at the racing.
Key Items To Bring
While the outfit is an important decision when it comes to getting ready for a day at the racing, it is by no means the only thing that visitors should be planning when they are plotting the day ahead.
All visitors should be prepared for all eventualities at the track, meaning many Racegoers typically opt to take an umbrella to ensure that they have some protection should there be rainfall during the day. An umbrella could also be useful at the summer meetings, as it could help shield visitors from the sun for a few hours.
More experienced Racegoers will also be additionally prepared for the racing ahead, as binoculars and charging cases always rank high on the list of items that should be taken. The latter is vitally important if visitors are looking to make their wagers on a mobile device. Meanwhile, fans attending the racing in the summer will also likely need to take their sunglasses in order to ensure that they can see the horses when they are competing across the track. All of these items are musts for regular Racegoers, and ensures that all bases are covered.