A day at the races is the perfect summer event to attend in the UK: the event presents the opportunity to get dressed up and potentially win some money on the races. The flat racing season in England runs from the beginning of April till October, offering plenty of opportunities for a day out or even a staycation if you’re keen to take in more than a day of the action.
Here are some of the best options available for Essex residents.
Epsom Downs
The Epsom Downs is based in Surrey, only a short train journey away from Essex and easily accessible from a number of stations across the country. The next Epsom Oaks event is due to take place on Friday 3rd June 2022, and already in the horse betting odds, the bookmakers have Inspiral as the odds-on favourite at 16/1 to be declared the outright winner. Meanwhile, bay filly Homeless Songs is currently the fourth-favourite to take the prize with odds of 33/1.
The highly competitive nature of this competition and the fact that the Derby is one of the toughest races to gamble on means that prospective bettors ought to consider the ever-changing scope of horse racing predictions before putting any money on the table.
It’s inevitable that you’ll see a quality race, though it’s not always certain who will deliver on the day. Some horses live up to pre-meet expectations and others, despite promising commentary, fall in the face of the challenge.
This race is one of the oldest and most prestigious events in the history of horse racing, renowned as a contest that leading owners, trainers and jockeys desperately want to win. Of course, a major appeal of the event is the fact that the setting of the Epsom Downs Racecourse itself is picturesque and steeped in history. In attending, you’re playing a part in the quintessential culture of English horse racing from the moment you enter the gates. There are few sporting venues that can match its elegance and grandeur, especially on the week of the Derby.
Financially, tickets can range from £50 if you’re only after a spot in the enclosure but can rise dramatically if you’re interested in one of the hospitality suites. Considering the Queen herself is in attendance on Derby day, you’ll be in very good company should you choose to expend a little more on the excursion.
Chelmsford City
If you don’t fancy travelling out of Essex, you can always stay local and take a trip to Chelmsford City Racecourse. The racecourse stages a good standard of horse racing events throughout the years, especially during the peak of the flat campaign.
The most notable races of the season are the Cardinal Stakes, Chelmer Fillies’ Stakes and the Queen Charlotte Fillies’ Stakes. Chelmsford City has come a long since being placed in administration in 2009.
Since it reopened in 2015, crowds have enjoyed an excellent standard of horse racing at affordable prices. Tickets for events begin at £18, which is a good rate compared to others on the circuit. There should be no shortage of space available considering that the racecourse has a capacity of 10,000.
The atmosphere doesn’t quite match the raucous levels found at the premium venues such as Ascot and Epsom Downs, but it’s certainly lively and appropriate for an enjoyable day out. If you pick your horses right on the day, you might even walk away with a few quid in your pocket.
