A day at the dog races is a brilliant way to bring together friends and mix the exhilaration of a lightning-fast race with the prospect of returning home a few quid richer. Dog racing is a great way to celebrate birthdays, provide entertainment during stag dos or simply spice up what would otherwise by quiet nights in front of the TV. As a result, it’s a form of entertainment that has increased considerably in popularity over the years. However, if you’ve never been to the races before and therefore have no idea about how to make sure you have the best time possible, we’ve got six tips for organising a perfect day at the races.
1. Make the travel as easy as it should be
Chances are, you’ll be heading to the dog races with a fair few friends or family members, and the bigger the group gets, the more complicated the travel arrangements can become. To avoid travel getting in the way of a great day, book a minibus and let someone else do the driving. They’ll get you there safe, on time, fully refreshed and will even collect you once the racing is over.
2. Go with friends who are unlikely to make a show of themselves
Drinking and the dogs usually go hand-in-hand, but there’s a limit to how much alcohol one should consume when there’s potentially betting involved. Similarly, you don’t really want to make a show of yourselves, so choose friends for the trip who are unlikely to have one too many!
3. Set yourself a betting budget – and stick to it
Even if you’re not into gambling, it can be exhilarating to have a little flutter at the dog races. To avoid spending too much and regretting the trip entirely, set yourself a realistic betting budget, and stick to it (the same goes for seasoned betters).
4. Stay hydrated
If you’re visiting the dogs during the warmer months, make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day. With all the excitement of the racing, it’s easy to get caught up in the moment and forget to remain hydrated. Alcohol, dehydration, excitement and betting don’t mix, so keep that water bottle handy.
5. Ditch the smartphone for a day (go on!)
Here’s a test for those of you who are constantly glued to your smartphone – try ditching your touchscreen companion while you’re at the races or, alternatively, promise yourself not to relentlessly check it for notifications. A day at the races should be about the racing itself, the odd cheeky bet and, most importantly, awesome time with those closest to you. Enjoy it and go digital-free for a day!
6. Think of it as a day out – not a competition
Dog racing is a competitive sport, but if you’re in the stands, it’s far better to think of it as an awesome day out with a bit of racing thrown in for good measure than a competition. In doing so, you’ll avoid the temptation to blow your betting budget or get too competitive with your friends and potentially inciting an angry exchange or two.
It’s a race, yes, but not for you!
That’s it!
If you follow all of our tips above, you should end up with a day at the races that lives long in the memory and which ensures this brilliant form of entertainment becomes a regular fixture for you and your mates in the future.
Enjoy!
