Exeter Racecourse

Racecourse number: 7

First visited: 1986

Number of visits: 1

My summer holiday in 1986 was at Pontin's Torbay holiday camp in Devon. Simply fantastic. Even better, this gave me a prime opportunity to visit, with my Mum and Dad, one of the local racecourses. Like trips to the races, holidays to Butlins and Pontins were a big feature of my childhood. At some of the bigger camps there were on site bookmakers. At Torbay the arrangements for placing a bet were simply fantastic in there outdatedness. You would write out your bet at reception and hand over your stake prior to 11am. The camps collective bets would be taken and placed at a local bookies and winnings picked up for collection the following day. There was racing on TV at York that week and I remember my Dad collecting his winnings following a success from an old favourite, Triptych. This was in the days when newspapers and teletext were the main source of racing news and information. In fact, without teletext whilst on holiday, we nearly made the mistake of going to Exeter races a day early. We were all primed to go when I realised via the day’s newspaper that the meeting was the following day!

Exeter would be my seventh racecourse. Significantly, the notion of going to the races whilst on holiday would be the key to me attending so many courses throughout my life. This day was thus a catalyst for some brilliant trips to the races throughout Great Britain. Exeter is one of the largest racecourses in terms of its circuit distance so I was impressed when my Dad, having got us there quite early decided to walk the course. I must have decided against it for some reason. Certainly it was a warm day and the ground pretty firm. Past the winning post, I recall the massive loop the runners had to take before entering the back straight. A traditional looking course but a little more pear shaped than oval. Horses I remember from this day are Razzle Dazzle Boy, Britannicus and Melendez though in truth I cannot recall the winners, any betting successes, failures or otherwise. I have no help either from trusty racing online databases, as they do not go back quite that far. 

On examining the racecard, which I have kept all these years, I found a number of significant jockeys and trainers who were there that day of great interest. Riding in race one for example was future champion trainer Paul Nicholls. Training in race four was ex-champion jockey John Francome. Others with rides that day were Brendan Powell, Richard Dunwoody and Simon Sherwood. Martin Pipe had just the one runner that day in the last race. Within a few years, he would totally dominate such southern jumps meetings with runners in every race and most of them as favourite. Possibly of most interest in the racecard to me was that the commentator was Mr. L McKenzie. I am assuming this was a very early call from Lee McKenzie who I have seen at the races as an announcer or commentator many times over the years. Indeed nearly thirty five years later so many of these names or their children remain a major feature of today's horse racing circuit. Like me, they and their families keep coming back for more.

Chepstow Racecourse

Racecourse number: 45

First visited: 2009

Number of visits: 1

One evening in the summer of 2009 my family crossed the Severn Bridge on route to Chepstow racecourse. This would be an ordinary flat meeting and in truth I would have preferred to go to a jumps meeting. I have always enjoyed the early ones in October which to me signify the start of the jumps season proper. Also the Welsh Grand National over the Christmas period is such a great race. However one big advantage would be the good weather. Given we were on holiday not too far away it was an easy decision to go. An evening at the races and another racecourse off my list.

On arrival we were struck by the vastness of the track and its facilities. As it was a low key meeting there was only a small crowd and there ended up being very little atmosphere in truth. The course has the  parade ring in front of the stands which I think is a nice feature in general but on this night it contributed to the "where is everybody" feel. Undaunted we began with a chippy tea to set us up for a great night. Chepstow has a play area tucked away behind the stands which was ideal for my two kids and they visited quite a few times over the duration of the evening in between races.

On the betting front it would not be my night. Sometimes there is just nothing you can do. The early indicators were not good. I picked the wrong one of two fancied runners in the first then saw my selection in the second beaten a head. Not to worry, I knew of a sure thing in the fourth. Criticize, for trainer Roger Charlton, owner Khalid Abdulla and jockey Richard Hughes would turn things around for me. Backed from 8-11 to 8-15 others obviously agreed. Not a great price but at least I would have a winner. The Racing Post analysis probably reads something like this: Criticize, settled in behind, travelling well two out, found nothing. My certainty finished fifth of six and nothing is what I would find in my pocket at the end of this evening. Incredibly things got worse in the next race. Watching the runners walk around the paddock for race five I was anxious to identify the winner and had not given enough focus on the needs of my then toddler Jake. I was holding him up to watch the horses go past when his pull-up overflowed and my t-shirt got pretty wet. Like many of my selections that night I was a bit slow to react! Sensibly we did not stay for the last. 

It is always disappointing not to have a winner but not many downtrodden punters get pissed on by their son as well. Cheers Jake. One positive on the night was the picture above which is one of my favourites. Too rarely do we have a full family shot as usually you have to rely on the kindness of strangers. So thanks to whoever took this picture. Four years later it looks so dated, but I remember the evening and the period in our lives fondly. Hopefully I will go back and appreciate the Chepstow I know best at a national hunt meeting some time soon. You never know I might even back a winner.

Goodwood Racecourse

Racecourse number: 50

First visited: 2013

Number of visits:1

Goodwood is self billed as the worlds most beautiful racecourse. A bold claim indeed, but quite quickly after arrival at this grade one track it is clear the claim may have some merit. The immaculately presented parade ring and winners enclosure are only outdone by the amazing backdrop to the course which itself has impressive stands and spacious viewing areas. Truly an impressive racing set up. Thinking about it I am uncertain I have been to a more beautiful racecourse. Best in the world? Possibly.

This lovely sunny Friday evening in May began well with a winner in the last race at Catterick's afternoon meeting. A loyalty bet on one of Philip Kirby's horses Just Paul was rewarded. Earlier I had had £2 on Betfair at around 25-1. This 14-1 winner set me up for a great evenings betting.  My wife however on hearing the news of my early success was somewhat dissappointed to learn the winnings were on Betfair and not real! I can't complain too much though. Once again she had worked her magic and lined up a great deal by pre-ordering online. We saved a few pounds on entry plus received a free racecard, a £5 free tote bet and a £5 food voucher. This deal looked even better when my £5 free bet on Balmoral Castle in the amateur riders race resulted in my first Goodwood winner on course. It would not be my last. Later though I would be less thrilled with the deal when my £5 food voucher reduced my £26 bill for three burgers and a portion of chips. How much!

My betting progressed nicely. Firstly, with an odds on winner Wahaab for Richard Hannon. More enjoyably a bit later a £20 bet at 2-1 on Stock Hill Fair produced a great family winner. Selected by my five year old Jake, jockey Keiron Fallon was seen at his best when employing great front running tactics to hold off all challengers and complete a double for him on the night. The cheering from our group as Fallon held on was worth much more than the £60. It is great getting the kids involved with selecting a few horses and cheering them on. Especially on this particular night as there was no kids entertainment. We went straight down to the winners enclosure to welcome back the victorious pair. Over a month later Jake still talks about Stock Hill Fair.

This was no ordinary race meeting though and certainly no ordinary racing crowd. The majority of racegoers had come to watch Rudimental play a DJ set after racing. The first of 'Three Friday Nights' when racing and music would go hand in hand. Another growing trend at modern race meetings. Many turned up with only a race or two to go which seemed bizarre to me but totally normal to hundreds of southern party goers. By the end of racing the hardy racegoer was outnumbered four to one by the youngsters with many already quite drunk. A strange but happy atmosphere prevailed as the meeting drew to a close. We did stay to see the start of the after racing show but were disappointed both by the long wait and the dire noise that ensued. Perhaps I am showing my age but it was total crap.

The final race of the night saw a classic Stoute versus Cecil clash in a typical Goodwood middle distance maiden race. I have watched a good few of these over the years and probably hundreds on the TV or in the bookies. From the moment the declarations were made it was always my intention to back debutant Integral for Sir Michael Stoute. When the vibes about her were positive on the day she became my bet of the night. Prior to the race all the money was for the more experienced Henry Cecil trained Magic Of Reality. With two furlongs left in the race it was looking likely to be a duel between the two betting principals (Integral having gone off at a generous 4-1). Suddenly Integral burst through on the rail and delivered a very impressive and decisive turn of foot to seal the race within a matter of strides. My tally of real money and Betfair money had swelled significantly. A horse to follow for sure. Sadly this would be the the last Stoute versus Cecil classic I would see as a couple of weeks later Sir Henry would lose his battle with cancer. I remember fondly his partnership with Steve Cauthon and horses like Oh So Sharp and Bosra Sham. He had a great attention to detail and was obsessed with things like the size of horses ears. The bigger the better apparently. On a happier footnote next time out Integral stepped up to listed company and again delivered the same decisive turn of foot, this time from last to first, again at 4-1. 

Did I back her this time? Is Goodwood beautiful! A wonderful course and a brilliant evenings racing.

Fontwell Park Racecourse

Racecourse number: 49

First visited: 2013

Number of visits:1

Fontwell and in particular its figure of eight chase course had always intrigued me. I believe you can only really appreciate it and understand it by going there. I had long been confused and excited by the different camera angles, the constant turning and the final straight. The course has a really unique perspective with two different tracks merging on the approach to the finish line. Upon visiting it was the final furlong or so that was the main thing I had not fully appreciated on TV. Fontwell is mainly a flat track but there is quite a steep uphill climb to the finish to test even the hardiest of stayers. The new Premier Grandstand looked impressive but we decided not to pay the extra to use it. Partly because I wanted to experience the traditional Fontwell, including watching some races from within the track. Partly because the new stand is situated beyond the winning line, giving a poor value perspective, compared to us money savers in the old stands watching the final furlong battles side on. Partly because naturally I am a cheapskate!

The day started and ended well from a betting point of view. In the first I had a big bet for me on Jojabean at 9-4 for Alan King. He obliged quite comfortably despite some initial tentative hurdling. In the last I had a decent bet on Nicky Nutjob at 4-1 who helped send me home very happy with my gambling performance. Looking beaten as they entered the straight Nicky stayed on well up the aforementioned climb to the line to claim the prize. In between, a plethora of losers were accompanied by another winner, Full Of Joy ridden by A P McCoy. One of those many McCoy winners over the years that few others would have won on. I also had a winning bet at an away meeting, Cartmel. It really struck me as odd this day that the away meetings were Cartmel and Nottingham and I was at Fontwell! I have attended both Cartmel and Nottingham on numerous occasions when Fontwell and its unique set up would fill the gaps for me between the main live action.

The modern race meeting has many features that were unheard of when I set off on my journey around the racecourses of Great Britain in the early 1980s. Not all of them are welcome. One positive feature though, which seems to be pretty standard these days, is an expert preview discussion of the days racing. On this occasion I was privy to the thoughts of Simon Holt and Lee Mckenzie who did not disappoint. In fact they were no doubt an influence on my betting success. We were on holiday during half term and as such this midweek meeting was a family raceday.  My kids, for free, were able to enjoy a bouncy castle and some cricket fun in a happy family environment. The day was really good value. My wife had also shrewdly taken advantage of the online pre-ordering option for which we paid £10 each for the £15 tickets. The kids also really enjoyed visiting the winners enclosure after the races, especially when Dad had the winner. Twice we started the clapping for the winners arrival. Despite the patchy weather for the end of May I really enjoyed my visit to Fontwell Park. It is a great and unique course and I am certainly jealous of those on the south coast who can visit on a regular basis.

Background & Introduction

Growing up horse racing was a special part of my family life. As a young adult it became my focus, my friend and nearly my career.  During my working life it has become my main hobby, a positive distraction in a crazy world. I would sample the joys and frustration of racehorse ownership, enjoy race sponsorship and corporate hospitality which I would share with my growing family. This is the story of my journey to the sixty (or so) racecourses of Great Britain starting at Haydock Park at the age of ten and concluding in a few years from now at Sandown. That's the plan anyway.

My Dad had always loved a bet on "the nags" and in my early years I was exposed to the wonder of horse racing; the highs, the lows the excitement of it all, but only through the medium of television. I loved watching racing on the telly with him on a Saturday. Forget the Scoop Six the old ITV seven will be forever etched in my memory. The thrill of a win, the prospect of big returns, watching for results coming through from other meetings and seeing your favourite horses and jockeys battling for success week by week. There was the occasional big win too  where me, Mum and my sister Linda would get a "treat". For me that usually meant toy soldiers. 

The Grand National was a big event in our family. One of my earliest horse racing memories is of Red Rum. Not the usual ones though of his first dramatic victory over Crisp in 1973 or his thrilling third victory carrying top weight in 1977. No, mine was simply one of overwhelming confusion. It was 1978 approaching my seventh birthday and Red Rum was not running in the Grand National this year. Why was Red Rum not running? What do I choose without him running?  

Along with big wins was the big occasional disappointment too. One dramatic twist I remember clearly was when my Dad's Yankee had hit all four winners only for Cyrill's Choice to be demoted to last place following a stewards enquiry. The updated result came through as we were discussing what to spend our money on. Racing can be cruel like that sometimes but I was hooked even before I stepped foot on a racecourse. When I did it would shape my life.

Over the years I have witnessed some great races and seen some great racing moments. Being able to say I was there is something wonderful about my journey around the racecourses. I was there when Arazi ran at Royal Ascot, when Lester Piggott came out of retirement at Leicester, when Dunwoody and Maguire clashed at Nottingham, when Master Oats won the Gold Cup at Cheltenham, when Desert Orchid won left handed at Aintree, when Oh So Sharp was beaten at York, when they first tried all-weather chasing at Southwell, when Kauto Star won his third Betfair Chase at Haydock  and when there was betting on a Sunday for the first time at Uttoxeter.

At the age of eighteen in 1989 Leicester would be my final choice of Universities from a short list comprising Exeter, Leicester, Warwick and Newcastle. Only Leicester had halls of residence 500 yards from the racecourse!