As one of the UK’s number one spectator sports, horse racing is happening all year round. However, the spring and summer months are the best time to go to a racecourse and spend a day out watching the action.
For Solihull residents, there are a few local options to choose from that are easy to get to. For classic jump racing, Warwick is the go-to course, but Stratford arguably offers a more relaxing day out.
Why Does a Day at the Races Have Such Great Appeal?
For many, attending a meeting is the perfect opportunity to get outside in the fresh air and disconnect from the online world. It’s a buzzing social event, and a chance to dress up in fine threads.
There’s also the chance to get involved with the bustling betting scene. Nowadays, most people use their smartphones to place bets with horse racing betting odds for various events in the country available online. For example, they can find listings for all the major racecourses, along with popular accumulators. There’s also online horse racing tips as well, which have widened the sport to a wider audience. These give bettors advice on which horses to go for, so they don’t have to do as much research themselves. Though, there’s much more to a day out at the races too!
Warwick Racecourse Offers Classic Jump Racing Close to Home
For people in Solihull who want to experience the thrills of race day first hand, Warwick Racecourse may be the best local ground. You can get there in under an hour by car, and there’s also the option of taking the train.
The racecourse is best known for National Hunt racing, so some would say the best time to visit is during the winter months. However, it also hosts several spring meetings with competitive fields, although these are usually lower-profile handicap races. For instance, the Proudly Warwick meeting features the Logicor Saumur Handicap Steeple Chase and the Carnival Handicap Hurdle.
Stratford Racecourse for a More Laid-Back Atmosphere
For people who aren’t quite as serious about horse racing and want to enjoy a more relaxing race day experience, Stratford Racecourse is known for its laid-back atmosphere. The spot attracts a lot of groups as it’s a great place to combine horse racing with socialising. As for the type of racing on offer, you’ll find that jump racing dominates the fixture list.
Stratford is only around a 45-minute drive from Solihull, and there’s also the option to take the train to Stratford-upon-Avon station. It’s not the place to go if you want to see the biggest names, but there’s still a lot of fierce competition on offer. On top of that, there can be some unpredictable results as the horses and trainers aren’t as well known.
If you’re one of the many people who has always admired horse racing from afar and toyed with the idea of going for a day out to the races, this spring could be the perfect time to experience it.
This is a submitted article written by Ben Spencer.
