If you have never been before, a day out at the races is a unique experience. Be it getting dressed up in your finery for a big occasion, or taking a day at the course with friends, race days are a fantastic proposition. The St Leger Stake takes place in September, and is the oldest horse race in the United Kingdom, possibly the world. It is the conclusion of the famed Triple Crown, also including The Derby and Two Thousand Guineas.
While races are modern affairs that have everything you will need, a little preparation can help you enjoy it a whole lot more. Below, we have collected our essential gadgets that will make your race day get off to a flying start.
Phone Essentials
It is perfectly acceptable to visit the racecourse without a phone and have a great day. All the bookmakers you need are present and odds will be posted regularly. However, to get the most from the day it is best to employ a hybrid method of using both your device and the amenities at the course itself.
Start by ensuring you have an additional charger or power bank, such as the ones recommended in our Gadget Freeks guide. You may find your smartphone gets a lot of use, particularly if you are looking up tips and odds. An extra power core will keep you going and provide peace of mind.
After this, decide which betting platform and application you are going to use on your phone. Many of the best will offer a top price guarantee along with specials such as enhanced odds, with horse and jockey specials. One of the most popular is William Hill horse racing, which also has physical premises at many UK racecourses. They have current and future races listed on their websites, so you can track odds as they increase or decrease and get key pieces of information such as form. By cross-referencing this against the odds being placed at the track, you may get a better picture of the runners.
Binoculars
Binoculars are an essential gadget for a day at the races. There will be television screens that follow the race for you, but if you watch them on that you may as well be at home. Having binoculars allows you to find the perfect position and watch the action as it takes place. The weather in September can also be unpredictable, so any aid to vision will improve your race day.
As well as this, it lets you see things not noticeable on a screen. When the horse is paraded before the race, use binoculars to see the jockey and ride. This usually happens around 20 minutes before the race begins, letting you get a feel for the contenders. Make sure you choose a pair that work well in low light conditions, so you can see whatever the weather.
Cool Box
If you are visiting part of the racecourse that lets you take your refreshments, then the cool box is another must-have item. Price can be quite expensive on the course, which cuts deep if you don’t have many winners. By taking your own, you can have more money to spend on enjoying your day. there are some great cool box recommendations here from Winfields Outdoors.
Don’t weigh yourself down with a huge box, the kind you may take on a camping trip. Pick something lightweight and easy to sling over the shoulder. Fill it with your favorite snacks. Make sure to pack it with ice to keep it all cool, particularly if you are watching races in the hot summer sun.