Anne’s day at the races

Ever wondered what a day at the races is like?

Well, it’s definitely not the way to improve your economic outlook – unless you are one of the few true cognoscenti. But here’s how it goes…

For a start, it’s all geared towards the benefit of the bookies, the racecourse and various others to keep themselves in the motor vehicle bracket to which they have become accustomed, with little suckers like me enjoying a day out against our better judgment and adding pathetic amounts to the fund with my paltry bets.

So, quite unable to tell the colleagues of the party to which I have been invited that I think betting is ridiculous and I’m bound to lose, I roll up my sleeves and take the plunge.

There’s even a steward who comes round in case you can’t be bothered to move – how can you NOT bet?!

I read through the names on the next race, become charmed by one that seems to have some meaning, albeit obscure, take a squint at the odds and get myself to the betting counter (there are many and they’re very conveniently placed round every corner).

There is even a steward who comes round in case you can’t move yourself. How can you NOT bet?! As we were something of a special party, we got to stroll round the paddock and look at some of the gorgeous beasts strutting their stuff.

Anyway, I got myself well and truly convinced that Green Howard in the 3.45 was bound to be a winner because we just spent a lovely day at Castle Howard in Yorkshire the day before.

Needless to say, Green Howard didn’t win and neither did I.

Castle Howard was where they filmed Brideshead Revisited, a long time ago now. Here is a picture of the Mausoleum there.

We have some truly spectacular estates in Yorkshire. It is well worth a visit.

Anyway, needless to say, Green Howard didn’t win and neither did I.

Happy days, definitely getting away from it all!

[Pic credit: Antonio Rivera]