road towards the racecourse
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the fluttering of flags on your left is muted by the sound of the expectant crowd, marching towards their grand day out with expectation and enchantment in equal measure. Depending on which stand I am in, I generally head under the bridge and go to collect my badges. Once tied on I’m ready for another day at the office. (It’s tough).
York - A Grand day out
If I’m lucky enough to have badges for a box, I’ll head to either the Ebor, Melrose or Knavesmire Stand, but not until I have done a walk around. My favourite part of a day’s racing is walking around the entire venue when I first get there. I like doing this for several reasons, but mainly to see if I bump into anyone I know, and also to see what innovations or new features have been added to the course since my last visit.
At York I like wandering past the busy champagne bar that is adjacent to the parade ring, full of happy souls in their summer outfits, enjoying the sun and drinking in the atmosphere. York does this particularly well. The terrace drinking area could almost be a hotel terrace, it is spacious enough to sit and drink without feeling like you are in surrounded by people.
This may also have something to do with the type of crowd, which I find on the whole is a lot more respectful than a lot of other racecourses. You obviously get one or two that can’t handle their drink but on the whole it is a pleasant experience.
I normally have a quick beer whilst walking around to get me in the mood,until I head to my base for the day. I will put my head into the parade ring, which is wonderfully close to the stands, and as usual at that point, will frown at the betting choices I made earlier that day.
Whilst watching various horses finish ahead of my own picks, I spend the day talking with friends and colleagues and enjoying the wonderful hospitality that York provides.
The views from the stands are just amazing, and the racing at both festivals I go to, The Ebor Festival and the Dante, is of the highest quality.
The great thing about York Racecourse is its size. It is small enough to feel intimate but there is still a feeling of space. The view over the Knavesmire really is something to behold as well.
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