Steve Fountain aged 58. Took semi retirement when made redundant at 51. Back from THASSOS loved it....
Steve Fountain aged 58. Took semi retirement when made redundant at 51. Back from THASSOS loved it. Back to whistling at Trains.
Member since:15.07.2007
Reviews:110
Members who trust:10
Our Day at the Races.
My Brother and Sister in law's local Pub the HAND & HEART in Peterborough, being a very much Community Pub have an annual trip to the July Meeting at Newmarket racecourse. So when they invited me to join I agreed, not that I know anything about horse racing.
The Day begins at about 09:00 at the Pub where mine Hosts Pauline and Eamon open their doors early. The Bus is booked for 10:30, apparently the same firm they used last year, when it broke down, but the Pub near the Breakdown at Godmenchester impressed them so much that they have booked a buffet lunch stop there this year.
So at just after 10:30 we board the bus in Peterborough, the White Hart at Godmenchester is about half way to Newmarket, we arrive about 11:00, the Driver shouts back by 12;15.
The White Hart has done us proud, a very tasty good looking table of food greets us, so straight to the Bar to order some liquid to wash down
the fine fare. Pork Pies, Sausage Rolls, Chicken Dippers with tasty dips, Spring Rolls, Scoth Eggs, Sausage Kababs,Quiches, Fresh baked bread and salads. Plenty to go round (42 of us), even some left over.
Back on the Bus and onwards to Newmarket race Course, arrive about 30 mins later, you do not have to go thru the Town so arrive at course with no bother. Large carparks (on fields) could be dodgy if wet, but dry sunny and windy today. Many Buses have set up Pick-nic tables with amazing spreads, someone has gone to a lot of trouble. We agreed that if weather could be guarnteed we might think about doing that ourselves.
Entry to Course is quick and easy, cost for us ordinary folk is £16 but by buying tickets in advance we get it for £12.80 (20% discount). This gives entry to the ordinary end of the course. You can pay more for what ever they call the Silver Ring, still see the same races.
Of course the business is designed to get you betting, so there are Tote Betting Halls, Counters or Tents everywhere. Also in front of the Granstand are the On-course Bookies.
As I said I know nothing about Horse racing, but to make it a bit interesting you need to have a bet. Now this does not have to be a lot. One of the oncourse Bookies took £1 as a minimum bet. The Tote you can Bet £2.
With it being a sunny day, although windy it was very pleasant in front of the stands on a good grassed area, I can imaging on a Rainy Cold day it would not be so.
The Catering at the Course , as with most of these events and locations is Expensive for low quality. The Bar, poor quality tastless beers at £3.40 a pint served in Plastic Glasses. A White Wine and Lemonade £5.
Food, all fast food outlets at more pricey than is necessary (perhaps I do not get out enough and this is normal prices)
Small Fish and Chips in Cardboard tray £6. Jacket potato with one filling £4. Burgers start at £3.50 two sausages in a bun £5.20.
Best value looked like the Thai Food Outlet £6.95 for what looked like tasty good portions.
We did not bother, we had some supplies for a snack before getting back on the Bus.
So the day passed with after each race, some members of our party looking happier than the rest.
There seem to be TV Screens everywhere, not only showing the race, but endless reruns. So some may not even see a Horse for real.
Toilet facilities are plentiful and good clean buildings, did not seem to have long queues, except after last race, to be expected. Suggest you go just before last race.
But as a group is makes it a good day out, the excitement of can you get a winner, Rose managed to land £91 for a £2 bet on last race. The ladies can watch the Young and not so Young Fillies, who have decided to make it their ASCOT, they do look a little over the top for Newmarket.
So after last race, back to Bus, where two or three cool boxes empty their contents of food to be devoured by the excited group discussing what might have been if thier Horse Selection had not been beaten.
An Hour and a bit bus ride later, with most falling asleep brings us back to the Hand for a little more liquid refreshment. Me myself have to leave to get a train back home, but a nice Community Day with many friends.
Pictures of Newmarket Racecourse, Suffolk, England
The ladies gathered at the Hand at 10:00
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Not something I would do, but a great review! Rebecca Xx
jesi 21.07.2008 16:35
l guess l'm surprised you said very little about HORSES ~ and the thundering of hooves around the track
. . . . ~ ! ♥♥ ! ~ ..................... ~ jesi ~ ! ♥♥ !
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