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Life

27th Mar 2015

Cool names, the sure thing and Ladies’ Day: 7 steps to surviving a day at the races

Great odds here

JOE

Your mission: beat the bookies.

JOE loves a good day out at the races and if we make a few quid, even better.

But we weren’t always horse racing aficionados.

We remember the dark days when we thought a steward’s enquiry was when one of the security men asks us the time.

We had to learn the hard way, but you don’t.

Here are the steps to surviving a day at the races.

The horse with the best name, doesn’t always win the race

If a horse is called ‘I’m the Winner’, it’s safe enough to assume he’s probably not. Backing by the name alone is a shady game… never stopped us though. “Twenty on ‘Sexy JOE’ Mr. Bookie.”

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If your horse falls, you do not, we repeat NOT get your money back

Nor do you get any cash if your horse passes the finishing line first… but has lost his jockey.

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If it’s ladies’ day, only drink out of a sippy-cup

If you want to know what true vengeance looks like, then spill your pint on a woman on Ladies’ Day.

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Take every tip with a pinch of skepticism

When someone tells you that ‘She’s the Fastest’ is dead-cert for the 3:20, don’t take it as gospel. Chances are, she’s probably 150/1 for a reason.

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Enjoy the entertainment

Days at the races aren’t all about the punting. Most Irish racecourses have excellent bars and restaurants which are perfect if you want to sit out a couple of races.

Fairyhouse 21st Feb

Don’t lump your full betting kitty on the one ‘sure thing’

You don’t want to be the guy who lost his hat in the opener. Gamble responsibly.

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Enjoy yourself

By far, the most important step. Ireland has some of the best race tracks in the world and a night at the races can be bloody brilliant.

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So if you’re a seasoned punter, or a newcomer looking for a day-out, just have the craic and don’t worry too much about knowing everything.

Don’t forget these steps when you head to the Fairyhouse Easter festival coming up from the 5th -7th April. The BoyleSports Irish Grand National takes place on Easter Monday (6th April). More details here. Good luck! 

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Topics:

Betting