Day at the Races

[OldDog]

Originally Posted by Sightseek

I probably log a couple miles because my routine is paddock, race over to place my bets and then push (nicely ) to be on the rail to watch and head back to the paddock after the race is called official.

I can relate to this, particularly at Keeneland. Big race days are challenging for this method, though. I nearly always walk through a few of the barns while I'm there, too.

Back in February I enjoyed a day at TBD, and varied it a little, alternating between watching from the apron and upstairs in the shade when the sun was too hot. It was terrific.

[Gate Dancer]

Back in the day..............Ak-Sar-Ben had a rather unusual alternative to sitting in the grandstand. The meet was from May to August and when it was brutally hot out you could go in to the air-conditioned hockey arena which was connected to the grandstand. They had a drive-in movie size screen in there which would show the races. Picture quality was pretty good and the break from the heat was welcome. Most days I just found a granstand seat around the 1/8th pole and had easy access to concessions and betting windows.

While at Keeneland a year ago, I went from the paddock to my seat in the grandstand. But at Tampa, I strictly hung out around the paddock and apron. Each track seems to have a better method of enjoying the race experience. I'm going to Gulfstream on February 2nd next year and will be curious to see what is the best way to enjoy that. My visits to actual racetracks seem to be few and far between, but I still would prefer that if I lived within range of one.

[odbaxter]

I live about an hour from Woodbine and get there as often as possible. The Wed. Night cards during the summer are awesome. The racing leaves something to be desired but the access to the paddock, and track is great.
I'm headed to Santa Anita for the first time Sunday January 8th if anyone has has some suggestions?
I'm hoping to make clockers corner in the morning but I'm afraid my flight might land too late.

[Stickhorse]

Originally Posted by odbaxter

I live about an hour from Woodbine and get there as often as possible. The Wed. Night cards during the summer are awesome. The racing leaves something to be desired but the access to the paddock, and track is great.
I'm headed to Santa Anita for the first time Sunday January 8th if anyone has has some suggestions?
I'm hoping to make clockers corner in the morning but I'm afraid my flight might land too late.

Santa Anita is my home track even though I'm a two hour trip away in Bakersfield. I think if this was my first trip to the Great Race Place I would probably want to try to experience as much of the place as possible.

I would spring for club house admission and a box in the stretch area. At least that way you'll be able to visit every place but the "Turf Club." I would probably at least do the following things:

> really great view of the palatial nature of the track is more visible when you approach the track from the south (gate 3). You'll see the length of the grandstand with the San Gabriels as the background.

>when you enter from the south you be greeted by the John Henry statue inside the park and a large fountain. If the paddock is empty go inside and take a picture next to Seabiscuit.

> visit the saddling barn area adjacent to the paddock and watch them saddle up the horses.

> for at least the feature race grab a spot on the rail of the paddock ( I personally like the rail on eastern end where the horses exit)

> have a drink/meal in the FrontRunner Restaurant (you even probably can call and reserve a table then you will not need a box) the food is a little pricey but of very good quality

> visit the infield. You really can't see races very well from there but it is interesting hearing Trevor's call and the crowd from this spot. I even like the walk through the tunnel.

> maybe it is just me but it is even fun to visit the "paddock room;" haven't been in this spot for a couple of years, this is within the grandstand and some of the players there seem like they might not have seen the light of day...JK

> seriously, I really think getting there nice and early and walking the length of the interior is cool, obviously there is a lot about the atmosphere of Santa Anita that I LOVE!

> Okay if you want to seriously attack the mutuals it will be hard to do all the above but whatever you choose HAVE A GREAT DAY!!!!

[odbaxter]

Originally Posted by Stickhorse

Santa Anita is my home track even though I'm a two hour trip away in Bakersfield. I think if this was my first trip to the Great Race Place I would probably want to try to experience as much of the place as possible.

I would spring for club house admission and a box in the stretch area. At least that way you'll be able to visit every place but the "Turf Club." I would probably at least do the following things:

> really great view of the palatial nature of the track is more visible when you approach the track from the south (gate 3). You'll see the length of the grandstand with the San Gabriels as the background.

>when you enter from the south you be greeted by the John Henry statue inside the park and a large fountain. If the paddock is empty go inside and take a picture next to Seabiscuit.

> visit the saddling barn area adjacent to the paddock and watch them saddle up the horses.

> for at least the feature race grab a spot on the rail of the paddock ( I personally like the rail on eastern end where the horses exit)

> have a drink/meal in the FrontRunner Restaurant (you even probably can call and reserve a table then you will not need a box) the food is a little pricey but of very good quality

> visit the infield. You really can't see races very well from there but it is interesting hearing Trevor's call and the crowd from this spot. I even like the walk through the tunnel.

> maybe it is just me but it is even fun to visit the "paddock room;" haven't been in this spot for a couple of years, this is within the grandstand and some of the players there seem like they might not have seen the light of day...JK

> seriously, I really think getting there nice and early and walking the length of the interior is cool, obviously there is a lot about the atmosphere of Santa Anita that I LOVE!

> Okay if you want to seriously attack the mutuals it will be hard to do all the above but whatever you choose HAVE A GREAT DAY!!!!

Thanks so much for the tips. I really appreciate it.