The Joy Of The Smaller Courses
The smaller country racecourses, especially in the north, make for a really friendly and interesting experience, writes Jason Fildes
I have been lucky enough to go racing recently at Beverley, Carlisle, Cartmel, Catterick, Ripon and Thirsk – and have thoroughly enjoyed being at every one of these racecourses.
We read in the press that attendances are down at the Cheltenham Festival and the Derby at Epsom but at all of the above meetings at these smaller, country racecourses there was a large, knowledgeable crowd and an excellent atmosphere.
Apart from Thirsk (Saturday) when there were approximately 10,000 people in attendance, all of the other days were midweek but the crowds of around two or three thousand at each racecourse made for a really pleasant and interesting day.
Racing, like other leisure activities, is in an increasingly competitive market so it has had to up its game. I was struck by the extremely friendly welcome (must be a northern thing as it’s definitely not as good at southern racecourses!) and improved facilities, there’s plenty of space to move around and easy to get a drink or a decent meal, yet enough folk to create a great experience.
The racing has been very competitive recently now that the ground has dried out so trainers are running their horses creating big fields and exciting sport. The rule that jockeys are only allowed to ride at one race meeting per day, means that most of them will have quite a few rides on the day so, in my case, I have my favourites so can follow them over a number of races.
Most country racecourses are well supported by their local communities and have local sponsors. If we happen to be successful (and we have had a few winners recently) more often than not the successful owners are presented with a large basket of local produce as well as the trophy for winning the race. We have received sticky toffee puddings at Cartmel, local ales at Ripon and a delicious cheese selection at Beverley!
It’s all part of the charm of the individual racecourses, of which we have 59 in the UK, all having their own unique histories, especially those in the countryside, where historically, local farmers would run their horses against one another. These days many of the top trainers like to give their better two year olds a run at a ‘small’ course to give it a good experience (and try and win) ahead of heading to Royal Ascot or one of the marquee, premier meetings. Highclere’s Bountiful was a case in point with George Boughey sending her all the way from Newmarket to Thirsk for a maiden over five furlongs. She duly won, over a trip that was probably too sharp for her as George thinks she’ll be better over six furlongs – she’s definitely one to look out for wherever she runs next.
Fildes Racing
07721 311778
fildesracing@gmail.com
