A Day At The Races (Newton Abbot, Devon)
UNDER STARTER'S ORDERS
Before you start enjoying the races, you will need a pass (ticket). A pair of binoculars is useful but not essential.
Before you start enjoying the races, you will need a pass (ticket). A pair of binoculars is useful but not essential.
PARADE RING
The first step is to check out the runners in the parade ring. Some horses are more high spirited than others.
The first step is to check out the runners in the parade ring. Some horses are more high spirited than others.
OWNERS DISCUSSION
The parade ring is where the owners also gather to discuss their chances.
The parade ring is where the owners also gather to discuss their chances.
JOCKEYS
Next come the jockeys after weighing in.
Next come the jockeys after weighing in.
TACTICS
Time for a last minute discussion about the going and any tactics for the race.
Time for a last minute discussion about the going and any tactics for the race.
FINAL PARADE
Just time for a last minute adjustment and a final circuit of the parade ring.
Just time for a last minute adjustment and a final circuit of the parade ring.
BANTER
A bit of friendly banter between jockeys before the race.
A bit of friendly banter between jockeys before the race.
STUDYING FORM
Time to study form and decide what bets are to be placed.
Time to study form and decide what bets are to be placed.
ON COURSE BOOKMAKER
And this is the man waiting to take their money. I have never met a poor bookmaker but I have met a few poor gamblers!
And this is the man waiting to take their money. I have never met a poor bookmaker but I have met a few poor gamblers!
WHAT ARE THE ODDS?
Modern bookmakers use computers to check and calculate the betting odds. A far cry from the old tic-tac hand signals.
Modern bookmakers use computers to check and calculate the betting odds. A far cry from the old tic-tac hand signals.
A FLUTTER
This punter bravely steps forward to lay his money down. Probably based on a sure-fire racing tip....
This punter bravely steps forward to lay his money down. Probably based on a sure-fire racing tip....
TENSION MOUNTS
There is always some nervous tension with the horses, jockeys and the crowd just before the start of the race.
There is always some nervous tension with the horses, jockeys and the crowd just before the start of the race.
THEY'RE OFF !
The race begins and the crowd can now watch the action of the large mobile tv screens. This is great for those who don't have binoculars.
The race begins and the crowd can now watch the action of the large mobile tv screens. This is great for those who don't have binoculars.
OVER THE HURDLES
The two leaders jostle for position in a close race.
The two leaders jostle for position in a close race.
NECK AND NECK
It's close now in the run up to the winning post.
It's close now in the run up to the winning post.
A GRANDSTAND VIEW
Excitement mounts in the stand as the crowd watch the big screen and listen to the commentary.
Excitement mounts in the stand as the crowd watch the big screen and listen to the commentary.
NOSING IN FRONT
Number 3 just noses in front for an exciting finish ti the race.
Number 3 just noses in front for an exciting finish ti the race.
TO THE WINNER - THE SPOILS
The lucky owner receives their prize.
The lucky owner receives their prize.
WELL DONE !
A slap on the back for the winning horse. All in a day's work !
A slap on the back for the winning horse. All in a day's work !
SEARCHING
Maybe he is still looking for his horse ! I would doubt it, judging from the number of tickets hanging from his binoculars, he is a seasoned race-goer.
Maybe he is still looking for his horse ! I would doubt it, judging from the number of tickets hanging from his binoculars, he is a seasoned race-goer.
STRENGTH AND POWER
Racehorses are a great combination of grace and strength, beauty and power.
Racehorses are a great combination of grace and strength, beauty and power.
A STUDY
A study be me of a study of form. Sometimes you just need those glasses to examine the details of the runners in the Racing Post.
A study be me of a study of form. Sometimes you just need those glasses to examine the details of the runners in the Racing Post.
A LEISURELY APPROACH
The time between races is taken up by studying the runners and riders on the race programme.
The time between races is taken up by studying the runners and riders on the race programme.
At Newton Abbot, you can get really close to all of the action as these photos show....,..
CLOSE ! But sometimes the action comes very close .....
LOOSE HORSE !
Loose horses can be a problem as they are unpredictable. One horse got between the running rail and the spectator rail and only the quick action of the course staff prevented a serious accident to either spectators or the horse.
Loose horses can be a problem as they are unpredictable. One horse got between the running rail and the spectator rail and only the quick action of the course staff prevented a serious accident to either spectators or the horse.
HURDLES
These are the hurdles that the horses jump over. They are well padded with foam to minimize damage.
These are the hurdles that the horses jump over. They are well padded with foam to minimize damage.
THE STAFF
ENQUIRY
Staff discuss how a loose horse managed to get past the running rail.
Staff discuss how a loose horse managed to get past the running rail.
RUNNING REPAIRS
Each jump is repaired in between circuits and any debris removed to ensure safety of the horses and their riders.
Each jump is repaired in between circuits and any debris removed to ensure safety of the horses and their riders.
OFFICIAL
An official keeps an eye on things in the parade ring.
An official keeps an eye on things in the parade ring.
MANY THANKS !
Many thanks to all the staff ( and spectators) at Newton Abbot Racecourse who made my afternoon very special and very rewarding. A great day out !
All photos taken with a Nikon D7100 camera with 18-300mm lens.