The run up to the race

About five minutes before the race, the horses leave the parade ring to canter down to the start. They will take a few minutes to be loaded into the starting stalls. Canny racegoers will have already left the Paddock to place their bets  and secure a good view on the track. Allow five to 10 minutes to do both; don't leave it too late as bets cannot be taken once a race starts. Check several bookmakers as some may offer better odds for your horse..

Between races, you may wish to buy a drink or snack, but so will everyone else, so please be patient. All betting areas have refreshment areas and TV screens so that no-one need miss the action.