What actually happens at The Trots?
A race meeting usually has around 10 races across an afternoon or evening, with time in between to eat, catch up with friends, check out the next field or wander around the venue.
You don’t need to know much about racing before you arrive. Find yourself a spot, pick a horse to follow and take it from there.
The Racing
Before each race, you’ll see the horses and drivers head onto the track and warm up. It’s a good chance to pick out the horse you’re following, spot its number and racing colours, and see how it moves.
Then it’s race time. Follow your horse around the track as the drivers make their moves and head for the finish.
Some races are bigger than others. Feature races attract extra attention and often bring together some of the meeting’s leading horses and drivers.
Between Races
There’s usually plenty of time between races to grab something to eat or drink, catch up with friends, check the next field or simply stay put and enjoy the atmosphere.
Depending on the meeting, there might also be live music, kids’ activities or other entertainment happening around the course.
You don’t have to spend the whole time studying the racing. The races give the day or night its rhythm; what you do in between is up to you.
THE BITS WORTH REMEMBERING
You don’t need to know all the racing terms or follow every race to enjoy a day at The Trots.
Start with a horse or driver to follow, watch a few races, grab some food, move around and see what’s happening. You’ll soon work out which parts of the experience you enjoy most.
See it in action
Get a feel for what happens across a day or night at The Trots, from the build-up before a race to everything happening in between.