GUEST POST OVERVIEW: My Great Aunt Donnie used to love “betting on the horsies” … though those were small-time races in the USA. Until my friend Su wrote the article you are about to read, I never realized just how huge the sport was in the UK. Take it away, Su…

 

The United Kingdom offers a rich and vibrant history of horse racing, and as such, it is no surprise that there are a huge number of people who travel the length and breadth of the country in order to follow the action as it unfolds from location to location.

 

Photo courtesy of Linekers Tenerife
Photo courtesy of Linekers Tenerife

Cheltenham Races

March sees racing from Cheltenham – the second biggest-paying event of the British calendar after the Grand National – and with the event set around a historic spa town in Gloucestershire, it really serves as a fantastic opener to the season. 

Originating in 1860, the Cheltenham Festival has provided the backdrop to many a famous occasion, from Red Splash winning the first Gold Cup in 1924 to Tony McCoy’s record-equalling five winning runs across the course of the event in 1998, which makes it a must for any serious racing fan or anyone looking for single holiday deals.

 

Photo courtesy of Cheltenham Racecourse
Photo courtesy of Cheltenham Racecourse

The Grand National

The Grand National, coming from Aintree in April, is the single greatest event in British racing however, and the racecourse can be found just a few hours up the M6 from Cheltenham. The list of memorable occasions goes on and on through the annuls of history, and such is the scope of interest in the meeting, it attracts the best and most beautiful from across the world.

Boasting the original Ladies Day, this is the event to go to if you are keen to stand out from the crowd and make a fashion statement, whilst the racing is traditionally top-notch and a real lure for the punters. More money is placed on this event than any other UK meeting, and with the increase in online gaming, that figure is increasing year-on-year.

 

Aintree Racecourse's Ladies Day
Aintree Racecourse’s Ladies Day

Win Big With a Racing App

If you’re able to attend or not, you can take advantage of the best odds on all the runners and riders – whether you’re backing the favorites or the outsiders – by downloading Betway’s mobile app. Not only will it ensure that you never miss a race, you will also be privy to the best odds across the market as well as exclusive tips and news stories that might just help you to make up your mind.

As well as these features, Betway also offer you the opportunity to double your initial £30 stake when you register – meaning that you will have even more money to spend on traveling around future events when you win big.

 

Photo courtesy of the Ascot Racecourse
Photo courtesy of the Ascot Racecourse

Ascot Racecourse

And where better to spend those winnings than at the Ascot racecourse in Berkshire, which plays host to both Royal Ascot in June, as well as the King George Weekend in July and British Champions Day in October. As one of the more popular locations on the UK calendar, good accommodation would be essential for any serious race-goer, and as such, the Coworth Park complex – just eight minutes by car from the ground itself – would be my pick of the bunch.

Boasting 240 acres of parkland, this Georgian hotel offers suites with flat-screen TVs and DVD players, bathrooms with heated floors and rainfall showers and a spa complete with indoor pool, gym and steam room. And with free WiFi you need never run the risk of missing out on the latest racing news courtesy of Betway – so make sure this hotel is top of your list when you get round to plotting your next racing getaway.

 

 

Have you ever been to a horse race?