Organising a stag-do is far from a simple task and there are hundreds of different possibilities. Ensuring that every member of the party has an enjoyable experience is vitally important, and we take a look at why a day out at the races is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. There are over 50 racecourses in the UK (and plenty more in Ireland) and, luckily, tickets are relatively affordable.
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Not every attendee will be a seasoned gambler and some of the party may choose to abstain from betting altogether. However, this doesn’t mean that a trip to the races is a bad idea. Visiting one of the top tracks in the country offers much more than just a seven-race card, with the opportunity to sit in the sunshine and enjoy a refreshing drink. There are also a number of food stalls located at every racetrack, whilst big screens are often erected for racegoers to watch other sporting events such as the Six Nations or the FIFA World Cup. During the summer months, racecourses such as Windsor will stage post-race gigs, with high-profile bands such as the Kaiser Chiefs taking to the stage once the action on the track has concluded.
Stag-dos can have the potential to be extremely costly for everyone involved and, although the price of drinks can quickly add up, there is always the possibility of striking it lucky and potentially finishing the day in profit. On-course bookmakers will accept minimum bets of £2, which is extremely handy for those who are working to a tight budget. The thrill of witnessing your chosen horse pull clear of the field is difficult to match and it is likely to have you jumping for joy in the grandstand.
It’s always advised to choose a high-profile meeting for the stag-do, as ensuring there is a decent atmosphere is absolutely imperative. There are a number of tracks such as York, Aintree, Ascot and Newbury which almost always guarantee a raucous day track-side and host a number of popular race-days throughout the year. The Cheltenham Festival is a hugely popular destination for stag-dos and it’s easy to see why. The four-day extravaganza at Prestbury Park is seen as the pinnacle of jumps racing and features Grade 1 events such as the Champion Hurdle, Queen Mother Champion Chase and the Cheltenham Gold Cup. The latter is an extremely popular ante-post betting heat and, for those who don’t fancy queueing up to place a wager at the track, online bookmakers such as Paddy Power have all 28 races priced up ahead of the Festival with all of these markets also accessible via a smartphone or tablet.
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A visit to the races also offers the opportunity to get dressed up, with most visitors opting to arrive suited and booted. It is the perfect chance to make an impression and add an air of sophistication to proceedings. Most courses are now fairly flexible with their dress code, and this is handy for those who prefer to sport more casual attire.
It’s hard to beat the buzz of a packed-out racecourse, with the frenzied activity in the stands providing the perfect backdrop to the action on the turf. It is also ideal for parties which may include older family members. It’s a great way of spending a sunny afternoon with your mates and very little can beat the euphoric feeling of selecting a winner. A day out at the races is a great idea for a stag-do and, with most courses located in close proximity to pubs and restaurants, it seems like the perfect destination for a so-called ‘last night of freedom’.