So you’re attending Investec Day of Dreams, Africa’s richest thoroughbred race where the stakes have literally never been higher? No pressure… Okay, maybe there’s a little bit of pressure. Mostly, because it’s probably not the most familiar of environments. The good news: it’s not all as complicated as it seems.
However, knowing what’s going on is only the first step. Knowing how to conduct yourself is another matter.
1 The look
Appearances are almost everything. It’s not news that a day at the races is a lot about the garb, but it’s there’s a lot more to it than fancy-dress.
It’s the perfect excuse to don designer labels, but it’s not that simple. Not any label will fit the bill. Think closer to Chanel than Alexander McQueen. More Gwyneth, less Gaga. It’s important to think practically too. You’ll want to bring a shawl or jacket in case the weather takes a turn for the chilly. It’s likely to be windy too, so be careful to wear a dress that’s long and fitted enough to not fly up.
As for the shoes? As much as those Louboutins would look incredible with that dress, digging yourself out of the lawn is not en vogue; be sure to pick a pair that you will be comfortable standing in for a long time, too.
And there’s the matter of the hat. You might want a grand, elaborate, potentially enormous headpiece, but you’re not the only one there. Consider those around you: can they see over your hat? Do you risk poking someone’s eye out with one of your feathers?
2 Setting the bar high
This is one of the most important social occasions in the calendar and you’re likely to want a drink or two, so hydrate darling hydrate. You’re out in the sun too, so you’ll want to stay hydrated and moderate your alcohol intake; it’s best to do that with a glass of water in between flutes of bubbly.
3 A word on betting
Do your research as far ahead of the day as possible. Don’t let that research make you feel like an expert unless you really are though. Giving sure-fire tips to others with the air of a pro is not good social practice. Do, however, know who you want to place your bets on; keep the queue moving.
Then the time comes for the hum of trampling hooves upon the track, the energy is exciting and you’ll want to cheer for your choice; this does not mean that it becomes appropriate to screech and wail, though. Jumping up and down is not only indecorous, but it disrupts others’ experiences.
If you lose? Do it gracefully. Screaming profanities and stamping your ticket into the earth is not a good look. Also, don’t try to haggle or plead with bookmakers or winners.
If you win? Do that gracefully too. Gloating and goading is so gauche. Patiently collect your winnings and keep the call to your broker for when you get home.
4 Track talk
Not knowing what you’re talking about but trying anyway, or getting stuck in a smile-and-nod loop with someone in the know? Not the best. So, to prepare you for great race-day conversation, here are just a few of the top terms you may encounter:
Each-Way:
A bet on one horse to win and place.
Derby:
A Classic stakes race for three year old horses – like this one!
Eased:
A horse that is pulled up, or stopped usually due to an injury, prior to finishing the race.
Front Runner:
A horse that wants to run on or near the lead.
In the money:
In betting terms, “in the money” means to finish in the top three.
Odds:
The chances of a horse to win a particular race based on how the general public have wagered.
Post:
Starting gate.
Stewards:
Three person panel that determines whether or not any rules violations occurred during the race.
Quartet:
A wager in which the player attempts to select the order of the first four finishers in a race. Due to the difficulty, a winning quartet wager generally pays out handsomely.
Trifecta:
A wager in which the player selects the first three horses in a race in order.
It may seem like a lot to keep in mind, but it’s really rather simple: Have style, have class, have fun.
Remember this: A day at the races is not a place for pageant clothes! Here’s how to dress for the high society fashion parade.
