Newbury Races

A bit work on the way up

It was with a degree of luck that I picked out a great race meeting within easy reach (via train) from London. Newbury Dubai Cup carnival.

So up early and off to station to purchase train tickets and grab a quick toastie for breakfast. We boarded our direct train to Newbury and settled back for the hour journey in a very comfortable carriage. It was good to get a look at some of the outskirts of London before we made our way through the countryside.

We arrived at Newbury (Newbury was founded late in the 11th century following the Norman conquest as a new borough, hence its name.) at 11am.

We decided to explore what we thought was a small place that turned out to quite a large centre with exceptional shopping and a great mall area.

After a very nice morning tea we headed back to the station to catch train to Newbury racecourse station and walk across to the the beautiful racecourse.

 

Best selection on the day

We paid our dues for the members area and headed in to look around. The facilities were outstanding and I just can’t believe how lucky we were to pick this race meeting and on this day.

Perfect

After having a good look around we cloaked our coats and settled into the grandstand to watch the first.

Who brought binoculars to England and not to the races

I selected a horse by stallion we had seen a few days before at the National Stud. Pastoral Pursuits. Although he was just in double digit odds he put up a good show to run second.

After that I backed next two winners and then manage to land the exacta on the 4th, my punting day ended in the very wide open cup race where my selection put up a good show to run third.

Just goes to show one does not always have to know the horses to line up the form or at least have a very lucky day.

The racing was good and the salt (corned) beef sandwich was even better apparently. My winnings paid for our day out which was a bonus.

Frankie Dettori arrived by helicopter 10 minutes before the cup, presented the cup and flew out again before the next race. A true flying visit.  We however made our way back to the train and head back to London.

On our way back to the hotel picked up sandwiches and drinks for dinner at local supermarket for dinner before falling into bed after what will be a long remembered day at the races.

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