There seems to be an image of when people say they are going to the races. People picture champagne glasses and beer glasses and the pile of betting slips just adding up in one’s hand and a roar as the horses come around the home straight to the finish.
The atmosphere in the town started to buzz and everyone descended on the small Gloucestershire town for a day that looked set to be a thriller.
To start off, the racecourse at Cheltenham has an atmosphere like no other. The suits, the dresses, and the hats all combining into one place. From the minute you scan your ticket to go in, you feel the emotions going around the racecourse.
As I entered the ground I looked up and saw the grandstand lit up with brightly coloured dresses and smart suits as everyone settles in before the first race. Being one with a clear and sober head allowed me to soak in the horse racing spirit. I managed to arrive an hour and a half before the first race.
Instead of being one of those that rushes to the bar or betting stools, I managed to have enough time to grab a drink and settle down with a copy of the racing post to see out of interest the odds for the horses in each race.
I watched on as crowds went from the bars to stand outside to watch the first race. The commentator I could barely hear as he read out names such as “Precious man” and “One horse town.”
As the horses entered the final hurdle, the roar got louder as those who placed bets urged their horses to get over the hurdle.
The one thing that was a standout to me was the horses, not the betting or the pints but I felt as if I was watching through a completely different pair of eyes. The sheer will and power was enormous, which are usually overlooked when the betters are looking at their specific number horse to see what position they are in.
I wasn’t keeping my eye on one horse, I was enjoying myself as I kept my eye on the pack as they came around and the thudding of their feet came closer and closer and then slowly fainter and fainter as i stood up close in the best mates enclosure .
Being a racegoer that doesn’t drink did come with its positives. In-between races I found myself exploring the Desert Orchid stand that sat right behind me. I found myself talking to others and finding out how much they lost which made me happy that I don’t place any bets.
From race to race I could sense the feeling in my ears that there was going to be emotions and celebrations from those all around me. When you’re a non-drinker and talking to those around you they seem to give you an element of respect for being unique and then ask you about your experiences from a sober perspective.
For the winners, I was able to witness their happiness without any regrets. I must say seeing strangers or a group jump up in the air, it tends to spread what I would call a contagious smile all around.
The races came and went, and the day was coming to a close but not before the end of the day music that they had on. Everyone piled in for the old karaoke classics, and everyone joined in union when country roads started to ring around.
Everyone danced and sung until it was time to close. As I walked away from the racecourse and looked back, I could hear and picture the emotions and roars in my head, and the image of the horses all striding in unison as they made their way round. The scenic site and the cheer made me realise that I had no fear.
If there’s one thing I’ve learnt in Cheltenham, it is that you can have a fantastic day at the races without doing the two things that most do at the races i.e. drink alcohol and place bets, you’re still able just as much of a good time as anyone else.
