search.noResults

search.searching

note.createNoteMessage

search.noResults

search.searching

orderForm.title

orderForm.productCode
orderForm.description
orderForm.quantity
orderForm.itemPrice
orderForm.price
orderForm.totalPrice
orderForm.deliveryDetails.billingAddress
orderForm.deliveryDetails.deliveryAddress
orderForm.noItems
L I V E 2 4 -SE V EN R ACING RUL E S


THE SUNNY SOCIAL MICRO-CLIMATE Susan Blanchfield’s low down on the Sport of Kings


Racing may have more right to be called the 'National Sport' than football, because it appeals to all ages, all social classes and a much higher proportion of women, making it a more representative sample of the British population than almost any other spectator sport.


Contrary to popular opinion, racegoers are not primarily upper class or wealthy. A recent study concluded that a typical race meeting comprised two main groups; 'Enthusiasts' (Fans, Addicts, Horseys and Anoraks) and 'Socials' (Suits, Girls' and Lads' Day-Outers, Pair-bonders, Family Day Outers and Be- Seens) all socially integrated by standard verbal exchanges between the punters including ‘What's Your Tip for the Next race?' or between females ‘What Does She Think She Looks Like?’ (This in response to the ‘Be Seens’ parading their finery in the fervent hope of social elevation). Such a diverse group confined to a relatively small space creates its own 'social micro-climate’ that is characterised by an unusual combination of relaxed inhibitions, vast qualities of alcohol and exceptional good manners.


To be part of a racing crowd is to indulge in unusual sporting rampant bonhomie as typically English reserve is abandoned for enthusiastic conversations with complete strangers and despite vast quantities of alcohol and feverish gambling with plenty of opportunities for aggression, there is rarely any. In part this is probably because everyone at the races is involved in some degree of risk-taking, from jockeys who risk life and limb to the racegoers with a £2 bet on the favourite.


There are certain common unwritten rules to be adhered to of course that further bind the racing crowd together, for example the law of racecourse amnesia states that, "after each race, thou shalt conveniently forget all erroneous predictions, prophecies and comments made before the race regarding the relative abilities and chances of the horses involved." This rule is absolutely essential to the maintenance of good relations between racegoers. Similarly, with betting etiquette; £2 is a 'lady's bet' and anything below a fiver casts serious doubt on the masculinity of the punter. The rule for males is, "either don't bet on a race at all, or bet at least a fiver." There is no social status to be gained, however, by betting any more than a fiver or tenner.


But overall Racing simply promotes ultimate demonstration of the exceptional good humour and good manners of racegoers, combined with cheerfulness and socially integrated sociability. At our own Cheltenham Festival for example, which is predominantly an England vs. Ireland match, after a day without an Irish winner in 1997, the English contingent started to fret, hoping that their rivals would soon 'score', so that everyone could celebrate. And while racing crowds can be divided into distinctive types and groups, these cut across socio-economic boundaries and anyone new to Racing will find themselves affected by the sunny social micro- climate of the racecourse, and will find themselves smiling. Good luck and enjoy!


/ 90


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86  |  Page 87  |  Page 88  |  Page 89  |  Page 90  |  Page 91  |  Page 92  |  Page 93  |  Page 94  |  Page 95  |  Page 96  |  Page 97  |  Page 98  |  Page 99  |  Page 100