Horse Racing

[thaieagle67]

I have passed the Royal Turf Club many a time on the BTS and often wondered what a day at the races would be like Thai style! Has anyone any info on entrance fees, dress code and racing calendars?

[Doza]

I have been a couple of times.

There are two race courses - Royal Bangkok Sports Club between Henri Dunant road and Ratchadamri (the one you see from the BTS) and Royal Turf Club at Nung Learng on Phitsanalouk up near Ratanakosin. They have races every Sunday (occasionally a Sat) and alternate venues. This Sunday its at RBSC.

The cost for the stand by the winning post is 100 baht and further down the straight 50 baht. There are English form guides for sale also about 100 baht. The stands are really terraces unless you are in the members enclosure. Sunday's Bangkok Post has race times and horses and Monday has results. First race is usually around 12.30.

There is cheap Thai food and drink available at the course. Dress code is extremely casual and most patrons are Thai-Chinese men there to gamble. There are totalizer betting booths in the back of the stands and betting is win, place, or win and place only and at 50baht increments from memory. The ladies usually speak enough English to make it easy.

Its fun and a good idea for something different.

Actually this Sunday there is a Family Race Day organised by Southerners Sports Club for the whole expat community and anyone is welcome to come - details on the website.