Enjoying a day at the horse races in Bangkok

[Inspire]

Enjoying a day at the horse races in Bangkok

An unusual and often overlooked day out in Bangkok is a day at the horse races. You may be one of only a handful of foreign faces at the track but with a few tips – both from the racing press and in how to enjoy your day – it can be an exhilarating experience.

Racing takes place at two tracks in Bangkok – at the Royal Turf Club in Phitsanulok Road otherwise known in Thai as the Nang Lerng track and at the Royal Bangkok Sports Club in Henri Dunant road between Rama IV and Pathumwan.

Of these the RBSC is probably the best to visit as its location in the heart of the city lends it a special atmosphere and ambience. Racing has been happening there since Rama V King Chulalongkorn got back from one of his visits to Europe towards the end of the 19th century. He bestowed a tract of land to start the country’s first track with the aim of promoting the sport that he had seen in Europe on his travels.

Entrance can be had for as little as 50 baht though it may be better to pay a few hundred to secure a better view. A good idea at RBSC is to pay to enter the committee room that may require booking in advance but it is great value at 1,000 baht with the best view at the track and a buffet dinner thrown in.

Punters can also bet in the restaurant. Betting on horseracing – at the track itself – is one of only two avenues for legal wagering in Thailand. The other is the state lottery. Bets can be placed for as little as 50 baht to many thousands as you wish. There is betting on win, place and various two and three horse forecasts.

Races are held mostly on Sundays and some Saturdays and alternate between the RBSC and the RTC. First race is usually off around 12.30 and they continue to about 6pm. There are usually ten races.

Race cards can be bought for a few baht from the numerous vendors around the tracks and while the form is mostly in Thai language the names of the horses are always in English. Binoculars can be hired for a small fee and a deposit.

Full story: http://www.inspirepattaya.com/lifestyle/enjoying-day-horse-races-bangkok/

-- Inspire Pattaya 2016-05-29

[nongsangcity]

might go and have a look....thanks

[thaiduncankk]

I used to occasionally go to the race track in Khon Kaen.

Although it was usually a good day out, it took me only a couple of minutes to realise, that the races here are as corrupt as many other things.

[Srikcir]

There is betting on win, place

That would be first and second place. Is there third place or show?

Do the racing sheets indicate the odds to win and jockey win history?

Horse racing is as much about the jockey as it is about the horse. You won't find a losing jockey on a winning horse. But when you see a winning jockey on a 20:1 shot, taking Show might be a good bet.

[p_brownstone]

I'm pretty sure you cannot get into the Committee Box unless you are a Member or at least a Racing Member, in fact you can't even get into the Main Terrace area as a non-Member.

Patrick

[1FinickyOne]

I used to go many years ago - always fun.

[mpyre]

I have been a half-dozen times and it is great fun...respect the late betting, and stick to wagering on the second or third choice in the wagering (as close to post-time as possible) and you'll win a few baht. And avoid too much ice cold Chang! The only thing unusual about racing in Thailand is the inordinate length of time they keep the horses in the starting gate...sometimes 5 minutes, or more! Very strange. Enjoy.

[Khon Kaen Dave]

Having always enjoyed the ponies at home,Epsom,Aintree etc Ive never been to a meeting here.Is there betting at the track And how is it done?is there a tote or are there bookies around the course?When i used to visit the States,i was surprised to learn how many of them never had the gambling law.Florida for one,No betting shops or the like.You could always get a bet on the runners but it was very secretive.You had to know a guy who knew a guy.The greatest track i ever went to was Hiarlea,or how ever its spelt,I used to love a dog meeting too,but they dont have that here.Funny,you can watch 2 chicken rip each others guts out,but you cant get a bet on a mutt.

[ozyjon]

It's a mugs game,,, stay away.