FOR both established horse racing fans as well as those new to the sport, a day at the races can undoubtedly be a fun, social and exhilarating day out. To add to this experience, Turffontein is now offering interested race-goers the unique opportunity to tour the racecourse and get a first-hand behind-the-scenes look at all the different elements that make horse racing the thrilling sport it is.
Racecourse tours are offered at every race meeting. A tour at Turffontein will begin at the information kiosk just before the running of Race 3 on each specific race day (timing will depend on scheduled race times on each particular day). Patrons need to please pre-book for tours before the running of Race 2.
Racecourse tours, which are hosted by professionals within the industry, will enable patrons to go to the parade ring and visit both the commentator’s box and the all-important stipes boardroom. Perhaps most enthralling is the visit to the starting stalls to watch the adrenaline-fuelled start of a horse race.
Few people appreciate all that goes into staging a successful horse race, a feat even more impressive when one realises that horse racing in South Africa takes place every single day of the year except for Christmas Day.
Racecourse tour leaders will impart valuable pointers and tips to interested patrons, such as the history of the racecourse, what attributes to look for to spot a winning horse in the parade ring, what happens in the weighing room as well as how the stipendiary stewards ensure that there is fair play in every race.
Patrons who participate in a racecourse tour will never look at horse racing in the same way again. It is a sport of adrenaline, beauty and so much more. Racecourse tours are offered to interested members of the public free of charge. For more information about upcoming horse racing events at Turffontein go to www.itsarush.co.za. For more information about racecourse tours please call 011 681 1702.
