A Day at Plumpton Races
There is one factor that is not taken into account in the Great Rust Debate of TV versus actual watching of an event, namely getting out of your home.
This I feel all the more after essentially being locked up for two years and watching sport with no one there, plus those depressing images daily shown on TV from shattered Ukraine.
This was my second visit to Plumpton, a small compact National Hunt course pleasantly aspected in the South Downs near Lewes.
I had invited a friend who has retired after a successful corporate career and enjoys sport in all its forms.
Like many trips in Sussex – whether to a gastro pub, race course or cricket – you have a picturesque journey through leafy glades sand rolling countryside.
On arrival we queued with race goers, more numerous than you might think, on a cold but clear day.
I had paid for hospitality in the Paddocks restaurant situated in a corner of the stand with views over the countryside, parade ring and finishing line.
A tipster stood up on the restaurant to give us his selection of recommended winners which turned out to be more than accurate.
At first I adopted the Pargie strategy of backing against the favourites.
This turned out a failure and, as the winners in the first three races were tipped by the tipster, I switched to his recommendations which then resulted in two wins at tasty odds.
Tasty would not be the word for the food, which was dry and (I suspect) pre-cooked. However the service was friendly and efficient and it was convenient for the Tote employees to take out bets from the table.
The racing was exciting. Most races were 3 miles which was three circuits.
Invariably one horse made the early running and, in some cases, held off the challenger. In all of them there was a contested finish.
If you have sufficient winnings – as I did – to offset the hospitality cost, that is the best I hope for.
The day is more about socialising with a good friend than getting worked up if you lose.
