I was there 30 years ago, so I can tell you they weren't. They were all too busy gambling, drinking, singing and having a good time. Not on their phones taking pictures of themselves and sending Facebook and Instagram messages saying 'living my best life' to people they have never met.There were blokes there 30 years ago, same age as you are now, whinging about how it’s all gone down hill and not a patch on the the 70s and 80s.
I was there 30 years ago, so I can tell you they weren't. They were all too busy gambling, drinking, singing and having a good time. Not on their phones taking pictures of themselves and sending Facebook and Instagram messages saying 'living my best life' to people they have never met.
To be honest at Cheltenham it’s been the last 5 years or so where it has got really bad. We turned up last year and near the Guinness Village there was a Radio 1 DJ playing a set whilst sat in Sunseeker Yacht which was placed next to Boodles the Jewellers across from the Bentley car showroom. We decided there and then to fuck it off. It really is full of dickheads taking selfies on their phones while dressed up like Thomas Shelby from Peaky Blinders. It’s not about the racing anymore and even the racing they do have is now the Willie Mullins - odds on favourites show. I’ll be watching it on TV and saving myself a fortune this year.That’s probably because 30 years ago you were that person on Instagram, oblivious to the old bloke in the corner, tutting about the riff raff that turn up these days.
It’s a general point anyway. Go back to any point and any setting in history and you’ve got older people moaning about the kids of today and the good old days.
Not always without merit, to be fair.
To be honest at Cheltenham it’s been the last 5 years or so where it has got really bad. We turned up last year and near the Guinness Village there was a Radio 1 DJ playing a set whilst sat in Sunseeker Yacht which was placed next to Boodles the Jewellers across from the Bentley car showroom. We decided there and then to fuck it off. It really is full of dickheads taking selfies on their phones while dressed up like Thomas Shelby from Peaky Blinders. It’s not about the racing anymore and even the racing they do have is now the Willie Mullins - odds on favourites show. I’ll be watching it on TV and saving myself a fortune this year.
Ripon is a gorgeous racecourse. One of my favourites as is Beverley. I was also impressed with Wetherby. Ludlow is also worth a visit if you ever get the chance. As you say, you can't beat a nice mid-week meeting when it's not full of idiots and they don't need sniffer dogs at the entrances to stop the dickheads with pockets full of cocaine.If I fancy a day at the races I usually go midweek to one of the lesser courses just to stay away from the Saturday crowds . Thirsk , Ripon , Beverley and nice places to stay overnight . The racing may not be the best but most are there for the racing and not the piss up
Agreed on Haydock, tend to go about twice a year and always for Betfair day.Just the sheer volume of people is enough to put me off. I have been to the Festival in my younger days, but these days it looks like my worst nightmare.
Last time I went there was for the November meeting, with a fraction of the people they get for the Festival and that was enough for me.
I prefer a nice quiet afternoon midweek racing at Haydock Park these days.
Lingfield is a nice track as well for a midweek meeting if you get a chance to visit.Ripon is a gorgeous racecourse. One of my favourites as is Beverley. I was also impressed with Wetherby. Ludlow is also worth a visit if you ever get the chance. As you say, you can't beat a nice mid-week meeting when it's not full of idiots and they don't need sniffer dogs at the entrances to stop the dickheads with pockets full of cocaine.