Gold Cup Day – were you there ?

[derekjs]

Just wondering if anyone was as disappointed as us at the Course on Friday. Nothing to do with lack of winners as the Commander made up for that but with the obvious over selling of the Club Enclosure

I bumped into many like-minded regulars who saw a marked increase in numbers in Club and of course the marked decline in enjoyment as we struggled to get a drink and had to battle our way back and forth to the betting ring.

Unless limits are put on sales of the premium tickets (2009 saw a managable Club Enclosure)we will not be returning

[moehat]

This is why we always go on the Tuesday; have done so for years and will continue to do so in future. Used to go on Gold Cup day, but we like to see the horses in the paddock and pre parade ring. We’re very good these days at knowing when and where to go . Mike just pointed at that a lot of people around us in Tatts had Club badges.

[grey dolphin]

I think the big problem was the rain (it always seems to rain on GC day). It puts much greater pressure on the facilities as people head indoors, and folk do have a tendency to congregate in entrances and so on – I agree it did make for a day that was quite hard work.

[Bosranic]

I mentioned the overcrowding in the ‘Cheltenham’ section.

I have been to the Gold Cup for the past three years and I, too, noticed an increase in the number of people in the Club Enclosure this year.

In my opinion, it’s not worth the extra money on Gold Cup Friday. Get a Tatts ticket early and you won’t be disappointed.

I don’t think the weather made too much difference. I was bumping into people inside and out. I actually found it easier to get served in the Tatts bar.

You should go to Cheltenham with an ‘itinerary’. I put my bets on before I left. I purposely missed the third race so that I could see the horses in the pre-parade ring for the Gold Cup – a lot more comfortable than standing in the parade ring and you get far better pictures. From there, I made my way to the rails near the last fence – a lot of people have left their spot to either (try and see) the horses in the parade ring or get some refreshments. Their loss, my gain.

Still, it’s a very uncomfortable day out, but you take the rough with the smooth to see the Gold Cup (or Kauto Star and Denman). Once they wave a fond farewell to the sport, I will leave the Friday alone and concentrate on one or two of the previous three days.

It won’t happen, but Cheltenham should really look at reducing the capacity. Anyone who visited the course for the first time on Friday will more than likely not return.

[anthonycutt]

And all this is without taking into account how many people were in ‘The Centaur’ (forgive the spelling). Can you imagine paying to get into any racecourse then watching it all in a big room on a big screen? And imagine what would happen if they all wanted to be in the stands?

[runandskip]

the rain sure didnt help in the club enclosure,a lot of people stood on the steps of the entrances to the lawn to keep dry thus blocking the way through and then getting annoyed when you pushed past them.
also annoying is those that just stand on the top steps of the winners enclosure and blocking the way down to the empty bottom steps.

[jibsa]

And all this is without taking into account how many people were in ‘The Centaur’ (forgive the spelling). Can you imagine paying to get into any racecourse then watching it all in a big room on a big screen? And imagine what would happen if they all wanted to be in the stands?

Your spelling is immaculate, come on, you spent all day in there as well! The experience in the Centaur is unbelievable, a great mix of well behaved (though inebriated) enthusiastic punters and supporters who raise the roof when the tapes go up after a 30 second build up of tenable tension while the horses are circling at the start. This occurs not only before the championship races either. You really should try it.

So much more enjoyable than rushing around all over the place to see 10 seconds here and there peering over heads ten deep from where you want to be. I didnt go this year but previous two years I’ve had abuse from uppity pearl wearing folk saying I’ve pushed in to view Gold Cup runners leaving the parade ring. I’d only just left my associates at the rail after I’ve just returned from placing a bet which by the way keeps the industry going? I really could do without that and you dont get that in the Centaur.

I see the Supreme Novices parade then thats me, all day in the big bar.

[anthonycutt]

Fair enough.

[bagnallc]

I was there but in the Tattersalls area. I went with my dad and brother, my dad knows very little about racing (does 2 euro fun bets on the tote) but loves the experience of a day at the races, i must say it was not an enjoyable day for him on this occasion because it was so crowded and everything from getting a cup of tea to going to the toilet was an ordeal. Perhaps its obvious its going to be that crowded but I do feel there should be better organisation/planning.

From my own perspective, i really did have a wonderful time and its a day that will live long in the memory but then im willing to squash in to get a view and put up with the queues etc.

In the inevitable long wait to get out the car park we listened to Cheltenham radio (a welcome bonus) and the manager was on saying that people understand its going to be busier and are willing to put up with the inconvenience.

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