Well, perhaps it's time you went along to a racecourse to discover it's nothing like this at all.

Yes, there's always the chance of bumping into TV betting king John McCririck, who makes for quite a sideshow in himself. But racecourses are not what they used to be.

In an increasingly-competitive market for venues trying to attract people to spend their leisure time, and their money, the world of horse racing is having to reinvent itself.

No course can rely solely on racing any longer. There are plenty of ardent racing fans around, of course, but not enough to support the sheer number of courses operating and meetings held.

They're having to diversify – both on race days, when off-track entertainment is now regularly laid on, and on non-race days, when their facilities can be used for anything from business meetings and conferences to weddings and birthday parties.

Nowhere is the attempt to pull new people through the gates more evident than at Fontwell Park where, despite having just been voted best small racecourse in the south-east for the 19th year, officials know they need to work hard to keep punters coming back, or, in many cases, visiting for the first time.

We've put together a guide to surviving and enjoying, (and maybe even making a few quid from…), a day at the races.

Working out what's what

The first thing you should do when you get there is invest in a racecard. These include all the information you need to guide you through the schedule, including the list of runners and colours for each race, early odds and form.


Where to go

Before each race, it's worth paying a visit to the parade ring. This is the oval space next to the circular winners' enclosure in the big open area behind Fontwell's assorted stands, bars and food outlets.

You'll see the horses for the next race being led around the ring by their stable hands, and may spot one you think looks a dead cert. Be warned: looks can be deceptive.

For the race itself, the best vantage points are the four stands overlooking the final furlong of the unique figure-of-eight course. Most races involve the field doing two-and-a-bit circuits of the course, and being in the stands for the run-in puts you at the centre of the excitement. It's especially great if your pick gets his nose first past the post.

After the race, head off to the winners' enclosure to see the winning horse and jockey applauded in and the presentation made. Then once that's over, you're on the spot to have first look at the field for the next race in the neighbouring parade ring.

At the big family race day, an owner, a trainer, a jockey and a bookie will be interviewed between the gates opening and the first race to give visitors a few guiding points to having a great day.


How to bet

There are dozens of independent bookies, plus numerous tote windows, where you can part with your money in an attempt to get it back again – and hopefully a bit more on top. Don't be fazed by the act of having a flutter. It's simple.

Pick your selection – either by studiously looking at the form, watching the horses paraded as mentioned previously, deciding which colour jockey's jersey you like, or sticking a pin in the list of runners.

Have a quick scan of a few bookies' electronic displays to see if one is offering better odds on your horse, then do the business.

You can have a straight 'to win' bet or go for an each-way one. If you bet to win, you get nothing for the horse being placed second or third; each-way and you pay double your stake but get a portion of the winnings if your fancy comes in second or third (second only in smaller fields, but as far down as fourth in larger line-ups).

For example, if you bet £2 each-way, you pay £4, get 100 per cent of the odds if the horse wins, a nominated fraction of it if it is second or third. Your receipt from the bookie will tell you how much you stand to win. Always check your receipt to make sure you have the bet you wanted.

It's often remarked upon how high a proportion of racegoers experience beginner's luck when it comes to having a flutter.


How much to get in?

To book, go to fontwellpark.co.uk or call 01243 543335.