This Friday I’m heading to Cheltenham for Gold Cup day. It’s the first time I’ve ever been and I cannot wait. I love a day at the races and find myself at Newbury at least once a year but Cheltenham on Gold Cup day is going to be something special. If you’re off to the festival yourself, I thought I’d pull together a few tips for both your wardrobe and your wallet.
Well when it comes to dressing for a day at the races I think the key is to try and avoid cliches and falling into the traps that so many of the banter boys tend to. Blokes can get a bit over excited for the races and end up wearing trousers that are perhaps just a little too tight and extenuated by sock-less feet and loafers. You want to avoid a cheap suit and the temptation (if there is one) to wear one of those shirts with different coloured collar and cuffs that match your tie. Finally, as much as I love a flat cap they are starting to become common place among “lads” at the races and I think I might steer clear but don’t shoot me if you see me sporting one! Unless you are actually a farmer or from the aristocracy I would avoid dressing head to toe in tweed. If in doubt I think the message is to not look or act like those no mark professional footballers who ended up urinating in plastic glasses on a balcony at the festival last year.
Tips for your wardrobe
So I think I’ll be going for something fairly formal but also understated. I won’t be plumping for a full on suit but instead a really nice pair of smart trousers from Reiss, perhaps a light coloured pair of Chinos like these…
With spring in the air I’d probably match it with a nice soft pink button down shirt from Reiss as well, but not worry about a tie.
To add a bit of glamour and go for something a bit special I can’t resist this faux fur collared camel coat from Topman…
Finally I’ll probably plump for a nice pair of brown brogues like these, again from Reiss…
Tips for your wallet
Tuesday
1.30pm: Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle
Melon is getting well talked about and new customers can get him at 20/1 with Betfair but personally I am going to go for Bunk Off Early at 7/1.
2.10pm: Racing Post Arkle Chase
Hard to see past Altior but I might have an EW punt on Royal Caviar.
3.30pm: Stan James Champion Hurdle
I’m probably going to go for Yanworth here who will go off favourite, but Moon Racer is a shout as well.
Thursday
14:50 Ryanair Chase
Again hard to see past Douvan here but I might go EW on Vroum Vroum Mag.
Friday
15:30 Gold Cup
I had ante post bets on Native River to win and Cue Card EW before Thistlecrack got ruled out and I’m still very happy with both of those bets.
What my mates are saying
I asked a few mates who enjoy a flutter what their best best of the week was and here is what they said…
@GentlemanCasual @mattsuths @matthammered @HeftyToe Jezki E/W in the Sun Bets Stayers’ Hurdle
— Michael McGrath (@Swisseo91) March 13, 2017
@GentlemanCasual @mattsuths @matthammered @HeftyToe Alpha Des Obeaux in the RSA
— Michael McGrath (@Swisseo91) March 13, 2017
@GentlemanCasual@matthammered That would just be rehashing an article from the Racing Post. Probably going to bet on Moon Racer.
— Guy Rendell (@HeftyToe) March 13, 2017
@GentlemanCasual@mattsuths@HeftyToe@Swisseo91 moonracer in Champion Hurdle
— Matt (@matthammered) March 13, 2017
