Things to know about Horse Racing in Thailand

Other than the remarkable white sandy beaches, the obsessive eccentric scenery and relaxed ambience that makes Thailand an ideal vacation destination, horse racing in Thailand is apparently the hidden treasure. This surprisingly vibrant scene of equestrian sport lovers has been around in the Thai high society social scene since the times of King Rama the IV, who ruled over The Thailand monarchy in the late seventeenth century and into the substantial part of the eighteenth.

horse-racing-thailand

History documents that King Rama was deeply fascinated by this sport when he first saw it in Europe while on a visit. Evidently, the love for horse racing in Thailand has been maintained as tradition among the elite as demonstrated by the turnout of horse racing fanatics drawn from all ages and the packed grounds hosting Saturday and Sunday family picnics at the race course where loved ones get quality time in a serene yet vibrant environment, friends share a beer over thrilling races and even the betting enthusiasts get to do what they do best-make or lose tremendous sums of money.

Money and Merry

To enjoy this experience, a family or a small contingent of friends can enjoy the lush grass lawns, a beautiful scenery, open spacious grounds and entertainment at less than five hundred Baht. There are numerous activities for kids to get engrossed in and snack stands with ice cream and candy to ensure that the little ones have their fun as well. The adults can speculate on the race outcomes by betting on their favorite contestants. Gambling in the sport is allowed within the grounds of the horse racing club and the chance takers are a normal sight at the very forefront of the stands alternating between the figures they scribble on a notepad and the action on the track. Although the odds here won’t be the same as the Cox Plate odds it is sure to give a similar thrill. On the question of appropriate dress code, casual and slightly sporty outfits for the outdoors do the trick. All that spectators are required to do is maintain a certain level of decorum.

Events and venues

The events calendar for horse racing in Thailand is marked by three major annual competitions. These are;

  • The Chakri Cup that is held early in the year, around April.
  • The Queens Cup that follows soon after in the month of August
  • The Kings Cup that is the finale event of the year in the festive month of December. If you like the Caulfield Cup or the Cox Plate odds are you will like this event.

These events are normally held in Thailand’s top horse racing clubs which include;

1. Royal Turf Club

This is the most exclusive of the clubs in Thailand. It is in the serene Dusit Area which is a driving distance from the busy Bangkok city- Take the Rama 4 road out of the city and branch off to 183 Phitsanulok Road to find Royal Turf. Other than the major tournaments, it also holds events every Sunday afternoon. The betting odds offered are highly favorable.

2. Royal Bangkok Sports Club (RBCS)

One of the oldest and most prestigious horse racing facilities. Racing is held every other Sunday and alternates with the Royal Turf Club. Admission is 100 baht.

3. Nong Ho Horse racing (Chiang Mai)

This horse racing facility is located adjacent to the Rama IX lake. It holds events every Saturday afternoon, with around nine races taking place and betting is allowed.

When in Bangkok, make a point to be entertained by Thai style sanuk derbies and other equestrian sports like the polo and horse jumping extravaganzas. You can also earn some money by selecting the odds that are likely to win you a bet.

Author V.M. Simandan

is a Beijing-based Romanian-born counsellor, coach, psychology teacher, and former competitive archer

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V.M. Simandan