''Pick a name you like, don’t look at the form”, was the expert advice given to me by my driver on the way to Suffolk’s Newmarket Racecourse as I perused the racing guide.
As we all know, taxi drivers are a font of all knowledge, but this was no ordinary taxi.
We were driven by Malcolm, 80, a former amateur jockey who had been in the game for over 60 years.
“Horse racing is in my blood, it has been my life,” Malcolm beamed. “If you love your horse racing this is the best town in the country.”
As we got out, Malcolm’s parting advice was, “Just remember one thing lads, the favourite isn’t always the best horse, don’t be fooled into that”.
We had decided to push the boat out and hire this special black taxi, recently launched by Discover Newmarket, to take us from our hotel to the track in style, for our day out.
It was a great start to our Champions Lawn Race Day Experience where you’re met just outside the July racecourse.
We began with a behind-the-scenes tour, including the weighing room and the pre-parade ring where you learn how to read a race card.
There are also lessons on how to place a bet and what all the lingo means.
After getting our bearings we were led to the Champions Lawn and our VIP enclosure to join the rest of our group (it’s usually a group of eight), overlooking the track.
It’s a great way for friends who want a slightly quieter experience but with all the drama – and their own seat.
There’s a bar and you can buy food in the food court.
Unfortunately, I didn’t take Malcolm’s advice and loser after loser rolled in until I found a winner with Frankie Dettori’s only runner of the day, Lezoo.
That said, it was still a wonderful day.
Our hotel was close enough for us to walk back to, less than a mile away. The Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa sits within three acres of manicured gardens.
It also happens to have the two AA Rosette-starred Squires restaurant which was just the place to relax – and indulge – after a day at the races.
Beautiful starters from £8 included scallops with cauliflower tahini for £8, and mackerel with Granny Smith and dill, £9.
For mains, I enjoyed a delicious sirloin steak, £35, while my partner enjoyed salmon with roast cauliflower, £21.
Our visit the next morning to The National Stud (£15) horse farm was a must, where we were met by Discover Newmarket guide Frankie.
We soaked up fascinating historical snippets as she showed us around.
Did you know Charles II is the only reigning monarch to win a horse race, triumphing in the Newmarket Town Plate in 1671?
After his victory he declared the race should run “forever.” This year it’s in the diary for August 26.
Once one of the most prestigious races in the land, the Newmarket Town Plate is now a pinnacle of glorious eccentricity, raced by amateurs to win a bag of Newmarket sausages.
Also at The National Stud is the grave of legendary race horse Mill Reef.
Living legends are here too, such as former Gold Cup champion Lord Windermere and champion sprinter The Tin Man.
I was at the Cheltenham Festival in 2014 the day Lord Windermere won the Gold Cup, so it was special to greet a champion up close, give him a neck rub and feed him polo mints.
We also visited the National Horse Racing Museum.
It has three parts – the museum has a racehorse simulator and artefacts such as silks worn by Lester Piggott and Frankie Dettori.
The Packard Galleries have sporting artworks, and the Retraining of Racehorses is home to six former racehorses being rehabilitated.
It finished a great trip that even the most casual of race fans would enjoy.
BOOK IT
Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa offers rooms from £234 a night B&B.
Champions Lawn Race Day Experience £70 per person with July Racecourse tour, access to Champions Lawn with trackside views, bar, and race card.
National Horse Racing Museum from £15 per person.
National Stud Tour costs from £15 per person.
You can also get more information at discovernewmarket.co.uk.
