Track changes

It was the day of the first 'big' race of the racing season,also our very first encounter with race and racing at the Pune Racecourse,a prominent landmark in Camp.

It was the day of the first ‘big’ race of the racing season,also our very first encounter with race and racing at the Pune Racecourse,a prominent landmark in Camp. At the entrance,visitors were asked to collect membership badges and party area badges,which were like the hand baggage tags you get at the airport. Everyone was asked to deposit their cellphones at the entrance counter.

As we reached the paddock,it seemed like we had travelled to a parallel universe. Designed in Georgian architectural style,the paddock,we learnt,is an area where the horses of the upcoming race are paraded. This is a circular garden covered with a shed and a fenced circular walkway. A number of jockeys and coaches can be seen on the ground and spectators stand outside the fencing,watching the horses closely to choose their lucky horse. When we asked a spectator what would make him decide which horse to bet on,he replied he observed small details like muscle movement of the horses,the body language of the jockey,the gait of the horse etc….

Carrying a Cole booklike a pamphlet which contained all the details of every race–we reached the party section. Fashion is a strong language at the race course–you can see all the latest fashion fads,from funky to sophisticated,short skin-fitting tunics to goergeous sarees,smart blazers to stylish waist coats and so on. We spotted racegoers with a glassful of wine or a bottle of beer in hand passionately discussing their favourite horses. As the first race of the day ended,it’s followed by a lot of clapping,cheering,joyful fists in the air as well as some devastated shouts of explicit words.

Soon the conversation about which horse to bet on resumed and the guests called out to the bookies to place their next bet. You can go over to counter in the canteen area and place a bet or ask the bookie to come to your table to do the same. A bookie,in a yellow apron with issues ticket like a bus conductor and was helpful in assisting us first-timers in betting. He briefed us about the favourite horses for the next race but also warned that sometimes the underdogs also win gold.

Interestingly,even though all the horses have fancy names,like Amazing Desire,Sexy Eyes,Flying Clours and more,they are known by their numbers. One can either bet for a particular horse to win or to place anywhere in the first three ranks. While the minimum betting amount was Rs 10,the returns depend on some calculation that differed time to time. Taking a chance on the same we too bet with mixed success. At the end of the day we did manage to ride high with a profit of Rs 12 sitting pretty in our pockets.

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