GOING TO THE RACES?

Quite a few folk from Brigg and district like to make a day at Market Rasen races part of their festive programme, and the organisers say they are preparing to welcome 11,000 on Boxing Day this year (OK - not just from our town).
Visitors have every incentive to buy their tickets in advance and get along to the racecourse early - for they will not only avoid traffic but they will also get free tea and coffee.
The free warm refreshments are on offer for those who book their tickets in advance - by calling 08445 793009 and quoting MRBDFD - and arrive before 11am.
Once again, the tapes will fly up for the first of six races on Saturday, December 26 at 12.20pm.
So, what should visitors know before they set out and as they arrive at the racecourse?

SET OFF EARLY
The entrance gates will be open from 10am. The sooner people arrive, the less time they'll spend in traffic.

WHAT TO WEAR
Dress for the weather. The County Enclosure does require smarter dress - no ripped denim for example - but otherwise there are no restrictions. Warm is best! People move around the racecourse quite a bit, so put on comfortable shoes.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
The great news is that accompanied under-16s get into the racecourse free of charge.
Tickets can be purchased in advance at the racecourse in person, by calling 08445 793009 or going online at www.marketrasenraces.co.uk. But there are plenty of tickets available on the day.

* Picnic Car Park £7 per car + Family Enclosure admission per adult;
* Family Enclosure £9 in advance (£10 on the day);
* Tattersalls £15 in advance (£16 on the day);
* County Enclosure £20 in advance (£22 on the day);
* Premier Enclosure £27 in advance only.

PARKING
General parking - with the exception of the picnic car park - is free. Preferential parking areas are provided near the entrances for disabled visitors who are holders of the Blue Badge parking label.

FOOD AND DRINK
Visitors are welcome to bring their own picnic into the car parks or into the Family Enclosure, but food and drink may not be brought into any other areas of the racecourse. There are numerous places to eat.

THE RACECARD
The official racecard is invaluable. The silks worn by the jockeys are displayed in colour. The racecard shows the recent record of each horse running, the weight the horse will carry in the race, and the name of the jockey and trainer.

BETTING
People put their money on with the bookmakers who stand in front of the grandstands or with the Tote. They 'take a price' with a bookmaker at the time when they put your money on, whereas with the Tote the bet goes into a pool, with the winnings decided after the race.

CHOOSING A HORSE TO BACK
Visitors can watch the horses in both the pre-parade ring, where the horses are saddled, and the parade ring itself. They read the form - or just choose their favourite jockey or a horse whose name they like or whose rider is wearing their favourite colour. After all, it's just a bit of fun.

THE RACES
Now watch the races from the grandstands and cheer the winners as they come back into the winners' enclosure. The highlight of the racing during the afternoon is the Clugston Lincolnshire National, a steeplechase run over three and a half miles.

QUOTES
Sian Williams, the racecourse's commercial executive, says: "I would really urge people to set off in plenty of time to get to the racecourse on Boxing Day. This is the racecourse's most popular meeting of the year, and the attendance averaged no fewer than 11,200 spectators between 2002 and 2008. The racecourse is clearly signed, with a number of alternative routes in place, and we urge all visitors to follow these routes, and to get here early. The racecourse gates will be open from 10am, and the first race is off at 12.20pm. We are looking forward to a great day - which has become such a part of Lincolnshire's Christmas celebrations."

ONLINE
More information can be found at www.marketrasenraces.co.uk or by calling the racecourse on 01673 843434.