BRIGG BLOG'S GUIDE TO BOXING DAY AT THE RACES

FROM MARKET RASEN RACECOURSE

The race isn’t as famous as the Randox Health Grand National at Aintree, but Lincolnshire’s own ‘National’ is fast approaching.
The Clugston Lincolnshire National is the feature race on Boxing Day which is one of the most popular racing occasions not only at Market Rasen but at a number of racecourses which host meetings on Monday, 26th December.
Like the ultimate Aintree race, stamina is crucial for the Clugston Lincolnshire National, which is run over a distance of three and a half miles.
It’s a contest in which punters need to consider the favourite closely. In four of the last seven runnings, one of the market leaders has triumphed. And there’s almost always a Lincolnshire-trained horse to cheer on too.
Welsh-trained Victory Gunner, who retired from racing only last year, scored his own ‘hat-trick’ of victories in three amazing years. 
In 2012 there was a local winner in the race when the Steve Gollings-trained Soudain triumphed at 7-2.
Then in 2014 it was the turn of Carli King, from the Northamptonshire stables of Caroline Bailey. The eight-year-old ran the race of his career, leading from start to finish. Twelve months ago West Of The Edge was the victor at 14-1.

Guide to coming to the Boxing Day races
For many people in Lincolnshire, Boxing Day is a once-a-year chance to enjoy a festive afternoon at the races at the county’s only racecourse.
The Rand Farm Park Family Funday fixture is a traditional day out for thousands … and there’s free entertainment for the youngsters.
The attendance at the meeting has topped 9,000 spectators in each of the last two years. Tickets can be bought in advance at a discount, so book early.

What should visitors know before they set out and as they arrive?
What to wear: Dress for the weather. Warm is usually best! People move around the racecourse quite a bit, so comfortable shoes are advisable.
How much does it cost? Tickets are available at www.marketrasenraces.co.uk from £9 in advance. Accompanied under 18s get in free on the day. Remember, 18 to 24 year olds can now get half-price admission – young adults should register at RacePass18to24.co.uk to receive a free RacePass membership card.
Parking: General parking – with the exception of the picnic car park - is free.
Food and drink: Visitors are welcome to bring their own picnic into the car parks or into the Lawn Enclosure. Please note food and drink is not permitted in the County and Tattersalls Enclosures. Bars, restaurants and food outlets are available across all enclosures with a variety of options to suit all tastes.
The race programme: The official programme is invaluable. The silks worn by the jockeys are displayed in colour. The programme 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 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 can 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.
Timings: The first race is scheduled for 12 noon; the finale is at 3.30pm. Gates open at 10am and the best advice is to reach the racecourse in good time. The latest news is available at www.marketrasenraces.co.uk or on Twitter @MarketRasenRace