CLOSE TO THE ACTION

Before each race, horses are brought to the Parade Ring where spectators can observe the condition of the horses.

Just behind the Parade Ring, punters – mostly older people dressed casually – hurry to put in bets before the race begins.

One punter, who wanted to be known as Sam, said he had been coming to watch races since he was in his 20s.

Now 72, he said he has found friends who are similar to him through horse racing.

“Gambling mates,” he said with a smile, advising this reporter to not get addicted to betting.

Young people bet online rather than coming in to watch the races, said Sam.

“To make friends, this is the place,” he said, adding that people may get drunk and fight each other at nightclubs. “This one, win or lose – we go home happy.”

Asked what he would do on the weekends after this last race day, Sam said he would “forget everything” and not gamble anymore.