Bettin’ On the Ponies

This blog goes out to my friends with whom I’ve spent time at the racetrack…betting on the ponies (you know who you are – I don’t need to name names). On Sunday I had the one & only opportunity to head to the racetrack (the one that I can see from my balcony) and bet on the horses. It was the only day of racing during my 4 weeks in Bangkok and yes…the date was circled on my calendar. The experience did not disappoint!!

I purchased my English language program, grandstand seating ticket (you grab a spot on the concrete stairs and claim it as your own) and settled in for a thoroughly entertaining afternoon. I stayed for 7 of the 10 races, walked away with a few wins – but lost about $20 – more than paying for the incredible people watching. I was definitely amongst the locals…very few tourists and even fewer women in the crowd.

You can only place 4 types of bets and nothing is electronic, you have to place your bet with an actual person – and no jumping ahead…bets are only taken for the next race. You can bet for a Win (first place), Place (first, second or third – different from North America’s definition), Quinella (like an Exacta Box) and a Trifecta (first, second & third in the correct order). That’s it. No upfront odds – and the final payout is announced after the race.

The crowd chants the names of the horses as they come down the stretch!! (Sound on)