Betting on the horses is fun. Really fun. Like, walking-away-with-a-maxed-out-credit-card-and-nothing-in-the-checking-account fun.
Watching those equines tear around that track — on dry land or in the slop — a beer in one hand and a program in the other, can make a man feel downright kingly.
For those who want to feel the excitement, but in a warmer environment and with proceeds going to a good cause, there’s the British American Committee’s Race Night on Friday at the Freckenham Village Hall, just a few miles south of Mildenhall.
A mainstay in the U.K. for fundraising activities, the Race Night involves tapes of horse races, sealed tight and provided by a local civic organization.
Races from around the world are drawn at random and unsealed, and participants watch the races on a big screen, betting on the winners. Proceeds will go to committee activities on- and off-base.
“They bring old races back, and then rerun them, you see?” said Howard Rudkin, a member of the committee and Mildenhall employee. “Unless you’re an absolutely avid racing fan, you wouldn’t know where it’s at or where the races are coming from.”
There will be someone doing commentary on the races, and guests can place bets on any of the horses before the race starts, for 50 pence a bet.
Any individual or group can buy one of the many horses for a fee of 5 pounds, Rudkin said. Buyers can then name their horse and have them entered that way on the race card. The owner with the winning horse in each race will win 10 pounds.
Admission to the event costs 7 pounds for adults and 5 pound for kids younger than 16. This price includes a race card and fish and chip supper, said Vicky Stayton, another of the event’s organizers.
Attendees are also welcome to bring their own drinks, she said.
Last year, the event filled up quickly, so those wishing to buy a ticket or buy a horse should do so before Friday.
Last year saw some friendly rivalries between British and American participants, Rudkin said.
“We had a bit of Anglo-American banter between the British and the Americans,” he said. “You get a real fun night from it.”
And there’s no chance of breaking the bank either.
“If you went for a race course, you could bet a thousand pounds or dollars, and they’ll take your money,” he said. “This is eight races at 50 pence. You lose four pound and that’s it. And you can actually have the thrill of actually owning your own horse for the night.”
Getting thereRace Night is a night of betting on televised horse races, with food and “bring your own beer” rules in effect. Women are invited to wear Kentucky Derby-style hats to the event.
Location: Freckenham Village Hall, about six miles south of Mildenhall.
Time: 6:30 p.m., Friday.
Phone: 238-5637.
